This year, Morris Knolls introduced a new district-wide independent reading initiative, aimed at encouraging students to explore new genres, authors, and books. With the rise of social media and technology, reading has taken a backseat in the pastimes of many young people. However, this reading initiative attempts to motivate students to read and utilise their libraries.
When Mrs. Giorgianni, the reading specialist at school, was interviewed, she helped explain the motivation for creating the reading initiative. “Reading improves our brain function by building neural pathways that connect different centers of the brain more efficiently. It leads to faster thinking and improved memory function.” She emphasises that reading has a lot of psychological benefits for growing minds, including creating empathy, imagination, and escapism.
The inspiration behind the reading passport and initiative comes from Choose Your Own Adventure books, which were popular in the 80s and 90s. Mrs. Giorgianni says that a “Choose Your Own Adventure” reading passport eventually evolved from this idea, forming a fun and unrestrained way for students to track their progress.
The main feature of this initiative is the new literacy passport, which gives students “points” for each reading activity they engage in. For example, if a student were to read a book of their choosing outside of school assignments, they can submit that book for 15 points. Alternatively, a student can attend a lunchtime literary event for 10 points. The points are tracked for the entire school year, and prizes will be awarded to students who attain the most points.
Students heard about the reading initiative from an English teacher or found out about it through the library. A link to a presentation on the literacy passport is available on every student’s English Google Classroom, or they can visit the MK Library Website for more information.
However, one student, reading enthusiast Alex Reis, points out that there are a few things that have been overlooked. She explains that students will need to take a picture with the book they read to submit as part of the reading initiative; however, if they have already returned the book, it is not possible to do so. Furthermore, since taking pictures of the book is required, it is not possible to submit any audiobooks or e-books, which can limit students’ options when it comes to choosing a book to engage in. A simple solution can be to make sure to take pictures of the book before returning it; however, it can easily be forgotten to do so.
Despite all this, the reading initiative seems to be a new, interesting way to incentivise students to read. For any questions, students can visit the library website or talk to Ms. Pepperman, the MK librarian.
