READING CHALLENGE — Stanton Elementary pupils in preschool through fourth grade participated in the school’s Summer Reading Challenge. Approximately 14 children read two dozen books to motivate their minds and curb the summer slide. Those taking part 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 took part in the reading challenge. -- Contributed

School Literacy Specialist Emily Henry explained the program was open to the entire school, with more than a dozen pupils taking part. The children ranged from preschoolers to those in the fourth grade. The challenge began in May and ran through August, she stated. Each child received a paper depicting small check boxes next to activities such as “Read a Book at the Beach” and “Read with a Stuffed Animal.” There were a few empty boxes added to the sheet where pupils could add their own reading events they accomplished.

“We had 14 students participate and they had the option to post photos of themselves on our school Facebook page while completing activities,” Henry said. “It was to encourage them to read over the summer and help prevent the summer slide.”

The summer slide refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge students experience during summer break. Statistics show students can lose up to three months of reading skills throughout the summer with no practice. Henry said students can become distracted by technology, but the reading challenge allows for them to cultivate a love for literature.

“It started from their first day to the last day of summer break and they could read more than 25 books,” she continued. “They loved it. I even had a parent comment they hoped it continues. It encouraged their child to read. The different activity squared definitely motivated them to read more.”

Paisley Martin, a first-grader, won a drawing permitting her to cut the ribbon on the school’s new book vending machine. She had the opportunity to select some literature of her own, as well.

At the program’s conclusion, each participant received a prize bag full of small toys, books and snacks, while their names were entered into a drawing. The winner had an opportunity to cut the ribbon on the new book vending machine provided through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. In addition, the child could select a book of their own. The lucky recipient was first-grader Paisley Martin. The ribbon-cutting event took place Aug. 29.

Henry said she plans to continue the program and was considering holding another one sooner than summer, possibly during the holiday break so as to get more students involved. Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson said the reading program definitely spurred some interest and he hopes to see it grow.

“It was nice to see the children reading and engaged over the summer and connecting over Facebook,” Peterson added.

“Plus, we saw the progress of the kids while they were off.”