Local Kindergartner Reads More Than 1,000 Books

Students at Four Seasons Elementary School were encouraged this year to read as many books as possible. 

One local kindgergartner jumped feet first into the school's "accelerated reader" program, consuming a total of 1,003 books during the school year. 

Jake Schachter, age 6, averaged between three or four books read each day since September, including weekends and vacation. He read books in the morning before school. He read them after he got home. He read them before bedtime. Any spare moment he had was spent with a book. 

"I like reading because you can use your imagination," he said. 

Jake's passion for reading led to frequent trips to the West County Area Library, where he and his parents and sister would exit with bags full of books. He grew fond of classics like the Berenstain Bears and Dr. Seuss, but said his favorite may be "If You Give a Dog A Donut."

Under the accelerated reader program, students must pass an online test for reading comprehension in order to get credit for each book read. At his age, Jake was permitted to tell whether he read the book alone or with the help of family members. As the year went on, though, he found himself reading most of the books without assistance. 

Jake accumulated points for each book read, which can be exchanged for prizes at the end of the school year. He also collected special charms for reaching certain milestones, and now proudly wears a necklace with more than a dozen charms. 

For his efforts, Jake also got special recognition at a recent Bowie Baysox game. 

Jake's father, Jonathan, said he was impressed with his son's ability to stay focused on reading throughout the year. 

"We were proud that he was able to stay so consistent and focused," Jonathan Schachter said. "It was a whole family experience, and it brought us together."