(Jefferson County, MO) In a bid get kids excited about reading, Cedar Springs Elementary has introduced an innovative initiative – Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. This exciting addition aims to encourage literacy, support the school’s PBIS efforts, and ignite a passion for reading among students.

What is Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine?

Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine dispenses books instead of snacks or drinks. It helps kids get excited about reading by offering lots of different books. The excitement is in picking what they want to read. At Cedar Springs Elementary, kids are all about the choice!

Alignment with School PBIS Initiatives:

This initiative directly supports Cedar Springs Elementary School’s PBIS goals by reinforcing positive behavior through a reward-based system. Students earn tokens or rewards for demonstrating good behavior. Then the tokens can be used to vend a book from Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. This reinforces positive conduct while fostering a love for reading.

“(The vending machine) will motivate students to, one, read more because we just wanted to get hard copies of books in kids’ hands with all of the technology today, and, two, it will motivate them to always do their best even when no one’s watching,” said Heather Allen, a reading specialist at the elementary school.

Funding for the Machine

Last year, Ms. Allen approached the Cedar Springs Elementary PTO group about installing a book vending machine. Allen was inspired by Maple Grove Elementary in Dittmer, which installed a similar machine in December 2022. She discussed the idea with the PTO, who gladly agreed to support the initiative. Allen confirmed that the plans were finalized at the beginning of this school year. The parent group raised approximately $6,000 to buy the machine from Global Vending Group in New York.

Excitement Around Reading

The introduction of this vending machine has sparked enthusiasm among students. It creates a buzz around reading, making it a rewarding and enjoyable activity. By providing easy access to an array of captivating books, the machine stimulates curiosity and excitement, motivating students to explore new stories and genres.

Maple Grove Elementary Principal Aubrey Bauer said the Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine has been a hit with students.

“It’s a really big deal for the students,” she said. “It’s a reading reward. When they achieve their (English Language Arts) goals, they get to ring the bell and celebrate with their teacher and classmates. We are seeing success in the classroom, and it’s helping the kids learn that to set goals, you’ve got to talk about how you’re going to achieve said goals, and if you work hard to achieve those goals, you will be rewarded.”

She said the machine will be stocked with books purchased with money raised during parent-teacher conferences.

“Kids see their hard work pays off,” Principal Bauer said. “It’s a very exciting time for them when they do get a book in their hands, and it’s one of the best rewards to earn. It’s a great machine and it teaches them good habits. What a neat thing to incentivize the kids.”

Invest In Your Student Too

Interested in bringing the magic of Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine to your school? Reach out to bookvending.com today for a quote and take a step toward promoting literacy and positive behavior in your school community.

Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine is not just a vending machine; it’s a gateway to a world of imagination and knowledge. By integrating reading incentives with PBIS initiatives, our school continues to foster a positive and enriching environment for students to thrive academically and emotionally.