The ability to read and write effectively is a lifelong skill all children should strive to achieve.

Pupils and their families in the Palmerton Area School District can gain greater insight into that general rule of thumb as part of a Raising Readers Workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the S.S. Palmer Elementary School cafeteria.Holly Sell, a Title I reading specialist at the Parkside Education Center, said the purpose of the workshop is to "promote literacy (reading and writing) both at home and in school.""The goal of the workshop is for parents to learn new ideas and strategies that they can use at home with their children to further literacy growth," Sell said. "The workshops will provide demonstrations of activities, and then the hands-on opportunity to try those activities with a child."Sell said the workshop is a component of the district's Federal Title I Reading Program. She said invitations were sent home with all the children who are a part of the district's Title I Reading."Additionally, we extended our invitations to future Palmerton kindergarten students in Headstart and preschool," she said. "We are trying to promote parent involvement and a positive home-school connection."Sell said those who attend can "expect to gain new strategies and ideas to enhance literacy with their readers at home.""Those adults raising readers will also gain ways to make literacy a fun and exciting part of their lives," she said. "The research shows that the best way to help children grow as readers is to read to them every day. Our hope is that everyone sees how enjoyable it can be to read and write together."The Parkside Education Center and S.S. Palmer reading teams are in charge of the presentation, Sell said.The reading teams are comprised of Sell, Mrs. Malay, S.S. Palmer reading specialist, Ms. Remaly, S.S. Palmer reading specialist, Mrs. Silfies, S.S. Palmer reading specialist, and Mrs. Vito, Parkside and S.S. Palmer paraprofessional.