Reading Ninjas
Somehow I got sucked into volunteering to be the Literacy Chair on the PTA board at my son’s elementary school. Somehow being that no one else stepped up. So basically that means I’m the liasion between the school library and the PTA. I think it’s going to mean a lot of organizing volunteers, sending out library-relevant flyers, planning the end of year bookfair, etc.
Then there’s the good part…
Our PTA has a REALLY COOL program, the gist of which is like this:
1. Kid reads a book
2. Kid takes online test on the book (10-20 multiple choice questions) to confirm comprehension.
3. Kid earns points that translate into bookfair credit…
4. Scholastic books sponsors a buy-one-get-one free bookfair at the end of the school year, and PTA offers each kid $0.10 per earned point, up to $25 at the bookfair.
5. Kid who has earned 250 points walks away with $50 worth of books.
Isn’t that AWESOME??? What’s crazy is that so few of the kids earn out their potential.
So this year, I’m hyping it all year long! My theme (assuming I can get approval) is ‘Reading Ninjas: No Book is Safe!’ And I plan on offering some sort of ninja-related incentive for significant point milestones: 50/100/150/200/250.
I’m thinking 50 could be ‘Ninja In-training,’ and my younger son suggested 250 should be ‘Ninja Mastah.’ Not so sure about his suggested spelling… I need to fill in the blanks for the rest. (‘m open to any suggestions.) I’m considering those bottlecap/capster trinkets that can be put on a necklace or bracelet, or even buttons, so they can proudly show off their ninja level. Naturally the more awesome the weapon, the higher the level… I will be using this tutorial to create the graphics. Aren’t they so cute? Intimidating scary-cute? I may have to sneak a book in their hands…
I think it has the potential to be NINJA AWE-SOME!
06/28/2011 at 11:16 am
The ninja theme appeals to me and I’m forty-one.
Good luck, Alyssa. I would enjoy heading up an activity like this to rope in kids to reading. A very good thing, amiga.
06/30/2011 at 4:17 am
I think it’s going to be fun, David! Although I do wonder how much I’m in for…
07/02/2011 at 3:22 pm
Ok this is my new favorite thing in the world books and ninjas together. I had forgotten to add your new site to my feed reader which is why I haven’t been around much, but I looooooovee your template.
07/05/2011 at 2:23 pm
Thank you so much, Sarakastic!
I’m really excited about the books & ninjas idea!
07/05/2011 at 10:31 pm
First of all, I’ve been away from blogs for a while, so I just saw your new website. It’s GORGEOUS!! Wow!
Also, well done on the ninjas and on promoting reading like that. What a cool idea. The ninjas are absolutely adorable, and I love how boys would find the theme appealing. Sometimes it can be so hard to get boys to read, but maybe this will do it.
07/06/2011 at 2:45 am
Hey Caryn…hope all is well with the baby! Thanks for visiting and for your sweet comments!
I’m hoping everyone is down with the ninjas!
07/06/2011 at 2:44 pm
Love it! Can adults be reading ninjas too?
07/07/2011 at 5:28 pm
Of course! Who better to set a good example??
07/07/2011 at 3:07 am
I heart ninjas AND books–this is SO DARN COOL!
07/07/2011 at 5:29 pm
I hope it goes over great, Green Girl! Thanks for the vote of confidence!