Program fosters reading habit

By DAWN SLADE
Mille Lacs County Times
Posted 1/23/03

Pick up a book and be excited about reading!

Each year the students at Milaca Elementary School participate in B.E.A.R. - a reading incentive program to encourage better reading habits.

Kindergarten through sixth grade students read books (or have books read to them) during the months of January, February and March.

Each student keeps track of the minutes spent reading on a calendar. Each grade has specific reading goals for the students.

Januaryís reward is a free kidís meal at Dairy Queen. Februaryís reward is a free lane of bowling at Lakeway Lanes. And Marchís reading reward is a free kidís pizza at Hobnettiís Pizza.

Bonus rewards are also available for those students who read 10 percent more than the goal. Calendars must be turned in on time to receive the bonus award (a free pint of white or chocolate milk from Olsons SuperValu).

To top it off - students who have met their reading goals will get an extra treat!

The Milaca PTA is sponsoring activities at the end of the three month period. A carnival for kindergarten through third grade students is scheduled, with swimming for the fourth through sixth graders.

There will also be drawings for prizes.

Other events taking place during B.E.A.R. include special activities for each grade level.

For example, third graders will be snuggling up with books on Valentineís Day (pjís and sleeping blankets included).

First graders will get the opportunity to read with residents of Milaca Elim Home in January.

And fourth graders will be reading during "Beach Day."

This year, t-shirts with the B.E.A.R. logo will be available for purchase.

The Milaca High School Leadership Team hosts a "Read with the Wolves" event each month at the high school. The next reading event takes place in February.

Educators highly recommend reading to children, having children read to you, and remind parents - let your children see you reading.

If youíre interested in reading to students, contact a teacher or the Milaca Elementary Office at 320-982-7301.