Deliver Your News to the World

Six Flags and Discovery Education Partner to Inspire K-6 Students to Engage in Recreational Reading


WEBWIRE

“Read to Succeed” Program Celebrates The Power of Reading Thru Virtual Classroom Reading Clubs --
-- Students and Teachers Rewarded with Free Admission Ticket to Six Flags Theme Parks --

(Silver Spring, Md.) Students in grades K-6 will have more reasons than ever to engage in recreational reading activities in the coming year thanks to the Read to Succeed educational program, and a new partnership between Six Flags and Discovery Education. Read to Succeed is a free educational program created by Six Flags to inspire K-6 students to engage in recreational reading. Students who complete six hours of recreational, nonschool-related reading are eligible to earn a free admission ticket to a participating Six Flags branded theme park; teachers whose classes participate and complete the program are also eligible to earn a free ticket.

The Read to Succeed program, which began 20 years ago, distributed 1.7 million tickets nationwide in approximately 11,000 schools in 2010. Eligible reading materials include picture books, newspapers, comic books, novels, and nonfiction materials. Parents are encouraged to support these types of recreational reading at home and help their children keep track of their time.

To supplement the program, teachers will be provided with suggested reading lists, multimedia resources and cross-curricular classroom lessons relating to the topics and themes found in such children’s classics as Little House on the Prairie to increase student engagement and encourage reading across all core subject areas. In addition, parents are invited to participate in the book explorations with connecting at-home family activities.

“Some children need that little extra push to discover a love of reading,” said Joyce Kasman Valenza, Ph.D., library information specialist, Springfield Township High School. “The Read to Succeed program recognizes what research tells us - the importance of choice in developing that love and that an enjoyment of reading can and should happen across the content areas and in a glorious variety of media.”

Beginning in January 2011, the website will feature enhanced teacher dashboard functionality, allowing educators to create a virtual classroom reading club and manage student hours completely online via a secure, easy-to-use web interface.

“Creating unique learning opportunities for students and their families is a top priority for Discovery Education,” said Mary Rollins, Discovery Education vice president of educational partnerships. “This new relationship with Six Flags provides a platform for students to get excited about reading while promoting quality family time.”

“Teachers, students and parents have enjoyed the Read to Succeed Program for many years, ” said Kristen Chung, Six Flags program manager. “We are excited to partner with Discovery Education this year to expand the program as we reach new schools and students nationwide, and continue to foster for them a life-long love of reading.”

For more information or to register for the Read to Succeed program, visit http://discoveryeducation.com/readtosucceed.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Six Flags
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is a leading operator of regional theme parks with 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Six Flags Over Texas, the company’s flagship location, was founded in 1961 and will mark its 50th anniversary season in 2011.



WebWireID126244





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.