Eugene Field adds phase to reading plans

ELIZABETH GOLDEN/DAILY FORUM
Eugene Field Elementary School implemented the P.A.W.S reading program at the beginning of the school year as a way to encourage reading in a fun and manageable way.

Ree Sullivan ends every class with “read every day” — a phrase that is pasted all around the library of Eugene Field Elementary School.

Sullivan, the school librarian, is working through the second semester of the P.A.W.S. reading program. Please Always ‘W’read Something has completed its implementation phase and is in the process of continually giving kids incentives to read every day.

Students fill out a “paw” on a reading sheet based on their grade level and the amount of required reading time. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten read 10 minutes per paw while first and second grades read 15 minutes. Third graders are up to 20 minutes, and fourth graders read 30 minutes per paw. Students fill out 20 paws per sheet. After completing a sheet, the student receives a prize. For every paw completed, the student is eligible for a prize drawing.

Each month has a theme in order to give kids a reading incentive. January was “jump into January” and February is “something you love about books.” For every completed sheet, the student decorates a heart, which will be posted in the library.

In her first year, Sullivan was looking for a reading program, which would encourage reading while also being manageable. The Parent-Teacher Organization ran the previous reading program. This is first year it has been run by a staff member.

“I was trying to figure out a way to manage 500 kids,” Sullivan said. “It’s a similar program to what they’re used to. The prize system is different. I was just trying to find a way to make it a little more exciting.”

Each month at the all-school assembly, Sullivan draws names of students who are eligible for a large prize. The prize usually consists of a book, another small prize and a pack of gum.

“Chew on a good book,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said it is important to encourage kids to read because every job in the world requires reading.

You have to read for anything,” she said. “Right now, they’re learning to read, but later on, they’ll read to learn. It increases your thinking, potential.”

The prize opportunities give students that extra motivation to achieve their potential, Sullivan said.

“Some of them need that extra motivation,” she said. “Some of them like to set high goals, so they have something to work for. The program helps us convey how important reading is to us. We’re just trying to get that important message out; keep that high importance of reading in their minds.”

Students are able to read any type of book, although Sullivan does give suggestions on occasion.

“The librarian’s code is I can’t tell them what they can read,” she said. “I want them to make sure they’re reading for enjoyment because that builds a love for reading.”

Currently, more than 100 students complete a P.A.W.S. sheet each month.

“It’s been very successful so far,” Sullivan said. “I’m always hoping for more, but I’ve heard nothing but good things from parents and teachers.”

Going forward with the program, Sullivan said she knows P.A.W.S. will continue in the future, but she’s not sure how much it will change and adapt.

“I want it to be smooth,” she said, “not a task because once it becomes a task, it becomes a burden and isn’t fun anymore. We want easy, fun and manageable. I definitely see it sustaining, possibly growing and expanding, but I’m not sure how much it can expand and be manageable.”