Updated

You don't have to be an elementary school teacher to love Dr. Seuss. In fact, millions of children, parents and educators enjoy Dr. Seuss' work so much so that today, his birthday has been declared Read Across America Day. Children across the country will make their own red and white striped hats and read this beloved author's classics. That's why this month, I'll be writing a series of blogs aimed at helping you enrich your children's reading experience.

Most people know that Dr. Seuss is actually a pen name and the author's legal name was Theodor Seuss Geisel. Many people, however, confuse P.D. Eastman's work with Dr. Seuss' work, as they are similar in style. The similarity is no accident - Eastman was Seuss' protege, and published books under the Dr. Seuss brand of Beginner Books.

Whether you prefer a title by Seuss or Eastman, this is certainly a day that should be celebrated at home. Here are some ways you can join in the fun!

-Don the ever-popular red and white head piece from "The Cat in the Hat" when you wake up your children for school.

-Use green food dye to make green eggs and ham for breakfast.

-Surprise each child in your family - even teenagers - with a new book! (When looking for books remember to search P.D. Eastman and Dr. Seuss.)

-Visit www.seussville.comfor fun, family-friendly activities;

-Take a walk around your neighborhood and have your child write her own version of "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," including signs she sees or people she encounters;

-Check out http://www.seussville.com/ohtheplaces/for the college scholarship program. Even your teenagers can benefit from Dr. Seuss!

-Read my favorite book; "Go Dog Go!" before bedtime! (Or have your child read it to Fido!)

To this day, I love how books like "Sam and the Firefly" and "And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street" instantly bring me back to the days of reading with my parents and grandparents. Remember that while books like "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" offer great life lessons, the goal of Read Across America is for you to connect with your children through books. Whether you read to your child, he reads to you, or you visit her school to help pass out red and white hats, take a moment to enjoy the day with your child.

Jennifer Cerbasi teaches at a public school for children on the autism spectrum in New Jersey. As a coordinator of Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in the home, she works with parents to create and implement behavioral plans for their children in an environment that fosters both academic and social growth. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.