How a vending machine full of books promotes positive behavior and literacy in Piscataway
PISCATAWAY – From "Ramona Quimby," "The Gruffalo" and Jack and Annie of "The Magic Treehouse" to "Pete the Cat," "Corduroy" and dinosaurs, new friends and adventures await every student at the latest addition to Knollwood Elementary School – a vending machine full of books.
"We have gotten great feedback about the new book vending machine at Knollwood, which promotes positive behavior as well as literacy," said Superintendent of Schools Frank Ranelli. "And our students love it."
The idea for the vending machine came through the school’s "Positive Behavior Supports in Schools (PBSIS)" program, which encourages grades K-3 students to display positive character traits. The program is supported by K-Kash, a special currency that students can earn for positive behaviors in the classroom and throughout the school.
"We became aware of the book vending machine while looking for additional ways to motivate and recognize our students for their accomplishments," said Knollwood Principal Brian Voigt.
Once a month, students can shop at the K-Kart and trade in their K-Kash for a variety of prizes. Now they can shop at the book vending machine as well. Students can purchase a book by earning the special gold coins in a variety of ways − achieving individual academic goals, exemplifying one of the six Pillars of Character or engaging in a random act of kindness.
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"Our new book vending machine has created noticeable excitement among students and staff at Knollwood," Voigt said. "The wide variety of books and colorful displays are attracting a great deal of attention from our students, and teachers are finding creative ways to award tokens for academic growth and positive behaviors in our school."
Stocked with a wide selection of books for young readers of varied ages and reading levels, the book vending machine was made possible through a Mental Health Supports and Services Grant under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. Books are provided by the Knollwood Parent Teacher Organization, through its partnership with Scholastic Books.
Other township schools used the grant funds for a variety of grade-appropriate mental health supports, including yoga classes, ice cream socials, strength training, gardens, social emotional learning classroom supplies, sensory paths, calm strips and professional development and wellness programs for staff.
"Promoting a culture of individual wellness and building social emotional learning has been one of our core district goals for the past few years," Ranelli said. "Our principals are very creative in working with staff and families to find new and engaging ways to advocate for the mental health of our students."
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Piscataway NJ school book vending machine sparks positivity, literacy
