Minnesota Connections Academy Launches Million Minutes Reading Challenge for its Students

Research shows that students who read regularly enjoy a wider vocabulary and increased success in school. To get students even more excited about literacy, the K-12 online public school MTS Minnesota Connections Academy has launched an all-school independent reading challenge: Can Minnesota Connections Academy students collectively read 1,000,000 minutes by the end of the school year?

“Students do a significant amount of reading during the school day,” says Lisa Jacobson Flood, English Teacher at MTS Minnesota Connections Academy. “With an additional 20 minutes of reading at home each night, our students will tap into the fantastic world that exists within books. We’re encouraging students to visit their local libraries or bookstore and start logging those minutes. The challenge also promotes quality family reading time outside of school hours.”

The Children’s Reading Foundation states that just 20 minutes a day reading aloud with young children strengthens relationships, encourages listening and language skills, promotes attention and curiosity, and establishes a strong reading foundation. These skills are essential for success in school and in life.

Participation for Minnesota Connections Academy students is easy – they simply grab a book and start reading. Students and their parents will use a computer-based reading log to keep track of time spent reading outside of school. Each month, the school will count the minutes and post an update on its message board and in its school newsletter. For more info on Minnesota Connections Academy, visit www.connectionsacademy.com/minnesota-online-school.