MIDDLESBORO — Doctors, nutritionists and parents alike believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and nothing could have been more true for students at Middlesboro Primary School on Monday.

Children began their morning with a wholesome helping of green eggs and ham and ended with some sprinkled cupcakes during a birthday celebration. The delicacies was served in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday and in celebration of “Read Across America.”

Read Across America is annually sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA). Since March 2, 1998, it has been the largest celebration of reading this country has ever seen. Read Across America recognizes Seuss and his many publications because of his great works, he serves as the ambassador of their event.

Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated 44 children’s books during his career. American children liken “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with the holiday season and often read “The Cat in the Hat” as their first book. Among Dr. Seuss’ trademarks were his inventive rhyming text and his bizarre illustrated creatures. Seuss’ books and his legacy continue to flourish in the hearts of children everyday. It seems that Seuss’ childhood prepared him to create the world of Seuss.

While Read Across America is in its twelfth year, the program focuses on motivating children to read and in addition to helping them master basic skills. The nationwide reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, community centers, and more participate by bringing kids and books together. Most reading events can be as simple or elaborate as individual schools or centers make them.

The primary school celebrated with an informational slide show on the history of Dr. Seuss, made a pledge to continue their literary skills and ended with a tune of ‘Happy Birthday’ and a cupcake. The events were organized by the school’s librarian, Prudie Thomas.

“The kids really enjoy the event,” said Thomas. “They all show a sincere interest in Dr. Seuss and all he has done.”

Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated spend more time reading and do much better in school.

At the national level, the NEA sponsors and spearheads Read Across America with support from 40 national non-profit and association partners. Locally, everyone from schools to libraries to community centers to churches to hospitals to bookstores is invited to host local events to celebrate and promote children’s reading.

Furthermore, 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers make up NEA membership.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com. Some information obtained from the NEA’s website.