Chatfield Elementary kicks off new reading program - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

CHATFIELD, Minn. (KTTC) -- A new program at Chatfield Elementary School is challenging kids to read more.

Every Chatfield Elementary student is participating in the 100 Book Challenge.

Action 100 Coordinator Elissa Johnsrud says each book is tailored to the students' reading level.

"Kids weren't comprehending what they were reading or they were above the level of the book in the classroom so this program really matches the child to the text," Johnsrud said.

The goal is to complete 800 steps by the end of the school year.

Each step is 15 minutes of reading.

Students try to accomplish 4 steps a day, that's a total of one hour of reading.

"The kids have tubs of books to choose from so it's a huge student choice. Whether they like nonfiction books about dinosaurs or fairytale books about princesses, there is a wide selection of books to choose from," Johnsrud explained.

Students read for 30 minutes in class and 30 more at home.

They then log their results.

"You just lose yourself in a book. You can make your own movie in your own mind," Johnsrud said.

Tuesday night was the official kickoff the 100 Book Challenge.

Parents attended a meeting to learn how they can help their kid when reading at home.