If reading was a sport, Hunt Elementary School fourthgrade student Browning Tudor would probably be destined for the Olympics.
In the school’s Accelerated Reading Program, educators established the “100 Points Club” to encourage students to read more books of their own choosing on their level during the school year, according to Instructional Coach Amy Arroyo. Browning not only met the goal of 100, but she surpassed it by reaching 500 points — five times the mark of excellence set for students.
“By the morning of the last day of the challenge, she had earned 500.7 points,” Arroyo said. “We are so proud of Browning and excited to celebrate this accomplishment with her. Only two other students made the 100-point club this year, for comparison. The word I think best describes Browning is driven.”
During the school year students take a short quiz after each book they read. Passing scores on quizzes can earn from 0.5 points for simple picture books to 25 or 30 points for long chapter books such as Harry Potter. The program assigns students a points goal based on their reading ability and an expected daily reading time of about 20 minutes. Most students have an annual goal of 30-50 points. At the end of the school year, an awards ceremony with prizes is held to congratulate students on their achievements.
The youngster showed signs of becoming a star reader early on, said Jennifer Patton, Browning’s mother.
“Browning has been an excellent reader since she learned to put two words together to make a word,” Patton said. “She loves to read. She always has a book with her, even when she goes to sporting events. It’s neat to see her up in the stands at her sister’s games with a book. I’m always amazed that in the midst of the yelling and excitement she can have her nose in a book and not miss a page.”
Browning confirms she does love to read, and there is a good reason for it.
“I do love reading because it is so interesting to see how every character tells their own story,” Browning said. “I feel like you can go anywhere with reading all while staying in the same place.”
Browning’s reading teacher Slone Blackwell called her an “absolutely amazing student.”
“Even after achieving her 500-point goal and Accelerated Reading being over for the year, she still is reading daily in class,” Blackwell noted. “She has a love for reading that you don't see very often in students this age.”
Blackwell added that Browning will read overnight about information discussed in class to learn more and share it with others the next day.
“She is respectful, helpful, a great friend, and more,” Blackwell said. “She is truly special, and it has been a blessing to have her in my Reading class this year. She will do big things.”
Hunt Elementary Principal Bridgette Cerny said Browning stands out in the school in all studies, not just reading.
“Browning is a stellar student — a high achiever who is driven, goal-focused, curious, and inquisitive,” Cerny said. “She is intelligent with a vast vocabulary. Browning excels in all her academic endeavors.”
