Encouraging a Love for Reading
This school year, Bryant Middle School, Bethel Middle School, and Bryant Junior High School introduced a reading challenge: READ15. The initiative, led by teacher librarians, encourages students to read at least 15 books over the course of the school year. To motivate participation, the program includes fun incentives, rewards, and a unique way to celebrate student achievements.
"Weβve all worked together to challenge our students to reach their reading goals," said Sara OβBryan, one of the teacher librarians at Bryant Middle School.
A READ15 Star: Ximena
Among the many students participating in READ15, Ximena was the first to complete the challenge at Bryant Middle School. And her reading journey has just started.
"I wasnβt a strong reader until the 5th grade," Ximena shared.
Her current favorite book is House of Hades.
"The writing is so detailed, and the characters have such amazing backstories," she said. "I love reading because itβs fun and another way to express myself."
Ximenaβs story is proof that itβs never too late to find your passion for reading.
The Book Vending Machine
To keep students motivated, the teacher librarians created a reward system.
"After reading ten books, students receive a sweet treat and a token for our book vending machine," O'Bryan explained. "They insert the token, choose a book, and it drops like a real vending machine."
The vending machine, located at BMS, is stocked with books from a variety of genres, so every student can find something that interests them.
The Impact of Reading
For the educators behind READ15, itβs about fostering a lifelong love of reading.
"Knowing Iβve played even a small part in helping students love reading means everything to me," OβBryan said. "Being a strong reader is the foundation of success in life."