March 08, 2006
March 8, 2006
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today celebrated Michigan Reading Month by reading to preschool and first-grade students at Joyce Elementary in Detroit. Granholm used the visit to highlight the importance of reading to children at an early age.
“One of my greatest joys as a parent has been instilling the love of books and the love of reading in my three children,” Granholm said. “Developing strong reading skills early on is critical to helping our children cultivate interests in other subjects such as math and science, and giving them access to every opportunity in life to succeed.”
Granholm read “Bed Hogs,” by Michigan resident and author, Kelly DiPucchio. A copy of the book will be sent by the Library of Michigan, part of the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries, to every public library and Headstart program in the state, along with a poster honoring National Reading Month activities in Michigan.
Since taking office, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has made education a top priority. In her State of the State address in January, she called for the expansion of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation and the significant increase in pre-school programs and early learning experiences to give the children of Michigan a great start in reading and learning.
Granholm has also called on the Legislature to act on recommendations by the State Board of Education for a rigorous high school curriculum. The state must increase efforts to give our children the math and science they need to succeed in the 21st century. In addition to urging the Legislature to act in time for the new curriculum to be in place for the new school year, she has proposed a budget for the upcoming school year that pushes funding for classroom education to its highest levels ever.
Granholm proclaimed March as Michigan Reading Month as part of National Reading Month.
