Read Across Iowa celebrations held in Allamakee County in March...

Read Across Iowa launched March 1 and began a month-long celebration to bring the joys of reading to kids of all ages. Agriculturally-themed Read Across Iowa events were held in Allamakee County and across the state and featured books and materials about agriculture that appealed to readers of all age levels.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Allamakee County hosted readings at New Albin Elementary School of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District. Students either read “How Did That Get into My Lunchbox?” or “My Family’s Corn Farm”, participated in a MyPlate (such as pictured above) or corn-themed activity and tried a local snack.

“When you read with children, you are making an investment,” said Becky Rea, K-12 Program Coordinator. “Early reading and talking with children gives them a strong start and a life-long return.”

Some books and materials were provided by donations and grants from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP), Iowa Space Grant Consortium, Iowa State University College of Human Sciences, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development and other partners of the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation.

Read Across Iowa is organized as a collaborative effort between the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Iowa 4-H Youth Development. To learn more, visit https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/Tools-Resources/Other/Read-Across-Iowa. Submitted photo.