Reading Revolution:
Literacy and Life Kickoff Presentation

September 20, 2011
Phoenix, Arizona

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The Kids Need to Read “Reading Revolution” program kicked off at ASU Preparatory Academy with a presentation built around The Softwire series. Reading Revolution's goal is to increase literacy rates and decrease dropout rates through innovative literacy instruction aimed at middle school students. Kids Need to Read is partnering with Arizona State University and ASU Preparatory Academy to produce this innovative curriculum. KNTR provided class sets of The Softwire series, as well as check-out copies. Video webcam and conferencing with author PJ Haarsma was provided by Kids Need to Read via a Skype grant. Teachers at ASU Preparatory Academy are integrating the series into their English language arts, math, science, and social studies core curriculum. Other units of study will follow The Softwire program over a two-year period.

Photographs © Bruce Matsunaga

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ASU Professor in Residence Josephine Marsh introduces The Softwire program to the students. © Bruce Matsunaga Aliens Blazore and Gayree compare life on Orbis with life on Earth. © Bruce Matsunaga Author PJ Haarsma listens to the introduction via Skype video conferencing. © Bruce Matsunaga © Bruce Matsunaga © Bruce Matsunaga PJ playfully provides laughter prompts in the background. © Bruce Matsunaga “Sympathy Applause” © Bruce Matsunaga PJ talks to the students about the possibility of life on other planets and space travel. © Bruce Matsunaga The students listen attentively to the author. © Bruce Matsunaga Blazore chooses students to participate in a demonstration of the vast distances of space. © Bruce Matsunaga Balls represent the sun and various planets. © Bruce Matsunaga Kids eagerly try to answer PJ's questions. © Bruce Matsunaga Kids ask PJ questions at the end of the program. © Bruce Matsunaga