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Reading Program Brings Football, Children Together
» Katie Carr - Peotone Vedette - 09.18.08


During high school football season, athletes anticipate Friday nights and the hope of another win. But for some Peotone High School (PHS) football players, it's what they do earlier in the day that may make the real difference in a life.

Through a program called "Leadership through Literacy," 18 junior and senior football players visit Peotone Elementary School on Fridays and read to first and second graders in hopes of teaching them positive life skills.

"The program is designed to promote character-building traits within elementary students and put those same leadership qualities and character in the football players," PHS curriculum director Paul Preuss said. "It's to show that reading doesn't stop after elementary school and that whoever you are, reading is important."

The program, which is beginning its second year, will run through Oct. 17. During the visits, three players go into each of the three first grade classrooms one week and the other players visit the three second grade classrooms the next week.

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The players, who wear their jerseys during the visit, read a book to the students, ask questions and do a fun activity that reinforces the book's message. Last week's themes included sharing, accepting and valuing each person and honesty.

"I think there's a sense of confidence instilled in the [players] that they can be a role model and have an impact and that what they do really does impact what others think," Preuss said.

Football coach Kevin Greene, PHS social worker Michelle Hessler and Preuss organized the program and plan each week's lessons, but sit back and let the athletes do the teaching. Before they visit the school, the athletes meet with Greene, Hessler and Preuss to go over the lessons.

"It promotes our program at the high school and shows community because we're all part of the same district," Preuss said. "It also promotes the idea that you can be a jock, so to speak, and still enjoy reading."

The program is also designed to help the students apply what they've learned. They do this by awarding a prize during each visit to a student who has exemplified good character traits during the prior weeks.

"We hope the lessons we do are transferred into their daily activities," Preuss said.

Each teacher has a box decorated with football pictures, and if the students are seen demonstrating a good character trait they get to write their name on a paper football, put it in the box and be entered in a drawing.

"It's a really fulfilling kind of program," Preuss said. "It bolsters the community aspect that we're a kindergarten through 12th grade district."

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