In a bid to promote literacy and inspire young readers, the “Quack Open a Book & Read” program was recently introduced to elementary students across northeast Ohio. The initiative, spearheaded by the Akron RubberDucks baseball team and sponsored by FirstEnergy, aims to encourage children to cultivate a love for reading by incentivizing them with exciting rewards.
Katherine Dove, a second-grade teacher at Tallmadge Elementary School, emphasized the importance of involving families in the reading process. She stated, “Parents are the first and most influential teachers in a child’s life, and by fostering and incentivizing a love for books and storytelling, we empower our young readers to keep challenging themselves.”
The program challenges students to read four books before April 15, with the incentive of earning a free ticket to a home game on April 16 or 17. Lorna Wisham, vice president of corporate affairs and community involvement at FirstEnergy, highlighted the company’s commitment to promoting literacy and community engagement. She expressed, “By promoting literacy programs and encouraging a love for baseball and teamwork, FirstEnergy is investing in the growth of our future leaders and empowering the community with the tools they need to succeed.”
To support the students in their reading journey, FirstEnergy provided an activity book filled with educational content on electrical safety. Additionally, participants have the chance to be honored during the game and win special prizes, such as throwing out a first pitch or being the announcer for an inning.
The program extends beyond incentivizing reading, as RubberDucks mascots, staff, and FirstEnergy employees are visiting schools to read to students and encourage them to embrace the joy of reading. FirstEnergy has a history of supporting local literacy programs, including hosting free Scholastic Book Fairs for children in Akron Public Schools.
For those interested in participating in the “Quack Open a Book and Read” program, they can reach out to the RubberDucks at reading@akronrubberducks.com. The initiative serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of educators, community organizations, and corporations in nurturing a passion for reading among young learners.
