Re-Thinking SLP

In thinking about how to balance the programs we offer, the class was asked to share an example of how they changed a program, grew it or adapted it to create a better balance. This is one in a series of posts in which class participants responded to the prompt: Share an example of a way you evolved a program that led to a more successful outcome.

Tara has just started doing SLPs and wanted to morph it from everyone just reading into something that fit the needs and interests of different age groups..

When I started the program was set up so all kids who could read on their own up to age 18 were able to read as much as they wanted and receive "stuff" at the end of 6 weeks. They kept track of their progress on sheets from the manual and used coordinating stickers. I decided that I wanted there to be different levels to the SRP. So I began making my own sheets for how the kids could keep track of their reading. 

Birth to age 5 kids were given a sheet with the option of reading or doing a list of activities. After the kids completed so many activities or readings, they could bring the sheet in to receive a small prize (prizes included pencils, notepads, small stuffed animals, etc;  we also had coupons donated by businesses if the parents want them to have them - our local businesses have been great supporters). After they completed an entire sheet of them, they could bring it in to receive a new book. I had purchased books that were leveled readers that they could choose from or board books for the littlest. 

The 6- 11 year olds completed their reading logs based on the twenty minute a day guideline with four stopping points for them to receive prizes. They too received new books when they reached the end. All the children in both age groups that completed the required goal by the end of the program had their names put in for a drawing for each age group to win a grand prize. Last year we were able to give away movie tickets, a free meal to Culver's, a gift card to Walmart to the winners. 

The teen group was 12 & up and they were challenged to read against each other -  the top two who read the most had their names put in for a grand prize and a runner up prize. Teens could also win weekly if they wrote book reviews. All of it seemed to do ok, but some griped because compared to previous years they had to work a bit more for prizes. I really wanted to have them do things that support reading and earn prizes that are more than plastic.

This year we are actually thinking of changing the teens to do a bingo board instead and doing more with facebook, twitter, and other social media to get teens to participate. Whether it was more successful I'm not sure since last year was my first SRP year I'll have to wait and see how it compares to this year. 

Graphic courtesy of the Collaborative Summer Library Program