Stanton students take part in reading challenge | News, Sports, Jobs

READING CHALLENGE – Stanton Elementary students from preschool through fourth grade participated in the school's Summer Reading Challenge. About 14 children read two dozen books to motivate their minds and stop summer regression. Participants in the program included (from left) front, Paisley Martin, Gracie Board, Brynlee Wood, Lily Hooper, Ensley Gaffney and Daisy Ryan; and back, Zane Adams, Harper Shreve, Matthew Visyak, Noah Christian, Tristin Wallace and Lliam Ryan. Gracie Adams also participated in the reading challenge. – Contributed

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AMMONDSVILLE — Even though there was no school during the summer, students at Stanton Elementary School still managed to open their books and read as they completed the annual Summer Reading Challenge event.

Emily Henry, a school literacy specialist, said the program is open to the entire school, with more than a dozen students participating. The children ranged from preschoolers to fourth-graders. The challenge began in May and ran through August, she explained. Each child received a sheet of paper with little checkboxes next to activities such as “reading a book on the beach” and “reading with a stuffed animal.” A few blank boxes were added to the sheet for students to write in their own reading assignments that they had completed.

“Fourteen students participated and they had the opportunity to post photos of themselves on our school Facebook page while participating in the activities,” said Henry. “This was to encourage them to read during the summer and help prevent summer regression.”

“Summer slump” refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge that students experience during summer break. Statistics show that students can lose up to three months of reading ability over the course of the summer if they don't practice. Henry said students can be distracted by technology, but the reading challenge allows them to develop a love of literature.

“It started on the first day of summer vacation and lasted until the last day, and they were able to read more than 25 books,” she continued. “They loved it. I even had a comment from a parent who hoped it would continue. It encouraged their child to read. The different activities in the square definitely motivated them to read more.”

Paisley Martin, a first-grader, won a raffle that allowed her to cut the ribbon on the school's new book vending machine. She also had the opportunity to select some literature for herself. — Contributed

At the end of the program, each participant received a prize bag filled with small toys, books and snacks, and their names were entered into a drawing. The winner had the opportunity to cut the ribbon on the Jefferson County Educational Service Center's new book vending machine. The child also got to choose a book of their own. The lucky recipient was first-grader Paisley Martin. The grand opening was held on August 29.

Henry said she wants to continue the program and is considering holding another program earlier than the summer, possibly during the holidays, to get more students involved. Kodi Peterson, principal of Stanton Elementary School, said the reading program has definitely generated interest and he hopes it continues to expand.

“It was nice to see the kids reading and engaging over the summer and connecting on Facebook,” Peterson added.

“We were also able to observe the children’s progress in their free time.”