Michigan’s Daly Elementary is one of a growing number of schools adopting a novel way to incentivize reading by awarding books for positive behavior, according to an article in K-12 Dive.
Book vending machines have been installed at several schools in districts in states including California, Montana and Wisconsin to promote literacy. Funding for these machines varies by school, and some depend on support from parent-teacher organizations or donations from community members and organizations.
Most children (54%) get most of books they read for fun from a school source like a book fair or school library, according to a national survey. Book vending machines are another way to expand book access and incentivize reading.
Access to books and encouragement from supportive adults is important. A 2018 report looking at a program that installed free book vending machines in low-income neighborhoods found that exposure to books can lead to developing an interest in reading and higher reading proficiency.
Daly Elementary uses the Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine as part of a positive behavioral program. Students who show kindness, responsibility , respect and other positive behaviors earn points they can redeem for tokens for the vending machine.
Other book vending machines strategies include rewarding students with free books on their birthdays.
The cost of an Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine ranges from $4,995 to $6,300, according to the Global Vending Group website. Schools can customize the design of machines to include school colors and mascots.
K-12 Dive
