by Jen Myers
LOWELL – Early literacy is the best way to ensure future academic success – and what better way to learn than through play?
The Power2Play Program, a partnership between Project:Play2Learn and the Lowell Public Schools’ Multilingual Education Department, aims to support more that 5,000 students, including those served by the MLE department, in building critical literacy and English language skills through engaging, play-based learning – both at school and at home.
How can you help?
Project:Play2Learn has been awarded a generous Challenge Grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation to foster early literacy for young learners in Lowell. The grant challenges the Greater Lowell community to raise $5,000. In return, the Parker Foundation will contribute $10,000. All funds raised will go directly to the Power2Play Program.
To donate, visit www.projectplay2learn.org or mail a check to:
Project:Play2Learn
1661 Massachusetts Ave. Ste 382
Lexington, Ma. 02420
Lowell Public Schools’ Multilingual Language Program Coordinator Aimee Sousa chose to partner with Project:Play2Learn because each participating student receives a copy of Alphabet Zoop, a versatile award-winning game designed to support early literacy with quick, fun grade-level games that align with school curriculum, to bring home. This educational game can be played in multiple ways as skills develop and serves as a healthy educational tool turning practice into play for busy families and teachers – all while lessening screentime.
This fall, Sousa along with MLE District Support Specialists Deirdre Coffey and Emily Thompson, completed training across 17 Lowell schools, introducing PK through Grade 3 teachers to Alphabet Zoop. The Power2Play Program also provides educators with family engagement letters sharing the value of play- supported learning that is championed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Each educator-designed game includes a QR code linking to a music video for learning letter names in English and tangible game instructions in 20 languages, making it ideal for multilingual language learners.
“The Grade 1 team was very excited to play these games in class and give the Alphabet Zoop early literacy games to students to continue playful practice of skills at home,” McAvinnue Elementary School first-grade teacher Mrs. Gervais said. “My students love playing the games. They were saying the names of the letters when putting the cards in alphabetical order and letter sounds when making words. I’m excited to show parents how to use these at home.”
“As we celebrate this season of Thanksgiving, we are incredibly grateful for the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation’s belief in the power of play and educational equity,” said Priscilla Ryder Executive Director of Project:Play2Learn. “Together with the Lowell Public Schools Project:Play2Learn can help young learners build early literacy skills needed for success in school and their future, all by introducing children to the fun of learning through playing games.”
