BookPALS
"Reading out loud impacts children by encouraging their language development and literacy skills through the introduction of new words in a context that helps children understand them. It also encourages a love of reading children, which increases their potential to learn and their desire to learn in the future. The greatest advantage of reading out loud[,] however, is the bonds that are created when reading to children, who now have positive role models and caring adult figures in their lives."
-- Karaline Petty, HYSA Thespian Society BookPALS Committee Chair
-- Karaline Petty, HYSA Thespian Society BookPALS Committee Chair
-- Madison F. Kuhler, HYSA Thespian Society BookPALS Committee Co-Chair
"The Arizona branch of BookPALS was started in 1998 and now has over 80 volunteers reading and writing monthly to over 6,000 kids around Arizona. BookPALS was founded in 1993 on a clear premise: children must be exposed to the magic of books to develop a love of reading. The research shows that one of the best predictors of children's success in learning to read is being read to aloud. There is a great benefit to having middle school and high school students read aloud in local elementary schools because they serve as role models for the younger kids and make reading "cool". I've even heard little ones say, "I want to be a BookPAL when I grow up. The collaboration with the HYSA Thespian Society is icing on the literacy cake! The HYSA actors bring their expressive and acting skills to the reading experience. The little kids learn the importance of reading with expression and fluency."
-- Ellen Dean, Arizona BookPALS Director
-- Ellen Dean, Arizona BookPALS Director