According to data provided by CCS, grades 3-8 are well above the North Carolina average in reading proficiency for the third consecutive year. A key to their success has been the way that they reinforce reading as a liesure activity, and promote reading culture through innovative supports such as Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine.
Still, a broader statewide and even national concern remains regarding literacy rates. 39% of North Carolina's fourth graders scored below the "basic" achievement level in reading in 2021-2022.
Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary School is a great example of how to leverage Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine. In an interview with ABC affiliate WCTI News, first-grade teacher Haley Dail was happy to see her students enjoying reading and falling in love with it.
"It makes me feel so great. I love seeing them read and loving to read."
Dail said this method helps students enjoy reading more, creating a positive and supportive reading atmosphere at school. She also credits additional programs as being instrumental in fostering this passion, including Lexia, an iPad based reading program.
Dail underscored the program's effectiveness in engaging students by providing interactive activities and games that reinforce reading comprehension skills.
To close the learning loss created during the pandemic era, CCS employs digital resources such as Lexia, an iPad based, personalized reading program, tailored to each student's individual needs and proficiency level. Dail underscored the program's effectiveness in engaging students by providing interactive activities and games that reinforce reading comprehension skills.
Importantly, Lexia supplements rather than replaces traditional teaching methods, serving as an additional tool for building students' confidence and proficiency in reading. In the next section you’ll read all about how Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine aligns with Lexia seamlessly.
Dail stresses the collaborative aspect of the program, where students learn from and support one another, enhancing their overall reading experience.
The vending machine, once for snacks, now serves as a school-wide support and gives out free books. Students can choose from a diverse selection, making reading a reward rather than an assignment.
Students use the vending machine by mastering skills in their Lexia program and showing good behavior. Teachers reward students with a gold Inchy token. Then students use the token to vend a brand new book to build their home libraries.
Dail said this method helps students enjoy reading more, creating a positive and supportive reading atmosphere at school.
In the same WCTI interview, reporter Bilyana Garland spoke with first grade student Annelise. For students like Anneliese, these positive reward programs have been instrumental in nurturing her love for reading. She told the reporter her favorite school feature is the book vending machine.
Anneliese shared her enthusiasm, noting her enjoyment of encountering new words and expanding her vocabulary through reading.
Her experience exemplifies the success of initiatives implemented within CCS. She is not alone. Thanks to these positive rewards programs a number of students are reading at grade level. For students and staff, literacy is more than just a skill to learn, it's a lifelong passion to nurture.
Craven County Schools takes a proactive stance in tackling literacy challenges in education. They attribute much of their success to programs empowering students to develop strong reading skills and a passion for learning.
By fostering a supportive learning environment that celebrates literacy achievements and encourages exploration through initiatives like the book vending machine and Lexia, CCS is making significant strides in equipping students with essential skills for academic success and lifelong learning.
As educators and administrators continue to refine and expand upon these initiatives, the future of literacy skills within Craven County Schools appears promising, with students poised to excel both academically and personally as passionate and proficient readers.
What would increased reading scores mean for your school & students? Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine has proven to be a transformative tool for many schools.
If you’re seeking similar results, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the BookVending.com team today. Let us help you enhance your Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program or other initiatives with our tailored solutions. Together, we can empower students, enrich learning experiences, and cultivate a brighter future.