NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Aiming to improve children’s literacy rates, Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell is delivering a fun take on an author’s visit to five area schools.
On Nov. 20-21, the former New England Patriots wide receiver is transforming a traditional author visit and combining it with a pep rally and read-aloud. In addition, Mitchell is handing out over 2,000 copies of his children’s book The Magician’s Hat.
Joining forces with E3: Elevate Early Education, their initiative is to ignite a love of reading and getting books in the hands of the youth.
“When children cannot read, they cannot learn. They will struggle in school, the workforce and life. E3 is working with strategic partners to fix this problem, increase public-private investment for early literacy initiatives and implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act to help every child read by third grade,” said Lisa Howard, E3: Elevate Early Education, President and CEO.
40 percent of third graders in Virginia reportedly cannot read, according to a release.
“Third grade is a critical benchmark,” said Howard. “If they can’t read by third grade, they’re going to struggle in K through 12. They’re going to struggle in higher ed, they’re going to struggle in the workforce and quite honestly, they’re going to struggle in life!”
Mitchell aims to stress the importance of reading and share how he overcame his struggle to read.
“Growing up, I struggled to read, and I was terrified of reading. In college, I started using picture books to build my reading confidence. Once I wanted to start advocating for literacy, I thought the best way to do that was to start writing books, to inspire kids to read in the book that I’m going to share today,” said Mitchell.
Following the publishing of his children’s book, Mitchell went on to establish the Share the Magic Foundation.
“Back in 2016, I created the ‘Share the Magic Foundation’ to inspire kids to read. Since that point, I’ve been traveling around the country implementing programs in elementary schools to introduce book ownership and share my love and passion for literacy with students,” he said.
Mitchell will appear at the following times and schools:
Wednesday, Nov. 20
8:30-9 a.m. | Reading Rally at The New E3 School in Norfolk, VA
9:30-10:30 a.m. | Reading Rally at Park View Elementary in Portsmouth, VA
2-3 p.m. | Reading Rally at Ecoff Elementary School in Chesterfield, VA
Thursday, Nov. 21
9:30-10 a.m. | Meet & Greet at Sedgefield Elementary in Newport News, VA with Newport News City and School Leaders
10-11 a.m. | Reading Rally at Sedgefield Elementary in Newport News, VA
11:30-12:30 p.m. | Reading Rally at Newsome Park Elementary in Newport News, VA
5:30-6 p.m. | Networking Reception & Cocktails at ODU SB Ballard Football Stadium, Priority Automotive Suite in Norfolk, VA
6-7 p.m. | Keynote Address by Malcolm Mitchell & Conversation with Literacy Experts at ODU SB Ballard Football Stadium, Priority Automotive Suite in Norfolk, VA
For more information, visit E3VA.org.