School introduces creative tool to help build lifelong bookworms in school children

West Elementary School in Alabama has come up with an innovative way to encourage students to read more and improve the school district’s literacy rate. They installed Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine, an actual vending machine that allows students to add a token and get a brand-new book. Sixth-grade reading teacher Kristy White says students have been motivated to earn tokens so they can get a new book. Every classroom has tokens, and students can earn them by improving their reading or math skills or exhibiting good behavior. Kristy explained that the idea came together as a way to help the number of children in the school who don’t own a book or have them available at home.

The school’s goal is to direct all students toward literacy and the vending machine was seen as a fun and creative way to do this. Funding for the vending machine was provided by donations and grants from the community. The vending machine only requires one token to be used, and books are available for all grade levels. Students can even make suggestions for titles they’d like to see available. Overall, the vending machine has been a great success and has inspired students to read more and improve their skills.

Lucy Williamson was the first student to use the new vending machine at her school. She was excited to see the growing enthusiasm of her peers as they made their selections. Lucy was especially impressed with how the book dropped to the bottom of the machine like a bottle of soda. Fifth-grader Lorelai Johnston already got one book from the machine and is looking forward to getting more. She appreciates the selection of titles offered and the fact that she gets to keep the book for herself. Lorelai shared that she rereads books often, so having the ability to select a book to take home is a real plus.

The addition of the vending machine has also encouraged better behavior from students. Each week, when a student gets a token, everyone celebrates the win. Kristy, the teacher, said the students are thrilled when they get the token and the other students cheer for them. This is a wonderful way to motivate students to read and succeed. Reading is an essential part of learning, and this vending machine is just one way to help students reach their potential.

The addition of the vending machine has proven to be a great reward system for those who are improving their reading and math skills. Speaking to ABC 30/40 about how the students receive the tokens, White said, "It could be for improving in their reading. It could be for A.R. points, reading and taking tests. Unbelievable behavior, stepping up. It could be because they had a jump in reading and in math."

The vending machine has been a great success and has sparked a real enthusiasm for reading. The students love the fun and excitement of the experience and the selection of books that are offered.