It’s that time of year again. The annual Read Across Alabama festival will take place on March 2, 2012, Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

AEA is extending its award winning “Be a Champion and Read” contest theme for this year’s Read Across Alabama event, with downloadable classroom materials for the big day.

One trophy, two trophies, three trophies MORE! Read Across Alabama – Let’s go for FOUR highlights the amazing string of college football national championships of the University of Alabama and Auburn University. It links that record of achievement with the unprecedented success our state has made in early reading gains.

Alabama has led the nation in improving in reading scores since 2003, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress, known as the nation’s report card.

Last fall, the “Be a Champion and Read” contest was the largest reading event in state history, with more than a half-million books read by 66,000 students in support of the Crimson Tide’s Big Al and the Tigers’ Aubie. For Read Across Alabama, the two lovable mascots are back!

Bookmarks, posters, coloring sheets, and cut-outs are all ready to be downloaded here. Moving classroom supplies electronically is part of the association’s effort to make the festival more environmentally friendly, saving wasted printing and shipping.

The environmental theme is key for NEA’s Read Across America effort, centered on the Seuss character the Lorax. NEA is showcasing The Lorax book as well as a new Lorax movie, opening nationwide on March 2. You can find Lorax and other environmental classroom materials on the NEA Web site: nea.org.

Whether it is reading and football championships, or a teaching moment about the environment with a lovable Seuss character, this year’s Read Across Alabama should be a fun event for every student.