Incentivizing Young Readers to ‘Quack Open a Book and Read’

Katherine Dove has witnessed the success that comes with incentivizing young readers.

As a second-grade teacher at Tallmadge Elementary School in northeast Ohio, Dove said rewarding students with prizes to get them to read not only motivates them but also gets their families involved in the effort at home.

“I believe the magic of learning and loving to read begins at home,” she said. “Parents are the first and most influential teachers in a child's life, and by fostering and incentivizing a love for books and storytelling, we empower our young readers to keep challenging themselves.”

Dove and her fellow teaching staff watched as their students’ eyes lit up with excitement when the Akron RubberDucks baseball team mascot Webster waddled into second- and fourth-grade classrooms on March 8 to introduce the “Quack Open a Book & Read” program, presented by FirstEnergy through its sponsorship of the RubberDucks. 

The program, which kicked off March 1, encourages all elementary students across northeast Ohio to read four books before April 15, and then email reading@akronrubberducks.com to earn a free ticket to a home game on April 16 or 17. 

To help kickstart the students’ reading journey, FirstEnergy provided an activity book filled with dozens of electrical safety tips, games and coloring activities to remind them how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe around electricity.

Students who participate in the reading program will be honored during the game and could be randomly selected for special prizes, including throwing out a first pitch or being the announcer for an inning.

“We’re leveraging our sports sponsorships to directly impact the communities we serve,” said Lorna Wisham, vice president of corporate affairs and community involvement at FirstEnergy. “By promoting literacy programs and encouraging a love for baseball and teamwork, FirstEnergy is investing in the growth of our future leaders and empowering the community with the tools they need to succeed.” 

Throughout March, RubberDucks mascots, staff and FirstEnergy employees will be visiting various northeast Ohio schools to read to students and encourage them to “Quack Open a Book and Read.”

FirstEnergy is a strong supporter of promoting local literacy programs. Past events have included hosting free Scholastic Book Fairs for more than 500 children in Akron Public Schools in conjunction with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Students or schools interested in participating in the “Quack Open a Book and Read” program can email the RubberDucks at reading@akronrubberducks.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Siburkis, (330) 203-8850