Elephanormous Reading Challenge

Students at New Berlin Elementary received a huge reading challenge Tuesday, September 20, by Mr. Toni Vecchio, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Zoo. As part of their yearly reading goal, students will have to read a million words. If each student meets his/her goal, Principal Wanda Reese will have to work in the elephant barn at the zoo helping to clean-up after the elephants. The class who reads the most will be invited to come for a behind the scenes view and their teacher will have to help Mrs. Reese clean the barn. The top readers for each grade level will be invited to come along as well.

For students in grades 3– 5, one million words would be equivalent to 30 chapter books a year. For students in grades K-2, one million words is equivalent to reading or listening to 4 books per day. Research shows reading one million words a year supports students in becoming more proficient readers. It helps develop sufficient vocabulary, as well as creating excitement around reading every day.

The campaign unites the whole school around reading and the Read it Forward Jax Campaign. Students read books at their independent level and select books on their own personal interest. Students are held accountable for their reading in the form of a reading record or book log.