From Rebecca Thomas
Autauga County Schools
Pine Level Elementary School, a K4-5th grade school, unveiled its new book vending machine with a Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. This innovative addition is designed to inspire young readers and promote literacy as a part of the school’s Accelerated Reader (AR) program. The event took place on December 16, marking a significant milestone in the school’s efforts to make reading an engaging, accessible, and exciting experience for students of all ages.
The book vending machine, which operates like a traditional snack vending machine, offers students the opportunity to choose a new, free book with special tokens awarded for achieving reading milestones. Students in grades 1-5 work to meet or exceed their reading goals, which are based on individual reading assessments, and families with younger students are encouraged to keep a reading log at home that they return by a given deadline. Students will trade their progress for new books at the end of the grading period. This exciting initiative encourages students to take ownership of their reading habits while rewarding their hard work and enthusiasm for learning.
“This is a wonderful new tool to help ignite our students’ passion for reading,” said Christen Harry, principal of Pine Level Elementary School. “By bringing books directly to them in a fun and interactive way, we hope to make reading even more exciting for them. We’re thrilled to see how this machine will inspire a love of books and encourage literacy in our school community.”
The book vending machine, which was made possible by the school’s book fair fundraiser, is housed in the school’s library and contains a wide variety of age-appropriate books – fiction and non-fiction, including popular children’s titles, graphic novels, and educational resources. It is designed to cater to diverse reading levels, ensuring every student can find something to spark their imagination and curiosity. The eye-catching color scheme, flashing lights, and cheerful sounds draw children and adults alike.
“The token system encourages students to take charge of their learning,” said Amy Turner, the school’s media specialist. “The individualized goals are based on reading levels, so the rewards are attainable for all students. We want to put books in the hands of all students so they can build a love for reading, whether at school or home. We understand the importance of creating a positive reading experience early on.”
Pine Level Elementary School is thrilled to see how this machine will inspire a love of books and encourage literacy in their school community. The school believes the more fun and rewarding they can make reading, the greater the chance students will develop a lifelong love for books and learning.
About Autauga County Schools
Autauga County Schools (ACS) is a 15-campus public school system in Autauga County, Alabama, dedicated to fostering the whole student in an academically rigorous environment where everyone is known and valued by creating pathways designed for success. Learn more at acboe.net.
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