Reading Makes A Difference™

Students at each grade level received special themes for illustration and all came up with creative, inspiring ideas. Among the most dynamic was the creation of a “Jester Rainbow Chain” representing Kind Words, Encouragement, Listening, Including Others, Helping Others and Respecting Others. The colorful two-story chain waved gently behind students receiving Jester Jingle certificates and educational prizes for their reading accomplishments.

“Students were motivated to read without the teacher having to encourage them,” third-grade teacher Fabiola Vega said with pride.

And all other teachers agreed, requesting the program’s return for next year.

Fifth graders took the prizes for reading the most pages, but students in all grades created records that will be tough to match next time around.

Top reader in the school was fifth-grader Rosie Lorenzo, who read 3,163 pages. Izaro Telleria’s fifth graders took the crown for reading the most pages of any classroom – 12,048.

“The reading program was helpful because it encouraged and reminded students to read every night, and they really enjoyed the challenge,” said fifth-grade teacher Shanjana Hossain. “The most effective aspect of the Reading Makes A Difference program was that it gave students a meaningful reason to read. Knowing that their reading could help others made the activity feel important and motivating.”

In addition, student involvement reading has grown in all grades. “The students enjoyed reading and have started asking to read more in class!” reported fourth-grade teacher Victoria Hernandez. “I love seeing my class have a positive change in their reading habits.”

Receiving Jester books and dolls was White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, whose young patients greatly appreciated students thinking about them.