Bannan, Smith Read Across America...

The National Education Association celebrates the 10th anniversary of Read Across America Day on Friday, March 2. Over the years, the day to honor and encourage reading has transformed into a month-long reading celebration across the country.

More schools than ever before have planned activities this month. Schools invite celebrity readers, students take pledges to see how many books they can read during the month and classes host parties surrounding a particular book.

To honor the great Dr. Seuss (a.k.a. Theodor Geisel), the official Read Across America Day is March 2, the date of his birth in 1904. On his 103rd birthday, the National Education Association expects more than 45 million readers to pick up a book and read.

Ravens defensive tackle Justin Bannan and linebacker Mike Smith were among the masses on Thursday, taking part in the celebration of reading. Joining Mrs. Huff's second grade classroom at Commodore John Rogers Elementary in Baltimore, the two players read

Green Eggs and Ham

to a group of highly enthused children.

Following the reading, Bannan asked the group about their love of reading and their appreciation of Dr. Seuss' work.

Across the room, the children shouted out their favorite books.

"Cat in the Hat!"

"The book with the fish!" (One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish)

"The Foot Book!"

The list was infinite. It was a special day for Mrs. Huff's class, but more so for the players, who were able to express their love of reading and the importance of it in their daily lives.

Additional players will join in the Read Across America celebration this month and visit Phelps Luck Elementary, Bellows Spring Elementary, Padonia Elementary and Pershing Hill Elementary.