We are a dual immersion school in Eugene OR looking to create a strong reading culture. Our students are very diverse and 70% qualify for free and reduce lunch. We have the hard task of getting kids to read in two languages. Because we are demanding a higher result from our kids, we have to try to promote reading in multiple ways. One of our new projects is called the "Caught Reading" project. We are working hard to make reading very visible and valued. If students are caught reading at breakfast, lunch or in the bus line, they can get a coupon. Once they have 10 coupons, they can go to the weekly book store and choose a brand new book. Many of our students do not have access to books. They often cannot check books out because they owe fines at the library that parents cannot afford to pay. To get kids started, I give them one of my books to borrow and they can easily get 10 tickets. I have had many students choose nice books that their parents would never be able to afford. They carry them around with pride and this makes them into readers.
My Project
Students who have access to good books will be more likely to read. The more they read, the stronger they will be in their academic skills. I want our low income students to own books that they can enjoy over and over again. This will make them feel special and secure. All kids should have access to good books. It is so rewarding to tell kids that they can keep the book. Their faces light up with surprise. It is often the only book they have at home. How can we ever create equity if we do not give all our students access to inspiring literature?
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