Name of the game: Bingo for Books

PABLO — Many parents struggle to get their children to put down games and pick up a book. Ironically, Pablo Elementary uses a classic game to reach their objective and get kids to read.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, Pablo Elementary hosted Bingo for Books night in an effort to get books into the hands of young students. Thanks to teachers volunteering their personal time for the night to help facilitate the event, Bingo for Books allows kids and their families to have a fun, family-oriented night while giving students the chance to win important prizes.

“Parents love to come play bingo with their kids,” Terrie Alger, reading facilitator at Pablo Elementary, said. “What our hopes are is that parents will read with their kids the books they take home.”

In the event’s eighth year, Bingo for Books doesn’t struggle to garner a crowd. Because it’s a free, fun, family night, Alger sees hundreds of people come out to try to win books, while enjoying popcorn and drinks.

“Our gym is full,” Alger said. “We use every lunch table we’ve got and then we line chairs up around the gym. It’s a good turnout.”

Thanks to grants, Ronan School District No. 30’s Indian Education department purchases the books from Scholastic, an organization dedicated to helping children read. On Tuesday, 350-400 books for a K-6 audience will be distributed to bingo winners, but the impact will be felt beyond just one night on a pair of fronts.

The obvious benefit, students bringing books home, is going to help peak their interest and excitement to sit down and read, but the impact is felt beyond that.

“Many of the kids who leave here after fourth grade have younger brothers and sisters and they like coming back for Bingo for Books,” Alger said.

One of the biggest factors in getting kids to read, according to Alger, are the parents. Since they’re so instrumental in getting children to read, it’s important to get them involved in events such as Bingo for Books.

“It shows a desire on the part of the parents to help their kids become better readers,” Alger said.

Reading is clearly a crucial element in a child’s learning and development, but is often passed up for more “fun” activities.

However, thanks to Bingo for Books, local kids are turning into avid readers “B4” our very eyes.