AVI STEINHARDT/Courier-Post Mansion Avenue Elementary School Principal Ted Clarke reads atop the roof of the Audubon school after losing a bet to students. Clarke challenged the kids to read 1,000 books for the Read Across America program and lost the wager.

There's no better way to motivate children than to make adults look silly.

Mansion Avenue Elementary School Principal Ted Clarke learned that the hard way.

In February, Clarke challenged the kids to read 1,000 books for the National Education Association's Read Across America program.

They tripled that number, which is why Clarke was sprayed with 10 cans of silly string and spent an entire day on the school's roof last week.

"We called the program `Literacy is uplifting'," said Clarke, atop the roof. "I thought it would be tough for them to do it."

Clarke's first rooftop day was rained out, but he still had unseasonably cold weather last Thursday (April 17).

"I don't mind. It would have been very hot up here with the black roof," he said. "I've got my chair and my book."

Teachers at the school applauded Clarke for getting the children into reading.

"He's such a good sport to give up his time," said fifth-grade teacher Patty Alexanian. "It makes an impression on the kids about how about important literacy is."

As far as Clarke was concerned, he wasn't really giving up time.

"I've been taking calls. My secretary has brought papers up to me to sign," he said. "It seems like I'm still working."

Clarke did occasionally duck inside to use the bathroom, but was immediately roasted by students.

"They've been checking on him all day. The kids love it," said fourth-grade teacher Jen Beebe.

As the top reader in her class, fourth-grader Amanda Hauske cq was allowed to spray Clarke with silly string in the gymnasium. Sitting on the roof isn't going to cut it next year, Amanda said.

"I think he has to do something crazier," said Amanda, who read eight books over the month.

Alexanian suggested Clarke tour the borough while dangling from a helicopter, but fourth-grader Derek Hoinkis suggested something entirely different for the principal.

"I would tell him not to bet against us again," said Derek.

If he does bet his students again next year, Clarke said he certainly will raise the stakes. He won't underestimate them however.

"They showed me," he said.