With some searching and adapting, I have implemented this reading program into my classroom for my summer campers.
For our reading program this summer, each child gets their own special reading necklace. I used 24" ball chains. These necklaces are all posted on a bulletin board in our classroom labeled "Camping With a Good Book" (to go along with our camping theme). Each student is allowed to wear their necklace during their reading time, but are required to hang it back up afterwards so that it doesn't get damaged or accidently taken home (and never to return dun dun dunnnn).
In camp some students are there for a full day, some for a half day. In order to make it so that most students can benefit from the book club, we designate 15 minutes in the morning hours (from 10:30-10:45am) and 15 minutes in the evening hours (from 3:30-3:45pm) for some silent reading time. Students grab their reading necklace and choose somewhere cozy in the room to read books of their choice. I remind students that we are to have "voice level zero" during this time.
At the end of the 15 minutes, if students have put an effort into looking at books for the length of time, they are rewarded with a bead. I had my program coordinator order me pony beads from this website but you can certainly get them from any craft store. Students choose whatever color they want--I even encourage them to make a pattern!
Now here's the fun part...the incentive. Once the camper (I keep calling them students, habits die hard over summer!) collects 20 beads, she can then choose a tag. I ordered my tags from this company. They're relatively inexpensive when bought in bulk, so go for it!
At the end of summer my campers will have a nice take-away for all their hard work. And they end up looking pretty cute too! The bulletin board makes for a nice conversation piece at pick-up time with parents. Campers love to share their bead colors and tags with their parents. I think I might try and adapt this for the school year as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment