A Novel Approach to Reducing Screen Time in Schools

One Ohio school has found an innovative way to encourage reading and reduce screen time among its students. Crestwood Intermediate School has introduced Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine. Now, the act of choosing a book turns into an exciting reward for positive behavior.

The Challenge: Post-Pandemic Reading Gaps and Excessive Screen Time

Over the last five years, educators across the nation have noticed a concerning trend: a widening gap in reading skills at the elementary level. Caitlin Fritsch, a speech pathologist at Crestwood Intermediate School, observed this firsthand and decided to take action.

Fritsch explains the root of the problem to Daniel Sherriff at the Weekly Villager:

"The amount of time that kids have screens on is astronomical, and I think that has also impeded students in their reading skills. They think, 'Why would I read when I can just watch this YouTube video instead?'"

The Solution: Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine

To combat this issue, Crestwood Intermediate School implemented a unique solution: a book vending machine. This isn't just any vending machine - it's Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine, designed specifically to dispense books and spark a love for reading.

How It Works

1. The vending machine is stocked with approximately 120 books.
2. Students earn "Devil Dollars" for demonstrating positive behaviors aligned with the school's core values.
3. 100 Devil Dollars can be exchanged for one token.
4. Students use the token to select a book from the vending machine.
5. The chosen book becomes the student's personal property, encouraging a sense of ownership and pride in reading.
   
   

The Impact: Reducing Screen Time, Increasing Reading Engagement

Benefits of Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine for Crestwood Intermediate School are:

1. Providing a tangible reward for positive behavior: Students are motivated to earn Devil Dollars through good conduct and helping others.
2. Encouraging reading over screen time: The excitement of choosing a book from a vending machine makes reading more appealing than defaulting to digital entertainment.
3. Building personal libraries: Students get to keep the books they select, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging continued reading at home.
4. Offering diverse reading options: The machine is stocked with a variety of genres and popular series to cater to different interests.

Fritsch shares her excitement about the initiative:

"I am really excited for it, and I really want to bring in literacy. We have tied in the vending machine to our PBIS program, which is our Positive Behavior Program, that we do in our district by caring for our school."

Funding and Implementation

The school's innovative approach was made possible through:

• An $8,000 grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
• A $750 grant from the local Walmart Store in Streetsboro

The vending machine, designed by Global Vending Group, was customized to feature the school's colors and mascot, making it a true part of the Crestwood community.

Book Selection: Catering to Student Interests

To ensure the vending machine's success, Fritsch collaborated with the school librarian and the title-reading teacher to select books that would captivate students' interest. The selection includes:

• Popular series like Dog Man and Diary of a Wimpy Kid
• Graphic novels such as Amulet
• Various fiction genres, including historical fiction
  
  

Looking Ahead: Measuring Success and Expanding the Program

While it's still early days for the program, Fritsch is optimistic about its potential impact:

"I really just hope it helps as much as it can. I will be intrigued to see, once school starts, how much students are spending in our school store vs. are they saving for the book vending machine."

The remaining grant funds will be used to replenish the book stock, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh reading material for students.

A Page-Turning Solution for the Digital Age

Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine at Crestwood Intermediate School represents a creative and engaging approach to addressing the dual challenges of declining reading skills and excessive screen time. By turning book selection into a rewarding experience, the school is nurturing a love for reading that can last a lifetime.

As we continue to navigate the balance between digital and traditional learning tools, initiatives like this showcase the power of innovative thinking in education. For schools looking to boost literacy and reduce screen time, Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine might just be the page-turning solution they need.

Interested in bringing Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine to your school? Contact BookVending.com today to learn more about how this innovative solution can help promote literacy and reduce screen time in your educational community.