COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A young student in Colleton County is proving that taking the time to read - especially during long school breaks - is fundamental in helping to retain knowledge and prevent regression in academics. Kylee Ayer, a second grader at Cyber Academy of South Carolina, was challenged by her mom, Shanna, to read 50 books over the summer. Then her grandad suggested a higher goal: reading five books in the morning, and five at night. The challenge grew to reading 100 books before the start of school on August 5. “Since she loves to read she was like, oh, okay, I can do that,” said mom, Shanna Ayer. “She was able to meet and really exceed that challenge." Kylee’s entire family got involved. They read books online, and Kylee read books to them. Sometimes, they took turns reading together. “It just became a fun family activity for her to read to us, us to read her, and to meet that challenge,” she said. At the end of the last school year, Kylee had a Developmental Reading Assessment, or DRA, level of 12 and she was at an 18 when tested at the beginning of the new school year. “It helped her go up six levels,” Shanna said. “That right there shows how reading can improve students over the summer with their educational levels.” Kylee kept a chart to track her reading. When the new school year started, she totaled more than 115 books, and she said her teacher was excited to learn just how much she read during the break. Provided “I like to read books about animals,” said Kylee. Her favorite? “Good Night, Gorilla” by Peggy Rathmann and “The Dinosaur Who Lost His Roar” by Russell Punter. All the books about animals inspired Kylee to consider being a veterinarian one day. Shanna said it’s important to keep young minds engaged. “It does help them improve not only in the areas of reading, but it will also help improve them in math, science, and history,” she said. Shanna said it was a wonderful opportunity for the family to enjoy together and hopes it will inspire others to do something similar. “My advice would be just to sit down and read, read with your child. You know, at least 30 minutes a day. And even if they are being read to or if they're reading, they're still receiving benefits from both. It calms the mind and gets them away from the screens and helps them focus on a story and use their imagination.” Shanna and Kylee said they may try to expand the challenge next year and aim for 150 or 200 books.