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Read Across America Day And Dr. Seuss' Birthday In Central Arkansas

CALS.org

In honor of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day, some special events are being held in central Arkansas this weekend.

Starting Friday until next Wednesday, there will be free educational events for kids.

The National Education Association and Delta Dental of Arkansas are part of this celebration to reach children.

Greg Johnson with the NEA says children must be encouraged to brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day and read for 20 minutes, which totals 24 minutes focused on developing good oral and reading skills.

"There’s a direct connection between oral health and children’s literacy," Johnson said.  "Students miss 51 million hours of school a year due to oral health problems. Nobody thinks about that kind of thing. And tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. It’s actually five times more common than asthma. If you can imagine all those hours missed by students because of issues involving oral health, that’s time missed in the classroom that you just can’t make up."

Johnson said the slogan is "2 x 2 + 20 = good oral health and literacy habits."

Some others taking part in the events are Park Plaza Mall, the Central Arkansas Library System and Children’s Library and the Learning Center.

Click here to view the schedule.