My first job was teaching school, and I have four kids and nine grandkids. So I know a little bit about reading aloud to children. And I love it.

That’s why it was such a pleasure to join Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for a “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” session. We were met by nearly a hundred kids from the Arts and Technology Academy’s summer program, and they were great listeners as I read one of my favorites, Platt & Munk’s classic, “The Little Engine That Could.”

 

Now I welcome any opportunity to return to the classroom, but reading this tale–whose origins date back over 100 years–provides a particularly useful springboard for kids into discussions of the Let’s Read. Let’s Move themes: strong minds, healthy foods, and good, physical activity.

Plus, as the kids yesterday were quick to point out, the little engine also shows the importance of good, safe transportation!

 

And when you’re sitting next to a Secretary of Education, who the kids know has played basketball with President Obama, you can use any advantage at your disposal, even a little blue engine whose famous mantra is “I think I can.”

The “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” program is a terrific idea to help school kids bridge the summertime gap in education. It’s part of President Obama’s national volunteer campaign, “United We Serve,” which has challenged Americans to engage in sustained, meaningful service activities in their communities this summer.

We know that during summer vacation students often surrender some of the gains they make during the school year. We also know that summer’s heat often keeps kids indoors, glued to their video games and television screens. At home, they have more opportunities to snack during the day. In fact, some studies indicate that children can gain weight three times faster during the summer months.

So keeping kids engaged in reading and promoting physical activity that exercises and strengthens their bodies are pursuits that lead to fun, better health, and good preparation for another school year.

 

I know it’s not easy, particularly when the outdoor temperature is approaching triple digits. But “United We Serve” has a website full of fun ways Americans can help keep our kids prepared for school and prepared for life. Whether it’s reading to kids or teaching them how to ride a bike or–following the First Lady’s example–working in a community or backyard garden, the opportunities are there.

And, I can attest, the kids respond. Yesterday they asked all sorts of questions about the story, about my job, about the President. They’re enthusiastic. They don’t want to be ignored; they want to be engaged.

All we need are a few little blue engines to step up and help pull those train cars to the other side of the mountain.

 By Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation

 

BONUS:   First Lady, Michelle Obama introduces LET’S MOVE~~Video.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/first-lady-introduces-lets-move