Former Braves and Atlanta Falcons star Brian Jordan has joined forces with the Douglas County School System to inspire third grade students to read. Jordan will speak to third graders at all 20 elementary schools in August.
Through the Brian Jordan Foundation, third graders will receive several reading incentives, including three books written by Jordan and a "sports card" tracker that will assist students, teachers, and parents in charting reading progress. Jordan will reward students and schools that conquer their reading goals with prizes including Braves hats and tickets, foam fingers, and personal shout outs. Some top readers meeting specified criteria will attend an Atlanta Braves home game with the famous athlete, and Jordan will join students for lunch and a game of kickball at schools with the highest percentage of students meeting their goals.
From his own childhood experience, Jordan understands the struggles young readers face and the importance of being proficient in reading by the end of third grade. He hopes even the most reluctant readers will become excited about the competitive aspect of the program.
Jordan is pictured above at his visits to Dorsett Shoals Elementary and Sweetwater Elementary this week.
