Four thousand, three hundred thirty-four pages in just two weeks.
That's what Lincoln Elementary School fourth-grader Masen Maggio has read during READ 2012, an activity created by Jennie Vaughn, library media specialist.
"I love to read, especially non-fiction," said Masen, who persuaded his entire family to participate in the program. "My favorite book is 'The Hunger Games' because I really liked the idea. I hope to become a reporter for a newspaper someday, so I know reading is important."
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Lincoln Elementary School READ 2012 participants celebrate reading in the school library.
Masen is just one student who volunteered to be part of the inaugural READ 2012 program, which runs through May 1. Mrs. Vaughn was making her own New Year's resolution to read more. She created READ 2012 to encourage Lincoln students in making a resolution to read more too.
"I presented the idea of setting a New Year's resolution and what my goal was, reading more," said Mrs. Vaughn. "I invited them to join me by reading 2,012 pages in five months of any type of genre. I wanted to encourage students to read for the joy of reading. I made it very clear that there were no prizes, just the prize of being a better reader."
Mrs. Vaughn hoped for a half -dozen students to sign up and was thrilled when 45 students and 14 staff members joined the challenge.
"I signed up for READ 2012 because I am constantly telling my students how reading is truly one of my favorite hobbies and that, to become a better reader, we have to practice," said third-grade teacher Julie Strong. "I wanted them to see that I truly do read on a regular basis, and that I find it to be both relaxing and fun. I think it is important that we, as teachers, can be role models of lifelong reading, and to pass that along to our students."
Mrs. Vaughn posts a pictorial graph depicting the number of pages each student and staff members have read. There is a friendly competition among participants to read the most pages. Staff members keep the amount of pages they read outside their classroom doors. Seeing their teachers, principal and librarian read inspires students to read more too.
"I love reading mysteries because I like thinking through a problem and solving the mystery," said fourth-grader Nevan Kearney, who has read 1,394 pages. "I read at least two hours a night."
It was important to Mrs. Vaughn that all ages participate in READ 2012 and learn the importance of setting goals and enjoy reading.
"My mom and I read two books every night," said second-grader Claire Conti, who has read 2,147 pages. "I like fiction and especially like anything by Dr. Seuss. But really, I love all kinds of books."