21,000 Kansas children participated in KU’s reading program

During the 2010–11 school year, 20,937 Kansas youngsters read at least 12 books as part of the University of Kansas Reading Program for Children. Students from 150 elementary and middle schools in more than 100 school districts participated. Now in its 65th year, the KU Continuing Education program promotes reading for pleasure as an essential part of the learning process.

Separate from the regular school curriculum, the KU Reading Program for Children is open to all Kansas students in grades two through six. It is designed to help teachers, parents and other adults encourage students to experience a variety of literature. In grades four and above, students read at least one book in fiction, biography, fairy tales and folk tales, history and places, and poetry.

The KU reading program offers reading tracks for life sciences, and for each book read about Kansas history, students receive a special Jayhawk bookmark.

Requirements

1. Children read at least 12 books during the academic year.
2. If in grades four and above, students must read at least one book in each of the following categories:
   
   • Biography
   • Fairy tales and folk tales
   • Fiction
   • History and places
   • Poetry
3. Sponsors must complete simple enrollment/report form for claiming rewards.

2011–2012 Program Rewards

• Certificate of Achievement, signed by the Chancellor of the University of Kansas, awarded to all children who fulfill their first year of the reading program
• Silver Seal awarded for reading a minimum of
  12 books* » View a photo
• Gold Seal awarded for reading 24 or more books* » View a photo
• Jayhawk Patch awarded to children who have earned four seals » View a photo
• Jayhawk Bookmark awarded for every book children read on Kansas History (sponsored by the Kansas State Historical Society). » View a photo
• Jayhawk Rally Towel awarded to children who read six or more of their books in the
  field of life sciences. » View a photo

*Children are eligible for only one seal per year.

Kansas History Track

In 2011, Kansas celebrates its sesquicentennial—150 years as a state. This is a great opportunity to encourage young readers to learn more about local history. The Kansas Historical Society has joined with the KU Reading Program for Children to sponsor a Kansas history track. For every book your students read on Kansas history, they will each receive a Jayhawk bookmark with a beak that opens to hold their page and a program reading list. Two bookmarks for two Kansas history books read, 20 bookmarks for 20 books read!

Life Sciences Track

Children who read half of their books in the field of life sciences will be eligible to earn a Life Sciences Award. This exciting new reading track will introduce students to the extensive world of life sciences—from dinosaurs to DNA. Kansas children are potential leaders in life sciences exploration, and this reading track will get them started on their path.

Promote a Love for Reading and Watch It Grow!

Public recognition is a great way to affirm the habit of reading. Recognition also creates interest among children who chose not to participate in the past. To draw attention to the program, sponsors often present the awards in ceremonies during a special occasion, such as Book Week (the third week in November), the first day of school, or the last day of school. We also encourage use of the University of Kansas Reading Program for Children as a summer reading program. KU Continuing Education issues the awards during April.

In early April, you will order the appropriate number of certificates, seals, and patches, using a newly improved awards order form. You can track the progress of students with this form as they move through the program year to year.

You will receive the awards you requested within seven to 10 business days.

$25	Fewer than 20 children
$40	20–49 children
$55	50–74 children
$65	75–99 children
$75	100–124 children
$85	125–149 children
$95	150–174 children
$105	More than 175 children

Awards Order Forms MUST be received by April 13, 2012.

Download an Awards Order Form

Mail: Download and mail the registration form to:
The University of Kansas
Continuing Education
Registrations
1515 St. Andrews Drive
Lawrence, KS 66047-1619

Fax: Download and fax the registration form to: 785-864-4871

Contact Us

Phone: Toll-free 877-404-5823 or 785-864-5823

TDD: 800-766-3777

Awards Data, Academic Year 2010–2011

• 150 schools in 112 Kansas cities enrolled
• 20,937 children participated
• 11,854 children received the Certificate of Achievement
• 6,884 children received a Silver Seal
• 14,053 children received a Gold Seal
• 2,510 children received a Jayhawk Patch
• 2,560 children received a Special Gift Kooler Bag
• 7,162 Jayhawk Bookmarks awarded

Program Accessibility

The University of Kansas is committed to providing programs and activities to all persons, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, and veteran status. In addition, university policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status, and parental status.

Privacy Policy

KU Continuing Education does not share, sell, or rent its mailing lists. You have our assurance that any information you provide will be held in confidence by KU Continuing Education.

We occasionally use mailing lists that we have leased. If you receive unwanted communication from KUCE, it is because your name appears on a list we have acquired from another source. In this case, please accept our apologies.

Top of Page