Sassariniopoly inspires kids to read

Kids at Sassarini are reading up a storm this month. The outburst of literary passion might have a little something to do with popcorn and Otter Pops and a lot to do with Sassariniopoly, an annual campaign at Sassarini Elementary School that runs for six weeks.
Every child at Sassarini receives a paper board that looks a lot like a monopoly board, but with a twist. Students in the lower grades advance a square for every 15 minutes they read and the upper graders advance one for every 20 minutes. Instead of Park Place, they might spot Monga Vista or Bacher Bay, places named after teachers at their schools. More critically, there are squares indicating prizes as they advance around the board – popcorn or a treat from the kitchen, even extra recess. Every Friday, the school has a raffle for a book.
Principal Leticia Cruz credited former principal Ashley Halliday with having started the program about a decade ago.
Every kid at the school participates and just about everyone makes it around the board. There is an ice cream social at the end of the six weeks. The most dedicated book-worms might circle the board as many as four times.
“It may be a little Otter Pop, but it encourages kids to read,” said Charlotte Fritz, a parent who was serving up treats with fellow parent Amber McCann. Every few minutes, a new youngster runs up clutching coupons for treats.
“Instead of ‘How much longer do I have to read?’ it becomes, ‘How many squares can I advance tonight?’” said Fritz.
“One kindergarten teacher always says, ‘Right now you’re learning to read and soon you’ll be reading to learn,’” said Mary Ann Bridant, an instructional assistant and parent.