The 2025 Read Across Covington Reading Challenge kicks off on March 4 for children in preschool through 3rd grade, offering the chance to earn prizes for those who participate.
The challenge, which runs until April 8, encourages families to read with their children using two free digital apps: Footsteps2Brilliance and Clever Kids University. The apps are designed to help children develop skills in vocabulary, phonics, comprehension and problem-solving.
Mary Kay Connolly, director of Read Ready Covington, emphasized the role of parents and caregivers in children’s literacy development. “Learning to read starts long before school, with the encouragement and support of the adults around them,” she said.
The challenge is open to Covington children aged 3 through 3rd grade, or those enrolled in childcare or education programs within the city’s area. Both apps are available in English and Spanish and can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, laptops, or PCs.
How to Participate:
To join the challenge, children are asked to read stories and songs daily, totaling at least 75 minutes per week (around 15 minutes a day). They should also complete activities and questions on either Footsteps2Brilliance (for preschool to 3rd grade) or Clever Kids University (for preschool to kindergarten). Every child who meets these goals will be entered into a weekly raffle to win prizes.
Tracking Progress:
Each child must use their own Footsteps2Brilliance or Clever Kids University account. Parents can monitor their child’s progress using their own account, logging in and out with a secret code assigned to the child.
Prizes:
Each week for five weeks, six winners will be drawn, with a total of 30 prizes awarded throughout the challenge.
The Read Ready Covington initiative, supported by local organizations and the city, is focused on ensuring that young children in the community have the skills to become educated, engaged citizens in the future.
