Our Popular RA Book Club Has Kicked Off! |
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Now is the perfect time to commit to reading for at least 30 minutes each day! Our last two book club discussions were a huge success so we're continuing the momentum throughout the year! Interested in participating in this free program? Parents are welcome too! Simply email cathy@readingallowed.org. In the body of your email, please include your child's name and age, your contact information, and let us know if you will be participating as well. Here are the dates and times for future discussions! Be sure to read each book ahead of time! Don't forget you can reserve these books at your public library! Don't forget to set reminders on your calendar for virtual discussion dates indicated below.
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Zoom Discussion:
Saturday, 10/2/21
10:00 a.m. EST
Jaden Toussaint the Greatest, Episode 1: The Quest for Screen Time
by Marti Dumas
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Zoom Discussion:
Saturday, 1/8/22
10:00 a.m. EST
Zapato Power:
Freddie Ramos
Takes off
by Jacqueline Jules
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Zoom Discussion:
Saturday, 4/9/22
10:00 a.m. EST
The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend
by Jion Sheibani
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We've Had a Really Busy Summer |
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No Summer Slide Here!
Reading Allowed's dedicated tutors worked with over 120 superstar students over the past summer. And coming off 2020/2021, many families told us that summer reading was even more crucial than ever before. We're proud to have played a part in the advancement of so many local, deserving kids. Our team worked with students in summer programs at Russell Byers Charter School and Mastery School (Wister Campus).
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Where is Reading Allowed this Fall?
We’re so excited to continue working with all our students. In addition, we are honored and thrilled to be collaborating with students from:
- Community Center at Visitation
- General Meade Elementary
- Liguori Academy
- Mastery (Wister & Pickett)
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Recently, WFMZ Reporter, Eve Russo chatted with Reading Allowed's founder, Angela Marks to find out what makes the organization so special. In case you missed it, watch the segment now!
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Back-to-School Jitters? Crush Them with These Fun Reads! |
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by Emily Jenkins
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An energetic, funny book that follows Harry through the first 100 days of first grade—from name games to making friends to learning how to be a friend. Broken into short chapters, this book is a fun way to start your first days of school. Perfect for K-2 students.
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by Henry Cole
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This hilarious book is ideal for Pre-K to second-grade readers. When Principal Tate is running late, the students, teachers, parents, and visitors at Hardy Elementary School must come together to keep the school running smoothly.
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by Shannon Olsen
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In this heartwarming book, a teacher shares, in a note to her students, all the things she is looking forward to and all the fun things they will share. This book is also great for young readers K-2. |
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by Annie Silvestro
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Rosie gets a new backpack and can hardly wait for school to start. But the first morning, she’s not so sure. “You just have butterflies in your belly,” her mom tells her. You can read many reviews right here. This is a great selection for readers K-3. |
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by Angela DiTerlizzi
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We all have a lot ot learn in life, and sometimes skills we wish we had are just not there...yet. A book about perseverance and having faith in yourself. Great for K-5 readers.
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by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
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A young girl learns the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names and returns to school, eager to share with her classmates.Recommeded for K-3.
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by Jacqueline Woodson
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Starting something new, especially when you think that nobody quite looks or sounds like you, can be scary. This story will inspire your student to understand and appreciate the gifts of individuality. Great for K-3 kids.
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by Alexandra Penfold
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This story celebrates diversity and inclusion in a school where everyone, no matter their dress or skin color, is welcomed with open arms. Appropriate for K-3.
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by Yangsook Choi
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Another must-read for K-3, this story is truly relatable by all. Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious about fitting in. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she decides to choose an American name from a glass jar. But while Unhei thinks of being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, nothing feels right. What will she do?
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Exciting News for Pensylvannianians! |
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The state board included the definition of structured literacy which will require teacher preparatory programs for all grade levels to teach structured literacy as part of changes made to Chapter 49 state code. This is a win for kids because structured literacy teaching stands in contrast with approaches that are popular in many schools but that do not teach oral and written language skills in an explicit, systematic manner.
There is strong evidence that the most students learn to read more effeciently with structured teaching of basic language skills. Additionally, the components and methods of structured literacy are vital for students with diagnosed reading disabilities including dyslexia. Dyslexia affects 20 percent of the population and represents 80–90 percent of all those with learning disabilities.
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Coming Soon — Stay Tuned! |
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Reading Promise Festival Week is coming up in October and we’re looking forward to collaborating with Tree House Books. Check your inbox soon for more details.
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Introducing RA Speaks, Our Brand New, Exciting Virtual Series!
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Meet the people making a difference in access to literacy. From authors to change-makers, educators to influencers advocates to public policy leaders, we'll take a deep dive into timely and impactful initiatives that underscore Reading Allowed's mission and objectives.
We're exctied to share our interview with Actor, Author, and Dyslexia Advocate, Ameer Baraka. Mr. Baraka launched Dyslexia Diagnosis Day in 2017 and continues to advocate for better screening to help dyslexic children and, in collaboration with Dr. David Hurford and Pittsburg State University, he's reaching out to state corrections systems to offer dyslexia screening for those who have been incarcerated. He earned a 2019 Daytime Emmy nomination for his role as a detective in the Amazon Prime/UMC police drama, “Bronx SIU.” Details will follow soon!
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A Big Thank You to Donnors and Participants |
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Thanks to the generous donations of so many, our first-ever Read-a-Thon was a success. We raised $4,000. We are so grateful as these contributions are the foundation of our existence! We couldn't do what we do without the kindness of others and we so much appreciate all of the donors and participants as well! Fun was had by all! We can't wait to do it again next year. Did you know that you can contribute to Reading Allowed's mission all year long? Below are some ways you can donate to our very-much-needed non-profit.
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You Can Make a Difference |
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Reading Allowed participates in the United Way’s Donor Choice Program. Our Donor Code is 55108
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Stay connected. Engage with us on social media! |
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We'd love to hear from you. Have a thought, comment, or great idea about an upcoming newsletter? Please send us an email here! As Founder of Reading Allowed, I can tell you asure you that your feedback is important to us! Thank you for your continued interest in our important organization.
— Angela Marks
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