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New Book Adventure Web Site Helps Kids Read More, Better Interactive, Cutting-Edge Technology to Get Students Back to the Books April 21, 1999 - Washington, DC, USA - The Sylvan Learning Foundation today launched Book AdventureTM, an unprecedented FREE online program that will motivate millions of students nationwide to achieve reading success with today's interactive, made-for-kids technology. "In this age of point and click, it's more important than ever for children to have strong reading skills," said Douglas Becker, president of Sylvan Learning Foundation. Book Adventure is the first non-profit, Web-based program of its kind to focus exclusively on motivating kids to read. According to Becker, the staggering percentage of U.S. students reading below grade level indicates that young people should read moreÐBook Adventure makes them want to read more. Book Adventure lets students select the books they want to read, a method that's proven effective in promoting independent, versatile readers, according to reading scholars such as Linda Gambrell. Students can log on to www.bookadventure.org anywhereÐat home, at school or at the libraryÐat any time. With the help of the program's mascots, Rex Reader and Bailey Bookmark, students create tailor-made book lists from over 3,000 recommended titles. Educational content for the Book Adventure program was provided in part by R.R. Bowker Company. To open access and eliminate the expense associated with computer-based reading programs, Book Adventure is being offered free of charge. Book Adventure uses the Internet to bring the excitement of reading into as many homes and classrooms as possible, according to Becker. Book Adventure uses computer technology to lead students back to the library and to encourage them to read longer, more frequently, and with greater comprehension. "As an Internet leader, Lycos understands the positive reach and impact that can be achieved with the Web and is proud to support Book Adventure," said Madeline Mooney, vice president of communications of Lycos, a corporate sponsor of the program. "Book Adventure harnesses the power of the Internet to create a critical linkage between reading and advanced technology." Students go off-line to read the books on their lists, then return to Book Adventure where they earn points by answering questions on the Quiz-O-Matic. They also receive rewards, prizes and incentives for their reading success. With parental consent, these rewards can include prizes from corporate sponsors including barnesandnoble.com, Lycos, and Houghton Mifflin. "Our contribution to Book Adventure represents our commitment to education and literacy," said Nader F. Darehshori, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Houghton Mifflin. "At Houghton Mifflin, we care deeply about literacy and are dedicated to providing resources that motivate children to read independently. That is why we are delighted to join in this important endeavor," he said. Joy Marcus, Vice President of Business Development, barnesandnoble.com, added, "The synergy between barnesandnoble.com's products and content and Book Adventure's commitment to reading makes this partnership powerful." To celebrate Book Adventure's launch and to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Sylvan Learning Centers, 30,000 schools across the country will receive the Book Adventure School Starter Kit, a comprehensive user guide complete with simple instructions, an activity guide, a book list, in-class posters and a wall chart. The tip-oriented kit also helps teachers use Book Adventure's built-in management tools to track and measure students' independent reading progress and understanding. Book Adventure generates individual and class reports that allow parents and teachers to gauge children's understanding and share in their accomplishments. Several of the nation's leading literacy and educational organizations have provided guidance for the Book Adventure initiative. The program's Educational Advisory Committee includes the International Reading Association, Reading Is Fundamental, Inc., National Center for Family Literacy, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Catholic Educational Association, National Alliance of Black School Educators, DC Public Library System, and Baltimore Reads, Inc. To request a Book Adventure School Starter Kit, please click here, while supplies last. |
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