BARK RIVER, Mich. (WLUC) – While some students can’t wait to get snacks from a vending machine, at Bark River-Harris Elementary, students are using the vending machines to bring books home.
The school installed a book vending-machine at the beginning of the year.
Elementary School Principal Kelly Erdody says the machine helps students build a personal library.
“The big thing for me is to get books in the hands of kids, and then for kids to have those books at home as well,” Erdody said. “So, that’s a nice addition and also recognizing the positives our kids are doing each and every day.”
To get a book from the machine, students must first be recognized with a “Golden Horseshoe” Award, given for academic achievements or positive behavior.
Once students have the award, they get a token.
The token goes into the machine, and the students select what book they want.
Third Grade Teacher Paige Welch says students are getting excited to take their own book home to read.
“It’s hopefully going to set an example for how exciting reading can be and having kids excited to not necessarily get a toy or a prize, but that getting a book is an exciting thing and encourages them to improve their reading,” Welch said.
With one book already sold out, staff expect the program to last through the end of the school year.
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