GAINFIELD’S READING INCENTIVE PROGRAM (2008) BLASTS OFF

(See pics)

Every year, enthusiasm for reading escalates, as students from Gainfield Elementary School participate in their reading incentive program. This year’s theme is outer space, as readers will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of NASA.  The students were introduced to the reading incentive on Friday, March 7th with a dramatized radio broadcast skit about aliens, acted out by the Gainfield staff and teachers.

The goal for Gainfield students during this year’s incentive program is to assist the “friendly” aliens in their attempt to return home.  They will do this through “reading power.”  The more minutes they read, the greater the miles the aliens will travel safely home.  When 500,000 minutes are read, the friendly aliens will have been saved by Gainfield readers.

The children will record the minutes they read outside of school and return the reading slips to school on Friday mornings.  Students earn minutes by reading to family members, listening to stories, or reading silently. Research suggests that at least 20 minutes per day be devoted to reading.

The Gainfield Elementary School reading incentive program is coordinated by media specialist Heather Messina and reading consultant Rima Zelvis.