Hockinson Heights Elementary School recently installed a new book vending machine in its main office, a “novel” approach to early literacy and reading proficiency. Funded by Parents Working Together (PWT) dollars raised during their annual Fun Run, the vending machine supports the school’s goal of helping every student reach and maintain reading proficiency by grade 3.
The machine also serves a secondary purpose: It helps the HHES community celebrate student birthdays. How does it work? Student birthdays are recognized as part of the school's daily announcements. The birthday "celebrities" are called down to the main office where they are presented with a special token. After inserting the token into the machine, students select the book of their choice from fourteen options. And don't feel bad for those with summer birthdays; they get to use the machine in June before leaving for summer break.
The book vending machine complements other literacy efforts at the school, creating excitement around reading and making book ownership more accessible for students. Read more here!
HHES student Cody uses the book vending machine.
