Balloon Artist Helps Manor Oaks Students Begin Reading Week

The students at Manor Oaks Elementary School were recently treated by the PTA to a truly unique performance to kick off their annual PARP (Parents As Reading Partners) Program.

PARP is a PTA sponsored, state-wide reading program designed to encourage children to read at home with a partner for 15 minutes each day for a period of two weeks. The program helps establish good reading habits for Manor Oaks students. 

Balloon artist Allynn Gooen from Goowin’s Balloowins, filled the stage with extraordinary balloon creations and a special performance of The Wizard of Oz. The assembly encouraged student participation where students were invited to perform this traditional story while acting out the different roles with a colorful, balloon-enhanced twist.

Gooen used balloons to turn the children into different creatures during the performance, sparking the imagination of students and teachers alike. In addition to the Wizard of Oz, the children acted out roles from other stories, including The Three Little Pigs.

Gooen has appeared on Nickelodeon and at many theaters and festivals around the world. He brought the students of Manor Oaks a creative, innovative and enthusiastic performance that the students will remember for years to come.

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