Did you realize that kids today are more likely to choose video games or television over reading? Unfortunately, this will clearly affect their abilities and academic success. Did you know that the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a division of the US Department of Education that provides results on student achievement, has directly linked reading for fun with academic success? Did you know that, as part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, the Department of Education kicked off Let’s Read! in July 2011?

That’s a lot of questions, I know, but the tons of statistics out there that all point to one BIG answer: All children benefit from learning to read; reading more; and reading for enjoyment.

We need to lure children away from video games, social media, and television and show them that reading can be just as incredible and engaging. According to the NAEP, Pennsylvania’s 4^th graders last Reading Assessment scores found only 37% scored Proficient or Advanced and 63% scored Basic or Below Basic. Proficient means they are meeting grade level standards. Anything below that indicates only a partial understanding of reading at the 4^th grade level. Those scores need to improve for the sake of the kids. They will need to read well for many years in school, work, and life.  We need to motivate these kids to read more. If they read more, their skills and comprehension will improve. But how do we motivate them?

One key to inspiring children to read more for fun is to present reading in an entertaining way. If a student sees reading as a chore, they will resist it. This makes total sense. Nobody considers chores to be fun, do they? Reading Assembly Programs for elementary, primary and intermediate schools can keep our students interested in reading and maybe even encourage them to read more! Pennsylvania PTA and PTO organizations are searching for assemblies that support PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) and that are interesting, fun, and good additions to their curriculums.

This is where I come in. My "Read to Succeed" program is a perfect accompaniment to book fairs, Turn Off TV Week, National Library Week, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Celebration, and of course Let’s Read!

In my programs, I introduce popular children’s books to get kids excited about them with my magic. I talk about how life inside of books is like finding a treasure. I stress the importance of taking good care of books – especially library books. My show will not only motivate students to read, teachers and administrators will have renewed ideas and interests as well… After all, who doesn’t like magic?

Why not offer your students some valuable lessons about reading in an entertaining, engaging, and totally unique way? "Read to Succeed" will illuminate the magic of reading for your elementary students!

Reading School Assembly Program Reviews

Laura S., School Counselor, School 16 - Troy, NY

Amazing Magic Tricks:  Magic engages children and adults alike. I use magic to engage my audience while providing educational content that supports your curriculum!

Age-Appropriate Humor:  Kids LOVE jokes. And I have more than a few that will keep them entertained. I’ll hold their attention so you don’t have to worry about discipline issues!