I am very lucky to have an amazing friend and colleague who listens to and helps generate some great ideas. I’m not sure where the original thought for this one came from, but together we have created the concept of Reading Beads.
The aim is to encourage students to read widely and to enjoy the books they read. I will have a year 1/2 class this year and my friend is having a year 4. The great thing is that Reading Beads can be adapted to suit all age groups. This is an alternative to the simple star chart to reward reading efforts.
I found 1000 small beads for $3 at Big W this week, and used plastic strings from a $2 shop. Each student will be able to write their name on their tag at the bottom of their Reading Bead string to make sure they are easily to identify. I have also bought some shiny star shaped beads as a further incentive. For every 5 books that students read, they will be allowed to put a special bead on their Reading Bead string.
I’m looking forward to evaluating how this idea goes in the classroom, now I just need to get back to school and get started!
Excellent idea. I may have to borrow it for my Yr 2 class…. I need a boost of something new thanks!!!
You’re welcome, be sure to let me know how it goes!
Wow you really are lucky to have such a cool friend
Great idea. Its very visual and all students will love it. It is great for all ages.
Well a couple of terms have past… how is it going?
Brilliantly! My kids love it. We have our beads displayed on one of our windows and the kids just love going over to add a new one to their string. I’m considering adding a bell or something noisy to each string so that they can hear when another student is adding a new bead. I’ll have to take a photo and post it soon…..