Schools invite doctor to ignite a trend to read, rap, relate for Read Across America Week
Dr. Rani Whitfield, known across the nation as “Tha Hip Hop Doc,” will read his new children’s book, “R.J. Did It,” to kindergarten through second-grade audiences.
Read Across America Week always brings fun and literacy centerstage, and two Baton Rouge charter schools hope to ignite a trend by inviting a local doctor to read, rap, and relate during in-person reading assemblies coinciding with the national initiative.
Dr. Rani Whitfield, known across the nation as “Tha Hip Hop Doc,” will read his new children’s book, “R.J. Did It,” to kindergarten through second-grade audiences at South Baton Rouge Charter Academy and Iberville Charter Academy.
“We know that early literacy intervention plays a key role in learning experiences in our young students,” said Carlos Sam, deputy state director of operations and regional superintendent of Charter Schools USA. “The best outcomes will be matched with academic achievement, reduced grade retention, and higher graduation rates as we track these students in their education journey within our classrooms and beyond.”
Sam expects Whitfield to plant a seed that flourishes long past Read Across America Week. The family medicine practitioner has used hip-hop and motivational speaking to educate groups on health and social issues for more than two decades. Now, he is breaking new ground as a children’s book author. “R.J. Did It!” is a heartwarming exploration of the parenting journey, spotlighting the milestones achieved by a spirited young child. Through engaging rhymes, the book captures R.J.'s development as he acquires essential life skills.
National Read Across America Day is traditionally celebrated on March 2nd, the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss. Read Across America Week, is March 2-6, 2024. Assemblies will be held at South Baton Rouge Charter Academy on Monday, March 4, 2024, and at Iberville Charter Academy on March 8, 2024.