Teaching children to read effectively is about more than just by-the-bookclassroom instruction. What it’s really about is creating a fundamental building block for lifelong success.
With 39% of North Carolina's fourth-graders scoring below "basic" achievement levels in reading, educators and parents are seeking new answers for how to improve student reading skills. Let's explore five research-backed strategies that are transforming how schools approach literacy development.
The most successful literacy programs share common elements that contribute to lasting improvement in student reading skills:
Schools implementing these comprehensive strategies report more than improved reading scores. They also enjoy a better school culture overall. Students develop stronger identities as readers and show greater enthusiasm for learning across all subjects.
Creating an environment where books are exciting rather than overwhelming is key to improving student reading skills. Schools that successfully promote literacy have found innovative ways to make reading both fun and rewarding.
At Vanceboro (N.C.) Farm Life Elementary School, first-grade teacher Haley Dail has transformed her students' relationship with reading. She relies on using creative approaches.
"It makes me feel so great. I love seeing them read and loving to read," says Dail.
Her classroom success stems from:
Student Perspective: First-grader Anneliese shares that her school's book vending machine is her favorite feature, highlighting how it makes discovering new words and expanding vocabulary exciting rather than daunting.
Knowing how to improve reading skills in students requires a systematic, research-based approach. Schools seeing the biggest gains implement comprehensive literacy programs rooted in the Science of Reading.
Explicit phonics instruction: Teaches how letters and sounds work together. It does this in a clear and organized way. This helps students read new words on their own.
Vocabulary development through different texts: Helps students learn new words. This builds a strong mental dictionary. It supports their understanding of more complex material.
Regular practice with decodable books: Helps students read words they can sound out. These books use phonics skills they have learned. This practice strengthens their decoding skills and builds their reading confidence.
Small group instruction: Focuses on specific skills. It helps teachers meet individual learning needs better. This approach gives students support on comprehension strategies where they need more practice.
Using technology-based learning tools: Helps students engage more. These tools offer interactive elements and allow for personalized practice. They also provide immediate feedback and access to a variety of reading materials.
In her article for Edutopia, Alissa Altieri Shea discussed her school district's achievement. They improved literacy scores by 9%. They achieved this through:
Perhaps the simplest way to improve literacy in the classroom is to put the right resources in students' hands. From there, create systems that support continuous improvement.
Real Results: Schools report highest engagement when students have their own collection of books they can read independently.
"Books have improved a lot in quality and engagement for kids," say educators at the University of Kansas.
Schools are having great success partnering with publishers like Flyleaf and High Noon books. These publishers offer engaging content that is suitable for different reading levels. The excitement of reading these books with classmates or visitors becomes a natural part of the school day.
Effective elementary school reading programs combine regular assessment with targeted instruction. Schools achieving the best results implement structured monitoring systems alongside engaging activities.
Bi-weekly progress monitoring for struggling readers: Tracks growth regularly to quickly identify when interventions need adjustment.
Diagnostic assessments to identify specific needs: Pinpoints exact areas of reading difficulty, enabling truly targeted instruction.
30-minute daily small-group sessions: Provides consistent, focused instruction in a timeframe that balances intensity with attention spans.
Integration of digital resources like Lexia: Supplements teaching with adaptive technology for personalized practice and immediate feedback.
Regular celebration of reading achievements: Builds motivation and confidence, fostering positive attitudes toward reading.
Success Story: Craven County Schools has maintained reading proficiency rates well above the North Carolina average for 3 consecutive years by combining:
Promoting literacy in the classroom goes beyond daily lessons. It requires making literacy a celebrated part of school (and home) life.
These four C's can bring an A+ level of engagement with your reading program:
Culture: Build a school environment where reading is important and visible. Use displays, reading spaces, and regular book talks.
Competition: Use students' natural desire to succeed by starting friendly reading contests. Track books read, pages completed, or comprehension goals.
Challenge: Encourage growth by setting ambitious but reachable reading goals. Help students step out of their comfort zones with support.
Celebrating: Recognize reading milestones and achievements with public praise, rewards, and special events. This shows the value of literacy success.
Host engaging Read-A-Thons with special themes
Create schoolwide reading challenges
Invite guest readers to classrooms
Use innovative reward systems
Celebrate reading milestones
Innovation Spotlight: Schools using Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine have found a unique way to promote literacy. Students earn special gold tokens for:
Kids can use these tokens to select books they keep, building both their home libraries and their identities as readers.
The initiatives above may require both new tools and new attitudes about reading – for both teachers and children. Improving student reading skills requires a multifaceted approach that combines:
When these elements work together, schools create an environment where reading becomes a source of joy rather than frustration.
Join the growing number of schools using innovative tools like Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine to make reading exciting and improve literacy outcomes. Contact the BookVending.com team today to learn how we can enhance your school's reading initiatives and create a brighter future for your students.
Discover How a Book Vending Machine Can Transform Your School's Reading Program________________________________________________________________________________________
(Based on implementation data and success stories from schools across the United States, including Craven County Schools and Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary School.)