Clay Central/Everly Elementary has recently completed their first Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Reading Challenge. Students PK-6 grade read a total of 11,675 minutes at home in a mere two-week time frame. This achievement gave reason for celebration, and students were awarded a treat and a free book to take home.

CC/E has been carrying on the RIF tradition for decades with classroom reading being of upmost importance, along with their request for families to read with their children at home. Research shows that reading within the home for 15 minutes a day will only further a child's reading and overall learning achievement. Children that read over 30 minutes per day have seen even greater educational gains.

Scholastic has suggested "Seven Ways to Build A Better Reader" in helping to make reading a lifelong habit. They include:

• Read aloud with your child. Find a comfortable spot where the two of you can read together every day for about 30 minutes. Take turns reading chapters from a book for pleasure, or read books to them that are above their reading level, but are about things that interest them.

• Encourage all reading. Comic books and magazines can provide a good reading experience. As long as they are age appropriate, don't discourage the child's interest. Keep a stock of high-quality books in your home so they have other options easily available. Another great place to visit for high-quality books is the Royal or Everly public libraries.

• Keep a dictionary handy. Together, look up words your child doesn't know and invest in a dictionary that they can use on their own.

• Use informative books. Encourage reading for information. While the internet is an easy resource, teach your child that books are often more detailed.

• Discuss the books. Ask your child what an author's main theme is, how characters are alike or different, what they like or dislike about the story, and how it compares to other books they have read. Share your own thoughts.

• Expect plateaus. Following some big leaps in your child's progress, they may stay at the same reading level for several months. Keep encouraging them and offer praise.

• Set a good example. Read for your own pleasure and information every day at home, in a room without a television.

Clay Central/Everly encourages all to keep reading at home for fun. RIF is possible due to the support of Royal and Everly Lions Clubs and CC/E Community Schools.