Lowell – The nonprofit Project: Play2Learn is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Lowell Public Schools, made possible by a generous grant from The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation.

This initiative introduces young learners to engaging literacy-based games in class and where each LPS Kindergarten child receives a gift of the educational game ‘Alphabet Zoop’ game to bring home to play again and again, all at no cost for families due to the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation grant. These quick literacy games are played in LPS kindergartens to support the science of reading and foster joy in learning and strengthening pre-reading skills.

LPS Engages Students through Play-Based Learning

The Power2Play for Literacy Program, is a collaboration between Lowell Public Schools’ Superintendent Liam Skinner, LPS Multilingual Language Education Coordinator Aimee Sousa, and the nonprofit Project: Play2Learn.  With financial support from The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, each LPS Kindergarten student will receive a gift of the early literacy game of ‘Alphabet Zoop’ to bring home, the same educational game used in their classroom. By having this ‘tool’ at home, together they support educational equity and joy in pre-reading skills.

By transforming literacy practice into play, the Power2Play for Literacy Program encourages school and family engagement while reducing ‘screen’ time. Each Theodore Edson Parker Foundation funded Alphabet Zoop game includes a QR code for families to find instructions in 20 languages and a link to an engaging ABC music video reinforcing letter names through song.

 Theodore Edson Parker Foundation’s Generosity Creates Lasting Impact

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation’s grant comes at a pivotal time, enabling Project: Play2Learn to distribute 1500 early literacy games to Lowell’s Kindergarten students this year.  Each PK, K and Grade 1 teacher have also received a game to keep at school to play classroom games that seamlessly support their curriculum with children learning by having fun.

With appreciation for the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, a major benefactor empowering the children of Lowell Public Schools to engage and enjoy practicing pre-reading skills through the Power2Play Program. LPS Kindergarteners will use their free gifts of Alphabet Zoop games for two years, playing K games this year and more challenging games next year in Grade 1. LPS children now in PK will be playing early literacy games in class this year – and can look forward to receiving their free gifts of Alphabet Zoop games next year.

“As we begin to celebrate the season of Thanksgiving, we are incredibly grateful to The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation for believing in the power of play and educational equity,” said Priscilla Ryder, Executive Director of Project: Play2Learn. “Through this Power2Play for Literacy Program partnership with LPS, we are building a foundation for lifelong interest in reading by making learning fun and accessible for the participating young children in Lowell.”

Thanks to The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation’s generosity, every participating kindergartener in Lowell Public Schools will have their own screen-free educational resource at home to continue practicing essential literacy skills. This tangible and versatile game is a gift for families to open again and again – transforming playtime into a powerful learning experience with several games that foster literacy, social-emotional, English, and critical thinking skills.

We are truly thankful for the work of Superintendent Liam Skinner, Ms. Aimee Sousa, Lowell’s Multilingual Education Coordinator and the PK, K, and Grade 1 educators at the Lowell Public Schools, as well as the generosity of The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation for making the school year a celebration of learning and joy for Lowell Public School’s young learners! To learn more about this initiative helping children learn through play, visit ProjectPlay2Learn.org.