Hey there, Bookworms! One Buffalo school is turning the page on declining reading rates among students. They’re tackling the challenge of boosting student engagement head-on.
The Reading Dilemma: A Sharp Decline
Oh, the woes of pandemic-era education! Data from the New York State Education Department paints a bleak picture. 24% of 3rd graders in Buffalo Schools are proficient in English Language Arts (ELA). That’s a steep drop from over 32 percent in 2018 and 2019. Yikes!
The Magical Connection: Books and Boosting Student Engagement
The only way to get better at reading is to read more. Research confirms it’s the only measure that significantly correlates with reading scores. But, here’s the twist. A staggering 61 percent of low-income households have zero books for their kids. In contrast, middle-income neighborhoods boast a delightful 13 books per child. Low-income communities have one book for every 300 eager young minds.
The Quest for Literacy
Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams declared, “Our children must be able to read.” The school board set its sights on enhancing literacy, math, and graduation rates. After all, strong reading skills lay the foundation for mastering mathematics and beyond.
Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine: The Magic Machine
Now, let’s talk about the real star of our tale – Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine! Five years ago, the Arthur O. Eve School introduced this enchanting contraption to its students. But did it work its magic? Did it truly transform young readers into bookworms? Let’s find out!
Amy Cross-Viola, a parent at the school, shared her story. Her two daughters, Kyrah and Mylan, radiate love for reading. The school has nurtured this passion with monthly reading challenges. The reward is a book from the vending machine.
Room for Growth By Boosting Student Engagement
But, alas, the school’s proficiency rate hovers around 25 percent. Principal Barnes recognizes the challenge lies in comprehension, so they’re implementing structured literacy blocks to strike that magical balance.
The Vision: All Third Graders Reading Proficiently by 2025
Buffalo School’s bold vision is that by 2025, all third graders will read proficiently. Now that’s a mission with some serious fairy-tale sparkle! Principal Barnes is optimistic. Thanks to the new structured literacy block and curriculum for grades three and beyond.
Boosting Student Engagement Initiatives
Dr. Williams believes initiatives like Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine bring the excitement back to reading. They’re launching an Extending Learning Time program and introducing a new reading program.
So, there you have it. Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine is boosting student engagement through books. They’re proving that with a little imagination and a lot of enthusiasm, even the most challenging stories can have happy endings!
Inchy the Bookworm Vending Machine is a catalyst for change.
With PBIS principles at its core, this machine is helping students unlock their potential one book at a time. So, if you’re looking to transform your school into a place where reading is not just encouraged but celebrated, Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine is the key. Embrace the magic, reward positive behavior, and let the pages of possibility turn in your student’s hands.
We’re thrilled to play our part in a bigger mission, promoting literacy for all students. This program is just one way we’re helping kids get ready for the future. If you think Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine would be the perfect way to cultivate a culture of reading for your school, contact us. We’d love to hear from you.