Reading for success Published Feb. 16, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Whether it is in third or tenth grade, students are told time and again the value of maintaining proficient reading skills for academic success. For one sixth grade student, Trinity Chapa, daughter of Capt. Mark Chapa, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance operation officer, her devotion to reading led her to be ranked among the top three in the 2011 Ward County Spelling Bee held at Minot State University Feb. 2. She was part of a group comprised of eight students from the base's North Plains Elementary, Dakota Elementary and Memorial Middle School, who competed against approximately 90 other students from various schools in Ward County. Teresa Chapa explained reading has always been very important to her family and that it has truly helped her daughter be successful in school. "Trinity is an avid reader," said Mrs. Chapa. "Reading has helped her tremendously in all academic areas." Trinity said she loves to read so much she averages reading one book per week. She explained her commitment to reading ultimately lead to her success at the spelling bee contest because she is constantly exposed to new words. Chelsea Battles, North Plains Elementary school teacher explained the benefits of reading. "Children who constantly read are more likely to increase their knowledge of vocabulary," said Mrs. Battles. "It also increases their spelling skills and will improve their chances of succeeding in other subjects as well." She stressed the importance of keeping children engaged in reading regardless of the material. "There are some instances where parents don't agree with what children are reading," said Mrs. Battles. "They may think their child is reading books that seem too easy or not worthwhile." However, Mrs. Battles explained children need to be able to read what they enjoy. "If we let children read what they are fond of, they are more likely to reach for another book," she said. "Eventually they might come to really enjoy reading." Mrs. Battles also encouraged parents to spend time discussing reading material with their children. It is usually positive reinforcement students receive when they engage parents in book discussions. "Parents can let their kids talk to them about what they just read," said Mrs. Battles. "Summarizing and re-telling is a skill that takes time to master and it engages the mind." Mrs. Battles said overall students who enjoy reading are more likely to be better students all around with good academic scores. "I'm very proud of Trinity's success at the spelling bee contest," said Mrs. Battles. "She loves to learn and her hard work paid off."