Pick a Reading Partner

PARP TOOLKIT

Learning to read is the single most important activity in a child’s education. Studies show that children who read at home are better prepared to succeed in formal education.

PARP is a program that asks a partner (parent, grandparent, babysitter, older sibling, cousin, friend, etc.) to read with a child for at least 20 minutes daily.

PARP, developed in 1978 by NYS Senator James Donovan, is a program that cements the necessary bond between the home and the school to encourage love of reading in our children.  The program was originally named Parents As Reading Partners but was changed in 2015 to support more inclusive language.

PARP programs vary in length, there is no annual or required theme, and can run at little to no cost!

NYS PTA has created the Pick A Reading Partner (PARP) Toolkit for your review! And Check out these great ideas on how to PARP in a Virtual Environment!

PARP Application due May 15, 2025, can be found at the end of Section 1 in the PARP Toolkit.

Literacy Resources

NEW! Summer is an opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. However, it also brings the challenge of the “summer slide,” a phenomenon where children often experience a decline in their academic skills during the break. This regression can lead to losses in both math and reading abilities that they have developed throughout the school year.
 
To combat this issue, NYS PTA’s Literacy Team has comprised a list of resources and support for you and your Pre K-12 children. Explore these valuable opportunities below to help prevent the summer slide and ensure continued academic growth. Click here to learn more! 

Check out these Parent Resources for ideas on literacy! You can find information for:

National PTA also has a new reading program, the Family Reading Experience.