A practicum was developed to increase the frequency of recreational reading and improve students' attitudes towards reading. Subjects were 22 third grade students. Literacy activities incorporated included: daily recreational reading periods either with a buddy or alone, reading to children daily, incorporating children's books into content area lessons, a gossip time to discuss books read, and replacement of regular reading instruction with the use of trade books one day per week. A seminar for parents was held to share the importance of recreational reading, the parents' role in the development of this habit in children, and strategies to encourage reading. A reading incentive program involving both parents and children was established. Data concerning the children's recreational reading habits was collected regularly throughout the program. Observations of children's use of free time were made and a survey of children's reading attitudes was conducted at the end of the implementation period. Results indicated that all objectives were reached successfully and surpassed in some areas. Children demonstrated a high frequency of recreational reading, significantly more positive attitudes toward reading, and increased selection of reading as a free-time activity in the classroom. (Eleven tables of data are included and 30 references are attached. Appendixes include questions asked orally of students, Reading Challenge Parent Flyer, Reading Challenge Record Card, books available for literature time and buddy reading, and books used in Social Studies and Science units.) (Author/MG)