200 Decorah and North Winneshiek students learn the joy of reading by taking part in "The Reading Games"

Some 200 Decorah and North Winneshiek students have been taking part this school year in "The Reading Games," a program to encourage 3rd through 6th graders to read books.

The Reading Games started in November.  Students are placed in teams of 4-6 students. They split a list of 20 books so that everyone reads some of the books. They meet periodically with a volunteer coach and discuss the books and chart their progress.

At Tuesday's wrap-up festivities, 5th and 6th grade students wore costumes and took part in a "Parade of Teams." The Games ended with awards and a pizza party to celebrate everyone's accomplishments.

The Reading Games is organized by the schools' gifted/talented programs and is open to all students.