This program is no longer available. Pageturners is the program currently offered to students at Boys Town.
This program provides an avenue for students who are struggling with social and educational systems to meaningfully interact with children, literature, and their community. In this program, students who have been admitted into the local Boys Town program are given the opportunity to develop and/or enhance their love of reading and convey this love to preschool and elementary school students while learning teamwork, leadership, and presentation skills. This program is a cooperative effort between the Boys Town classroom instructor and The Literacy Alliance qualified personnel. The program is completed in three stages. Stage one—the students are instructed in the importance of children’s literature and reading aloud to children. A visit to the local library is included in the lesson. During the visit the students read and evaluate 30 or more children’s books and choose their top five favorite books. Stage two—the students are given the skills to present a 30 minute puppet show which includes scripted puppet shows, skits, magic and science tricks, and songs. This puppet show is presented to a daycare center. (Daycare centers with predominately economically disadvantaged cliental are targeted.) Stage three—following the puppet show, the students are partnered with younger students and they read together.
Sharing the fun and energy of the puppet show followed by one-on-one or small group readings transforms the struggling Boys Town students into reading mentors. They are looked up to by the younger students because of their enthusiasm and skill in the puppet show and because they have taken the time to sit quietly and share a book. This successful interaction with reading and children and the community is seen on the faces of the Boys Town students through their smiles and positive attitudes.
The Friends of the Library, Seminole County have supported this program since its inception by providing funds for puppets, a puppet stage, speaker system, and assorted props. Bruster’s Ice Cream in Oviedo generously provides the Boys Town students with ice cream treats after each puppet show presentation. We appreciate the continuing support. We couldn't do this without our community friends!
We offer our hearty congratulations to these energetic teens who are improving their own lives by making a difference in our community.
Find our movies on 
:
Earth Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQLIgURLN6w&feature=youtu.be
The Valentine's Day Bear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7biNox-AC3I&feature=youtu.be
