Jeannette students party over pancakes as incentive to read more

While Jeannette elementary students savored pancakes Friday, their teachers relished the opportunity to have a little fun at school once again.

Teachers used a pancake party as an incentive to encourage reading in their classrooms. It has worked, said first grade teachers Lou Anne Gansor and Cathy Harbaugh.

“They just took off with that,” Harbaugh said. “It really has helped them. They want to read to each other, they want to read to us.”

It’s been awhile since such a celebration was possible, Gansor said — closures and restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic now appear to be loosening as cases fall. So it was enjoyable for the adults at the school building, too.

“It just makes for a fun time,” she said.

“I just think that kids need to be kids,” Harbaugh said.

Students accomplished reading goals either in class or at home in conjunction with the National Education Association’s Read Across America, which promotes reading year round. Educators are encouraged to help connect students to diverse stories and the program suggests books for students of various ages to read each month.

Community members and school board directors helped by passing out plates and pancakes and topping them with sprinkles, syrup, whipped cream and candy corn. Gansor said the pancakes and toppings were supplied by Eat ‘n Park. Independence Excavating Inc. gave each student a book.