Urbana Elementary School has turned books into rewards with its new book vending machinme.{/span}
“The initiative reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to literacy and celebrating the joy of reading in students’ early school years,” said Superintendent Charles Thiel.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grades can earn special gold coins through a variety of ways such as meeting reading goals, demonstrating perseverance during challenging lessons or being “caught reading” during free-choice times that they can use to pick a book of their choice from the vending machine.
“The feedback has been very good. Students are excited to earn their coin to select a book,” Thiel said.
This initiative not only rewards positive behavior but also makes sure more students have access to their own books.
“Our goal is to build lifelong readers,” said Principal Melanie Anders. “This gives students something to work toward while also putting great books directly into their hands.”
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The school was able to buy their first book vending machine using funds they’ve saved from the Scholastic Book Fair, an initiative Anders has been working toward for about three years.
“Our families have been incredibly supportive of our book fairs, and it’s rewarding to see those efforts come back to students in such a meaningful way,” she said.
When purchases are made during a book fair, the school is credited with scholastic dollars that can be used for teachers to select books for their classrooms, acquire literacy promotional materials or purchase a book vending machine, according to Thiel.
Students were involved in the process before the machine arrived. They met with Anders to share their favorite titles, suggest books and create wish lists of ones they want to read to help guide the selection of books that would fill the machine.
The machine can continue to be stocked using scholastic dollars, with donations accepted from local people and organizations.
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Anders said this initiative also helps address a deeper need for families and shared a moment that reinforced the importance of this effort.
“For students whose families can’t always afford books at the book fair or may not have many books at home to practice reading, this is truly a win-win for everyone,” she said.
“I had one student come to me and say she wanted to earn a book to take home to read to her little brother because she didn’t have any books of her own at home. It really made me stop and think about how many of our kids truly want to read more or share what they’re learning at school, but simply don’t have the resources at home.”
Businesses, organizations or those interested in providing financial assistance for this program can contact Urbana Elementary Principal Melanie Anders at melanie.anders@urbanacityschools.org or 937-653-1453.
