March Means . . . Reading!
Throughout the month of March, children are encouraged to share twenty minutes of reading with someone at home—whether it’s a parent, sibling, friend, older relative or any interested adult—every week day. This can be an adult reading aloud to a child, the child reading aloud to others, or even reading books or newspapers individually, but sitting together.
“Enjoy these reading moments; don’t let them be a chore. They will be happy memories for you and your child,” said Enid Linden, Reading Interventionist at Katonah Elementary School.
This year, each school kicked off PARP with a visit from John Jay High School’s Advanced Acting class. They acted out five favorite children’s books including Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, We Are in a Book (An Elephant and Piggy Book), and He Came with the Couch, to the great enjoyment of the younger students.
The emphasis on reading continues with family, friends and local VIPS coming to read, author visits, and other special activities along the creative theme each school picks for PARP.
Katonah Elementary School’s theme is All the Places We’ll Go, based on Dr. Seuss’ book "Oh, the Places You’ll Go!," which they selected as a community read. Fifth graders met one of their favorite writers, Rkindergartenersob Buyea, author of "Because of Mr. Terupt," and, still to come, kindergarteners and first graders will meet Alan Katz, humorist and author of "That Stinks! "and "Poems I Wrote When No One Was Looking."
Increase Miller Elementary School’s theme is Good Books, Good Times, since a great story can make you feel like you're taking part in the adventure. Students throughout the school have been working on book recommendations during their library time this month, and they've been published on the library's website for everyone to enjoy.
Meadow Pond Elementary School's theme is Ticket to Read, based on the "Ticket to Ride" board game. Teachers use a bulletin board with locomotives moving toward their goal as a visual for students to track their reading. Kindergarten, first, and second grade students enjoyed meeting Laurie Keller, author of many famous books including "The Scrambled United States of America," who discussed how she writes and illustrates her books.
While there's more to come, PARP will be wrapping up at each elementary school soon, having done its work in reminding children of the many wonderful adventures and new friends that can be found through reading.
PARP was developed in 1978 by the late State Senator James Donovan, Chairman of the State Senate Education Committee. The NYS PTA was asked to assume the program’s helm in 1987 and has administered the program ever since.
PARP is a collaborative effort of the school and community which includes parents, students, administrators, teachers and staff and local libraries in a partnership whose focus is on reading.
Learning to read is the single most important activity in a child’s education. Studies show that children who read at home are better prepared to succeed in formal education.
"Start by drawing," said Laurie Keller.
"Writers are readers," said Rob Buyea.
"Write about your family," said Alan Katz
