Remember to Read Program | Springfield College

Remember to Read Program

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield College is leading an early literacy community outreach initiative entitled “Remember to Read,” designed to encourage reading and reading readiness among kindergarten students.  As part of the program, the College has provided each kindergartener at the Elias Brookings and William N. DeBerry elementary schools with their own book.  

“We are always committed to supporting our community and we are excited to continue our strong relationship with the Brookings and DeBerry schools through this special community outreach program,” said Springfield College President Richard B. Flynn.  “Literacy is so very important and providing these youngsters with books will allow them to get a headstart on practicing their reading.”

Representatives from Springfield College attended literacy events at Brookings Elementary School on May 10 and DeBerry Elementary School on May 14 to present each kindergarten student with a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written by Eric Carle. 

A handout entitled, “Tips for Parents of Kindergartners,” from ReadingRockets.org, was shared at both events and provides suggestions on how parents can support reading.  Magnets and bookmarks featuring the “Remember to Read” logo were also distributed to students. 

In addition, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art donated family passes for each kindergarten student at the Brookings and DeBerry schools, good for free admission to the museum for two children and two adults.   

The visits concluded with refreshments, provided by the College, for students, teachers, and families.

Springfield College has a longstanding relationship with DeBerry and Brookings elementary schools, both of which are in the neighborhoods contiguous to the College.  Springfield College students visit DeBerry and Brookings elementary schools each year during the College’s annual Humanics in Action Day to read to students, and the College’s Partners Program, which pairs 80 students annually with children from DeBerry and Brookings schools for weekly sessions, has served more than 1,200 youngsters in its 20-year history.