“Escape with a Good Book” is the theme of this year’s Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) Week at Shelter Island School. Sponsored by the PTSA of Shelter Island, the program encourages partners to read with children to foster a love of reading.
For the school week beginning on Monday, April 4, PARP offers inspiration for ways to encourage reading. Here are the “Escape” suggestions by day:
- Monday, Escape Into Your Book Nook — Build a nook at home to enjoy your favorite book; wear something representing your book of choice
- Tuesday, Escape Danger — Read a book about a superhero; come to school dressed as your favorite hero
- Wednesday, Escape Into Outspace — Read a book about the universe or your favorite alternate universe
- Thursday, Escape To Nature — Read a book about nature; bring something to school to represent your book
- Friday, Escape To Paradise — Read a book that includes your dream destination and dress for departure
“To celebrate this amazing week of reading, the kids will enjoy a pizza party with their class,” the PTSA says on a flyer about PARP Week.
About PARP Week
Learning to read is the single most important activity in a child’s education, says the New York State PTA. In addition, studies show that children who read at home are better prepared to succeed in formal education.
PARP is a statewide program. It asks a partner (parent, grandparent, babysitter, older sibling, cousin, friend, etc.) to read with a child for at least 20 minutes daily.
NYS Senator James Donovan developed PARP in 1978. The program cements the bond between home and school to encourage a love of reading in our children. Originally named Parents As Reading Partners, organizers changed the name in 2015 to support more inclusive language.
