Covington, Ky. – The Read Ready Covington initiative is launching its annual reading challenge on March 4 for children from preschool to 3rd grade. Participants in the event have the opportunity to win prizes.
The 2025 Read Across Covington Reading Challenge will run until April 8 and encourages families to engage with their children using the free digital apps Footsteps2Brilliance and Clever Kids University. These apps are designed to enhance vocabulary, phonological awareness, comprehension, and problem-solving skills.
Mary Kay Connolly, director of Read Ready Covington, emphasized the importance of adult involvement in a child's learning process. "People often think learning to read is a natural process and starts in school. Actually, the first and crucial knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes about learning occur starting at birth with active encouragement and participation by the adults in a child’s life," said Connolly.
Children aged 3 through 3rd grade residing or attending educational programs within Covington can access these digital resources available in English and Spanish on various devices.
To participate in the challenge, children must read stories and songs daily for at least 75 minutes each week using Footsteps2Brilliance or Clever Kids University. Progress is tracked through individual accounts with secret codes for login. Parents can also monitor their child's progress through their own accounts.
Throughout the five-week challenge, six students will be selected weekly for prizes, totaling 30 awards.
The initiative aims to foster literacy among young children to prepare them as future educated citizens. More information is available on Read Ready Covington's webpage.