A School-Wide Reading Program
Each year our school offers a school-wide reading incentive program. Students are challenged to read nightly for a specific number of minutes. Those who participate and return their signed reading logs each month earn privileges and rewards at school. If you missed my post about Hit the Books, you can read it here. To earn the privilege of attending the Bingo Bash, students had to complete the reading challenge for the past two months.It's Reward Time!
The assembly began in our auditorium with a baseball read-aloud, Mighty Jackie: The Strike Out Queen by Marissa Moss.
This is a true story of female baseball player, Jackie Mitchell, who made history in 1931 when she struck out two of baseball's greatest athletes, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. If you haven't read Mighty Jackie, check it out. This is a gem of a story that will capture the interest of boys and girls alike.
Let me hear you shout, BINGO!
Next we moved to the cafe to play a serious game of bingo. Competition was intense as students played to win tons of great books and posters. A super time was had by all!
Our next reward is a movie matinee. Students who complete the challenge will earn a movie, popcorn, and a chance to win their favorite books.
I'd love to hear what your school does to promote independent reading at home. We are always looking for fresh new ideas to keep our students motivated to read.
I love the idea of books as the Bingo prizes! My students are hitting a slump with their independent reading. I might have to try a competition to similar to what you are describing, but on the classroom level. Thanks for sharing your ideas, Stacy @ http://new-in-room-202.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting idea! I'll be sure to pass this on to the powers that be at my school for something to consider next year. We're always looking for other ways to motivate our students to read and get their families involved as well. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteShibahn
Hi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of using books as Bingo prizes. We do not do a school-wide reading challenge at my school. I do keep track of my students at-home reading throughout the year, and give certificates for each 1000 minutes they read. At the end of the year, I give out Beanie Babies as prizes. (The ones that have been sitting in my attic since the craze of the 90's when my girls were young and we had to have them all!) The student who read the most gets to pick first. Everyone gets a Beanie Baby...they just might not get their first choice. I like the idea of other reading celebrations throughout the year, though.
I am your newest follower!
Cathy
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteOur students are working toward 2 tickets to attend a Senator's baseball game in May by earning their reading minutes for the entire year. There are little goals along the way to earn other privileges like the Bingo Bash. Students seemed super excited about the books!
I love your idea of the Beanie Baby prizes. My students love Beanies! I plan to include them as raffle prizes at our next reward party. :) Thanks so much for sharing!
Wendy