Submitted by: Adrienne Jacoby, Ed.D., Executive Director, PHILADELPHIA READS
What does it take to get over 2000 elementary and middle school students to become excited about reading? The annual Philadelphia Reading Olympics does just this!
The PHILADELPHIA READS Reading Olympics is the city’s largest literacy competition. It is designed to inspire children to read for pleasure, learn the value of teamwork, and have the opportunity to visit a college campus for exposure to the possibilities that lie ahead of them regarding higher education. The Reading Olympics brings children and youth from different socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and school programming backgrounds together and unites them under a common goal and shared purpose.
Every time a jeopardy-style question is posed during the May competition, the students huddle in their teams to quickly discuss and decide the answer. If the team gives a correct answer, they win a point. If they miss the answer, the next team has to be ready with their answer to earn that point. Students compete based on their knowledge of 15 – 20 books, which they have been reading and discussing with their coach for six months prior to the competition. Everyone wins a blue, red or green ribbon!
“The opportunity to talk with others who are reading and excited about the same books made the Olympics even more fun!” Tracey Orem, the teacher-coach of the J.G.Whittier School team.
Last May, 1649 students from 86 Philadelphia schools competed in the 2013 Philadelphia Reading Olympics. Competitions each year are held on six area college campuses. Teams from Philadelphia’s public, private, charter and Archdiocese schools all come together to participate.
“At a time when funding to education programs are being cut – “a huge thank you to PHILADELPHIA READS for continuing the Reading Olympics!” Jenny Shieh, coach of the Penn Alexander School team.
