Encouraging students to read more is a challenge many schools face. How can educators make reading exciting and rewarding for children? Northeast Elementary School found an innovative solution that's transforming their students' relationship with books.
Angela Grace, Northeast Elementary School's librarian, discovered Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine on social media five years ago. Immediately, she recognized its potential to revolutionize reading incentives in her school.
"It's all about putting books in kids' hands," Ms. Grace explained in a video produced by the Lauderdale School District. "Some students don't have books at home. This way, they have it. It's theirs. They can take it home and read it whenever they want."
Implementing the book vending machine program took time and effort:
The book vending machine serves as a powerful incentive for students to improve their reading skills. Here's how it operates:
This system aligns seamlessly with the school's existing PBIS, SEL, DEI, and MTSS programs, enhancing their effectiveness.
With the program's popularity soaring, Northeast Elementary faced a new challenge: keeping the machine stocked with books. Ms. Grace found a solution in the Dollar General Literacy Grant.
Principal Anita Wansley shared, "Our librarian, Angela Grace, applied for the Dollar General Literacy Grant, which was a $3,500 grant, and she did that to maintain our book vending machine."
This funding allowed the school to keep their popular program running and expand its reach to more students.
2024 Grant Applications are available now – click here to apply.
Founded in 1993 by Cal Turner and Cal Turner Jr., the Dollar General Literacy Foundation was created to pay tribute to JL. Turner, the co-founder of Dollar General. As the story goes, he came from a farming background and only completed third grade. It’s in his name that the foundation proudly provides assistance to students throughout their educational endeavors.
Dollar General Literacy foundation is dedicated to supporting literacy and education programs. They work with local and national partners to help teachers and students succeed.
Dollar General talked to students, parents, and teachers to learn about literacy challenges in the US. They used this information to make plans to help students get the resources they need. To learn more, check out their State of American Literacy Report.
The Foundation grants money to groups near Dollar General stores. This includes schools and libraries. To see if your school qualifies, check out full guidelines at dgliteracy.org.
The foundation provides grants for various projects. Projects funded include: rebuilding school libraries, adult literacy programs, family literacy programs, and summer reading programs. Angela Grace applied for the Youth Literacy Grant.
Schools, libraries, and nonprofit groups can apply for grant funding. The money will help grow reading programs, get technology for projects, and buy books.
2024 Grant Applications are available now – click here to apply.
The impact of the book vending machine at Northeast Elementary has been remarkable:
Ms. Grace proudly stated, "Thank you, Dollar General, for doing this."
Interested in implementing a book vending machine at your school? Here are some steps to get started:
For more information and assistance, visit bookvending.com or check our news and blog page regularly.
Ready to transform reading at your school? Contact us today to learn how Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine can make a difference for your students!