By Staff
LANSING – State Rep. Neal Nitz announced he is reading to students in 42 third-grade classes throughout the 78th District during March, Reading Month.
Nitz is happy to encourage life-long learning through reading by visiting the local elementary schools.
"What a great opportunity it is to make a difference in a child's life through reading," said Nitz, R-Baroda.
"The importance of reading should not only be stressed in school, but emphasized in the home by parents to improve a student's education and life-long development.
"Every parent should challenge their children to read and give them the opportunity to develop a love for reading as they grow older," Nitz said.
This year Nitz is reading "Mackinac Bridge: The Story of the Five-Mile Poem" by Gloria Whelan, a Michigan author.
Previously he read "The Legend of the Petoskey Stone," "The Legend of Mackinac Island," "The Legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes" and "The Legend of the Loon."
As in the past four years, he will leave a copy of the book for students to have in their book collection.
"As Michigan continues to face harsh economic times, it is important to focus our efforts on the upcoming generation who will use their education to be our future leaders in business and industry," Dowagiac's representative in the state House said.
"Reading nurtures a child's imagination and strengthens their verbal skills. Visiting each third grade classroom is always a highlight of my year.
"It's an opportunity to teach them about Michigan as well as answer questions they have about being a state representative."
National Reading Month began seven years ago in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday and is a continuing tradition throughout the nation.
Adults are encouraged to participate in classroom events that will allow them to read to children.
Nitz will continue to read to students through March.