As March heralds in the observance of Read Across America Week, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein have joined the literary festivities by taking part in school readings, aiming to foster early childhood literacy and promote a culture of reading among students. In a visit to Belville Elementary School in Brunswick County, Governor Stein read "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak to an eager group of kindergarten students and declared March as Reading Month in the state, as reported by the North Carolina Office of the Governor's official news release.
During his visit, Governor Stein emphasized the importance of reading from an early age, "Early literacy is a critical foundation for a strong education, and we must work to ensure every child leaves the early grades as a strong reader," he pointed out, suggesting the use of evidence-based methods to instill a joy of reading in young learners. According to the same release, the First Lady also participated in the initiative, revisiting her old stomping grounds at Brunson Elementary in Winston-Salem, reading "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" to children, as detailed by the Office of the Governor.
The educational visit not only put the spotlight on literacy but also underscored the Stein administration's commitment to education. Governor Stein holds the conviction that every student, regardless of background, deserves a quality education in North Carolina's public schools, with a particular focus on ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to prosper post-graduation.
With a slate of appearances at schools across North Carolina, the Governor and First Lady have positioned themselves as champions of education. The proclamation of March as Reading Month serves as a statewide call to action, to cultivate a love of reading and improvement in educational outcomes, "We must teach literacy through evidence-backed methods and help students experience the joy of reading," Governor Stein reiterated during his visit, according to the Office of the Governor's official news release. As North Carolina marches ahead with its educational goals, the governor's dedication to literacy initiatives is clear, cultivating a foundation for a future where every child can navigate the world with confidence and comprehension.
