(Dalhart, TX) In a bid get kids excited about reading, Dalhart Elementary School has introduced an innovative idea —Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. This exciting addition will combat the holiday slide when access to books may be limited for some. Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine also supports the school’s PBIS efforts. As a bonus, it’s colorful art, lights, and power of choice, ignites a passion for reading among students.
Dalhart Elementary Principal Dr. Elaine Hyer, Assistant Principal Edna Marquez, Dalhart Independent School District Librarian Shannon Wilson, and Wilson’s daughter, Kendall Waldrip collaborated on the project.. Kendall and her husband Clay own Flying W Aviation crop dusting services in Dalhart.
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 Dalhart Elementary, kids are all about the choice!
Alignment with Dalhart Elementary 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.
“My husband and I are both products of the local school system, and we try to find ways to support the schools,” Kendall said. “I believe that it is a real privilege to own books, and I’m passionate about giving them to people. This is a way to give young kids access to books of their own at home.”
“So much data has been done that shows that children who have books at home are much more involved in their education,” Wilson said. “They get better test scores. They’re better readers, and they see the intrinsic value in reading.”
Marquez said the students were “so excited” to see the vending machine delivered.
“They just stand and stare at it,” she said. “I’ve already had to make the announcement to not bring your nickels and dimes, because I caught someone trying to put coins in the token slot.”
Funding for the Dalehart Elementary Machine
Wilson mentioned details about book vending machines in the library sparked her interest in securing one for Dalhart Elementary School. Reflecting on a recent grant application, uncertainty arose regarding its eligibility until Kendall called. She asked if Wilson had ever thought about acquiring a book vending machine for the school. Wilson explained her ongoing efforts to obtain funding, but Kendall had another idea. Flying W would sponsor the entire thing.
Invest In Your Students 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.