The Southeast Missourian asked fourth-grade students at Jefferson Elementary School about their television viewing and book reading habits. A recent report by "The Nation's Report Card" found that 62 percent of the fourth graders studied watched more than three hours of television daily in 1990.

Jessica Bowman: "I watch TV about two hours a day. That's the limit than my mom has set. After school I watch TV. I go to the public library every time my books are due. I get about five books at a time."

Joe Heck: "I watch a lot of TV. I watch it when I get home from school and in the evening, probably at least three hours a day. I read some magazines at home, but not very many books."

Toni Jo Ervin: "I don't watch much TV, not even an hour a day. It's boring sometimes. I like to read books. I also like to ride my bike and be with friends. Kids need to get more exercise and watch less TV."

Travis Turner: "The TV is on when I get home from school, so I watch it too. In the evening I watch about two or three hours. I get books at the library about every week and I read books at home."

David Koerner: "I watch TV after school for about a half-hour. My mom and dad decide most of the time what we watch. I watch about two hours a day. I like to read. I get books at the library in the summer."

Jennifer Gosche: "I watch about 30 minutes of TV after school and about one hour of TV every night after supper. I think that's enough. I go to the library in the summer, but I also read books at home."