Competition Encourages Youth to Keep Reading

POUGHKEEPSIE – There is no prize more valuable than knowledge. That is the mantra of a new program at Clinton Elementary School.

The Read the World competition program was introduced to two Clinton fifth-grade classes on Jan. 25 and it is geared toward heightening students’ reading abilities, strengthening their comprehensive skills, and getting them excited about reading. Until late April, students will be monitored for their comprehension of “Nic Blake and the Remarkable: The Manifestor Prophecy” by Angie Thomas and then quizzed weekly on it during February and March. Teachers will identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, see where improvements can be made, and sustain areas they excel in.

Three students who score the highest during the program will then compete in a “Jeopardy!” style game where they can win prizes. City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers helped support the program because children can learn about everything from history to life skills from being able to read.

Unsupported image type.“It’s very important that our children learn to read and to engage in reading books more often instead of being on social media,” Flowers said. “We want you to stay engaged and be excited about it (reading).” Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser asked students if they wanted to be successful academically and in life and while all raised their hands, not as many did when asked if they liked to read. He noted that learning how to read is crucial for success. “Mastering reading is important because you read throughout your entire life,” Rosser said.

Clinton Principal Dr. David Scott told students that no matter who wins the competition, they will be winners for one simple reason. “You’re going to be reading more and reading is winning,” Scott said. “You’re all going to win.” Janelle Ryland is excited to participate because she loves reading adventure stories and playing trivia games. She is well prepared as her class is constantly learning new words and their meanings.

“We look around the word, beyond the word, we look for anything that could help us figure out what this word is,” Ryland explained. “When I think about it, I’m like ‘I love this,’ so this is why I’m excited.”

Micah Phillip is an avid reader who would be happy to make it to the final round, even if he does not win a prize. “I don’t care about the prizes,” Phillip said. “I’m just doing it for fun.” J’Anna Campbell believes the competition will help her learn how to pronounce certain words, as well as improve her reading. “I think the competition will upgrade my reading level,” Campbell said. “I’m excited about the book.”