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Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania becomes second state to launch United States of Readers program
(WHTM) — Pennsylvania recently became the second state to launch the United States of Readers program. Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education, and media company, joined Pennsylvania state lawmakers today to celebrate the program's expansion into the state. According to Scholastic, the U.S. of Readers program is a literacy program created to combat book inequity in Title I schools and rural areas. Scholastic says the program aims to allow students in these communities to read books they want. The program currently provides free books to 3,500 pre-K through 8th-grade students in five school districts in Pennsylvania, including the School District for the City of York. According to Scholastic, other districts already participating in the program include the School District of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh School District, Pittston Area School District, and Riverside School District. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania 'Year after year, literacy assessments capture how our schools cannot bridge the literacy gaps on their own. The mission of the United States of Readers program is for every child to choose and own their books and feel happy and empowered about reading,' said Judy Newman, Scholastic's Chief Impact Officer.'We are thrilled to celebrate the expansion of this program into Pennsylvania, where Scholastic was founded over 100 years ago, with members of the State Legislature and fierce education advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph. We hope these districts will be a model for others across the country, so every child can reap the benefits of choosing their own books and developing their reading proficiency and self-confidence as readers.' According to data from the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, 90% of kids say their favorite books are ones they choose themselves. The program, which starts this Spring, will allow Pennsylvania students to pick ten books to add to their at-home libraries at no cost. Sheryl Lee Ralph, an Emmy Award-winning actress who plays educator Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, spoke at the Pennsylvania State House in Harrisburg today. 'As my character, kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard would say, 'You must get things done,' and that is exactly what the State Legislature and Scholastic are doing by bringing this program to Pennsylvania,' said Ralph. 'Literacy is critically important to our students and a powerful tool to open doors and pave the way for a successful future. It is wonderful to be here to support today's event and I cannot think of a better way for Abbott Elementary to play a meaningful role in supporting education for students, teachers, and our communities—right here in Pennsylvania.' Massachusetts was the first state to launch the program back in October 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.


Globe and Mail
04-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Storyay Launches Personalized, Serialized Story Delivery for National Reading Month
Oakville, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2025) - Storyay, an innovative children's storytelling service, is launching a new initiative for National Reading Month, offering personalized, serialized story deliveries by mail. This initiative is designed to encourage reading engagement among young learners by combining personalization with the excitement of serialized storytelling. Storyay delivers Serialized and Personalized stories in the mail that children want to read this National Reading Month. Research shows that children who regularly engage in reading develop stronger literacy skills and academic performance. By introducing an interactive reading experience, Storyay aims to help children develop lasting reading habits in a screen-free format. A reader holds a mystery-themed letter while engaging with a Storyay Gift Box. Why Storyay Stands Out 1. Personalization Each Storyay story is customized based on the child's name, interests, and preferences, creating a tailored reading experience. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology (2020) found that personalized content can increase reading comprehension by up to 40% and significantly boost engagement. 2. Serialization Storyay's stories are delivered in serialized installments, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. This approach mirrors the success of serialized storytelling in building dedicated readers. According to a Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report (2023), 85% of children say they love book series because they enjoy following characters over time, and 74% feel excited to read the next installment. 3. Tangible Keepsakes Unlike digital stories, Storyay arrives as physical letters in the mail, offering a sensory experience that enhances memory and emotional connection. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2019) found that children who read print books demonstrate better comprehension and retention than those who read digitally. 4. Encouraging Lifelong Learning Storyay helps children develop a positive relationship with literature that extends far beyond childhood by making reading fun and interactive. According to the International Literacy Association (2022), children who read for pleasure are more likely to succeed academically and develop stronger critical thinking and empathy skills. The Broader Impact of Reading Happiness - A study by the University of Liverpool (2021) found that children who read regularly are more likely to report higher happiness and life satisfaction levels. Academic Success - Research from the OECD (2022) shows that students who read for pleasure score significantly higher on standardized math, science, and reading tests than their non-reading peers. Empathy and Social Skills - A study published in Science (2023) revealed that children who read stories, especially those with personalized or relatable characters, develop stronger empathy and social skills. Join the Celebration This National Reading Month, Storyay invites families, educators, and media to explore how personalized, serialized stories can transform the way children read. To learn more about Storyay's latest reading initiatives, visit Lucy from Ontario, aged 10 receiving her Storyay. Links to sources quoted in this release National Literacy Trust (2023) Study on reading for pleasure and mental well-being. Reading for mental wellbeing: Children and young people's voices in 2023 | National Literacy Trust A short report sharing what children and young people told us about reading for mental wellbeing in 2023. National Literacy Trust Journal of Educational Psychology (2020) Study on personalized content and reading comprehension. Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report (2023) Data on children's love for book series and serialized reading. Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report American Academy of Pediatrics (2019) Study on print books vs. digital reading for comprehension and retention. Differences in Parent-Toddler Interactions With Electronic Versus Print Books International Literacy Association (2022) Research on reading for pleasure and academic success. University of Liverpool (2021) Study on reading and happiness in children. Can reading for pleasure improve your life? OECD (2022) Data on reading for pleasure and academic performance. Reading literacy - OECD Science Journal (2023) Study on reading and empathy development in children. About Storyay Storyay is a passion-driven project founded by a team of storytellers, illustrators, and creatives who believe every child deserves to see themselves in a story. By combining personalization, engaging activities, and the excitement of receiving letters, Storyay is making reading fun again-one mailbox at a time. Cannot view this video? Visit:

Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Storyay Launches Personalized, Serialized Story Delivery for National Reading Month
Oakville, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2025) - Storyay, an innovative children's storytelling service, is launching a new initiative for National Reading Month, offering personalized, serialized story deliveries by mail. This initiative is designed to encourage reading engagement among young learners by combining personalization with the excitement of serialized storytelling. Storyay delivers Serialized and Personalized stories in the mail that children want to read this National Reading Month. Research shows that children who regularly engage in reading develop stronger literacy skills and academic performance. By introducing an interactive reading experience, Storyay aims to help children develop lasting reading habits in a screen-free format. A reader holds a mystery-themed letter while engaging with a Storyay Gift Box. Why Storyay Stands Out 1. Personalization Each Storyay story is customized based on the child's name, interests, and preferences, creating a tailored reading experience. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology (2020) found that personalized content can increase reading comprehension by up to 40% and significantly boost engagement. 2. Serialization Storyay's stories are delivered in serialized installments, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. This approach mirrors the success of serialized storytelling in building dedicated readers. According to a Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report (2023), 85% of children say they love book series because they enjoy following characters over time, and 74% feel excited to read the next installment. 3. Tangible Keepsakes Unlike digital stories, Storyay arrives as physical letters in the mail, offering a sensory experience that enhances memory and emotional connection. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2019) found that children who read print books demonstrate better comprehension and retention than those who read digitally. 4. Encouraging Lifelong Learning Storyay helps children develop a positive relationship with literature that extends far beyond childhood by making reading fun and interactive. According to the International Literacy Association (2022), children who read for pleasure are more likely to succeed academically and develop stronger critical thinking and empathy skills. The Broader Impact of Reading Happiness - A study by the University of Liverpool (2021) found that children who read regularly are more likely to report higher happiness and life satisfaction levels. Academic Success - Research from the OECD (2022) shows that students who read for pleasure score significantly higher on standardized math, science, and reading tests than their non-reading peers. Empathy and Social Skills - A study published in Science (2023) revealed that children who read stories, especially those with personalized or relatable characters, develop stronger empathy and social skills. Join the Celebration This National Reading Month, Storyay invites families, educators, and media to explore how personalized, serialized stories can transform the way children read. To learn more about Storyay's latest reading initiatives, visit Lucy from Ontario, aged 10 receiving her Storyay. Links to sources quoted in this release National Literacy Trust (2023) Study on reading for pleasure and mental well-being. A short report sharing what children and young people told us about reading for mental wellbeing in 2023. National Literacy Trust Journal of Educational Psychology (2020) Study on personalized content and reading comprehension. Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report (2023) Data on children's love for book series and serialized reading. Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report International Literacy Association (2022) Research on reading for pleasure and academic success. University of Liverpool (2021) Study on reading and happiness in children. Can reading for pleasure improve your life? Science Journal (2023) Study on reading and empathy development in children. About Storyay Storyay is a passion-driven project founded by a team of storytellers, illustrators, and creatives who believe every child deserves to see themselves in a story. By combining personalization, engaging activities, and the excitement of receiving letters, Storyay is making reading fun again-one mailbox at a time. 403 879 9272