Classrooms across Okmulgee County are bursting with bright colors, wacky socks, western hats and plenty of books this week as students celebrate Read Across America 2026.
Observed nationally on March 2, Read Across America Day coincides with the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel). Organized by the National Education Association, the literacy initiative was launched in 1997 to promote a love of reading among children and encourage lifelong literacy habits.
While March 2 marks the official celebration, many schools observe the entire week – and even the entire month – with themed activities, dressup days and reading challenges.
At Henryetta, high school students dressed up as Dr. Seuss characters to read “A Cat in the Hat” to younger children at the school.
At Okmulgee schools, students are diving headfirst into reading with a full slate of themed dressup days:
• Monday, March 2 – Mixed Up Monday: Students wear mixed-up clothes and bright colors to kick off the week with fun and creativity.
• Tuesday, March 3 – Top Hat Tuesday: Inspired by classic Seuss characters, students sport their favorite hats.
• Wednesday, March 4 – Wacky Sock Wednesday: Crazy, colorful socks are the highlight of the day.
• Thursday, March 5 – Theodore Geisel Thursday: Students wear red and blue in honor of Dr. Seuss.
• Friday, March 6 – Fun Friday with Green Eggs & Ham: A nod to one of Seuss’s most beloved stories, complete with themed activities.
Teachers throughout the district are incorporating read-aloud sessions, classroom book swaps and creative writing exercises. Many classrooms are creating cozy reading corners and encouraging students to log the number of books they read throughout March as part of National Reading Month.
The week provides more than just themed outfits – it reinforces the joy of storytelling and the importance of literacy skills that build academic success.
Meanwhile, Morris students are celebrating with their own unique spin on Read Across America Week:
• Monday – “Maui to Myrtle Beach” beach-themed attire to “dress for a day of fun in the sun.”
• Tuesday – Talent Tuesday: Students dress like movie stars or Broadway performers.
• Wednesday – Western Wear Wednesday: Cowboy boots, hats and a hearty “Yee-haw!” take center stage.
• Thursday – Oklahoma Day: Students show off their Oklahoma pride.
• Friday – Freedom Friday: Red, white and blue attire closes out the week.
Like their neighbors in Okmulgee, Morris teachers are using the themed days as a launchpad for literacy activities, encouraging classroom reading time and highlighting books from a wide range of authors and voices.
While Read Across America began with a strong connection to Dr. Seuss, the initiative has expanded in recent years to promote diverse literature and ensure students see themselves reflected in the stories they read. The NEA provides recommended book lists and resources to help educators showcase authors from many backgrounds and cultures.
The purpose remains the same: helping children discover the magic of books.
Reading not only improves vocabulary and comprehension skills but also builds imagination, empathy and confidence. For many students, this week may spark a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.
— Building Lifelong Readers Schools are also encouraging families to participate at home by:
• Hosting family read-aloud nights
• Setting personal reading goals for the month of March
• Writing and illustrating original stories
• Donating gently used books to school libraries Across Okmulgee County, the message is clear: reading matters.
Whether students are sporting cowboy boots, crazy socks or top hats, the heart of the celebration remains the same – opening a book and discovering a new world.
As classrooms echo with the sounds of stories and laughter this week, Read Across America once again proves that literacy is not just an academic goal, but a community effort – one page at a time.
