Readers scoring touchdowns in third grade
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february 4, 2010
Touchdowns are taking on a new meaning in some
Schuylerville third-grade classrooms, as the football season is
integrated into a program to promote more reading.
“We’ve created the Reading For Fun League—the RFFL—to encourage students
to read more at home,” explained Jolene Curtis, a third-grade teacher.
“Each student has his or her own helmet, which is placed on a football
field in the classroom. When students read for 20 minutes at home, they
are able to move their helmets 20 yards. We involve parents by having
them sign a paper football each time their child reads for 20 minutes.”
Students in Mrs. Moreau and Mrs. Davis’ classes have also formed reading
teams. “It’s a fun way to incorporate students’ love of sports with a
push toward additional reading time,” Curtis said. “It’s amazing to see
the students’ enthusiasm for the program. We even have one student who
has 61 touchdowns.”
On Thursday, February 4 and Friday, February 5, the program will culminate with RFFL Super
Bowl parties. Third-graders will receive trophies and t-shirts for their
participation, as well as a pizza/reading party. And, of course, MVP
awards will be given to the top readers.
