[Photo Recap] Big Turnout For Page Turners Literacy Event at Cumberland Mall

 

To exceed, you must read!

On Saturday June 29, Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc., a nonprofit literacy organization for elementary students, whose mission is to encourage and instill a lifelong love of reading at an early age, hosted a literacy event at Cumberland Mall. 

 

Several Atlanta-based celebrities and media personalities such as Jocelyn Connell, CBS Better Mornings Anchor; Michael Allen Austin, award-winning illustrator; Ozzie Areu, Tyler Perry Studios President; Cynthia Mallard, host of V103 “Atlanta Up Close”, and Josh Harris, comedian and instructor at Sketchworks lend their voices to bring books to life. Children of all ages were immersed in a world of fantasy, mystery, and funny light-hearted stories during this interactive event held from 2 to 4 p.m.

The main purpose of the event was to emphasize the importance of reading during summer vacation. Students who read over the summer do better in school in the fall, while those who do not read over the summer demonstrate academic loss. Reading is directly linked with educational achievement, it has also been linked to self-esteem, productivity, and success. 

 

 

Poor reading skills have been linked to high school drop out rates, delinquency, and unemployment. 8 out of 10 studies indicate students who read for fun out-performed those who did not. 

 

Reading 5 books over the summer can prevent academic loss. Summer reading loss is cumulative. By the end of 6^th grade, children who do not read over the summer are two years behind other children. 

 

There are a lot of challenges and missed opportunities when it comes to engage kids to read during summer break. Low motivation, financial difficulties, to lack of enjoyment, there's always seems to be an excuse when it comes to allow our children to get away without reading one single book during this time of the year.

 

Surprisingly, the solution to conquering the reading challenge is surprisingly simple. If you can't afford to go and buy a new book, and you own a tablet or e-reader, there are many books that you can download for free. You can also take the kids to the library so they can choose a book of their liking, or you can even stop by at your favorite goodwill and buy a a book for a fraction of it's original cost. 
 

Lack of motivation? Reluctant reader? You need, must, have to find a book that they won't be able to put down. Self-selection is extremely important. Even the most reluctant reader will read a book from start to finish if it's about something they really, really love. A good tip is to read the first book of a series. This is a great way to get children started on a summer filled with reading. 

 

Lack of enjoyment? Do your kids feel like reading is just for school? If you say yes, then you might need a change of scenery. There's nothing better than relaxing at the beach, or by the pool, with a good book.
 

You don't have a beach near you? What about a park, or lake? Whatever you choose to do, if you as a parent are not reading as well, you need to understand that you are a contributing factor of your child's reluctance to read. 

 

Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc., is actively raising awareness through school and community literacy campaigns. 

 

Thought-out the year, they host several literacy events such as the “Pajama Read-A-Thon” and "Pass the Book Celebrity Read-In". 

 

Their approach is to present reading as an entertaining and pleasurable activity rather than an academic pursuit. 

 

“We are building 'word' and 'world' knowledge through literacy”, says Fefe Handy, Page Turners Make Great Learners founder. For more information about this wonderful organization please visit:  https://www.facebook.com/PTMGL