It’s true that millennials love a good bit of nostalgic reminiscing, especially about pop culture-related childhood staples—like the “Book It” program, for example. Not only did it motivate an entire generation to read regularly, but it brought families together by giving them a chance to share an affordable meal at a restaurant. We all remember that accomplished feeling of getting another sticker on our Book-It pin while ordering our own personal pan pizza. (I’d personally like to thank Ann M. Martin and the entirety of the “Babysitter’s Club” series for many, many, many slices of free pizza.)
Created in 1984, the Pizza Hut Book It program has encouraged reading in schools nationwide ever since. The personal mission of the program is to turn “have to read” into “want to read” for kids everywhere—and it’s worked. Within a year of launching, more than 7 million children were using the program in 233,080 classrooms all over the country. Back in 1985, the Los Angeles Times praised the program for its simplicity and effectiveness. Today, the company says that Book It! reaches more than 14 million students and 37,000 K-6 grade schools.
“Camp Book It!” is an extension of the beloved OG Book It! program—a parent-led summer reading program that runs from June through August. The process for participating in the digital summer adventure is as follows:
Research shows that offering external motivation for kids to read is effective—and that’s exactly what Book-It does. But beyond the appetizing motivation, “Book It” introduces an element of gamification that appeals to young minds. Children feel a sense of accomplishment as they work towards their reading targets and redeem their well-earned pizza prize. This positive reinforcement cultivates a lasting appreciation for reading from an early age. As they take pride in their achievements, developing readers gain confidence that helps counteract any hesitation or aversion they may initially have towards books.
Related: 5 ways to raise little readers
The program’s success stems from its ability to transform reading from an individual activity into a fully communal experience. Young readers can bond over pizza parties as they achieve literacy milestones together, which fosters an environment where reading is celebrated and even—dare I say it—”cool.”
At its core, the Book It! program represents a profound investment in the future of our children and society as a whole. By instilling a love of reading early on, it gives young minds the keys to unlock vast universes of knowledge, creativity, and imagination. I know it did for me, and for so many of my millennial counterparts as well. Being able to share in the Book It! tradition with our own children is priceless.
When a child picks up their first book for Book It, they embark on a lifelong journey of growth, curiosity, and self-discovery. That well-worn library book or dog-eared graphic novel doesn’t just earn them a tasty pizza—it opens portals to different cultures, disciplines, and dimensions of human experience. In this way, Book It isn’t merely an incentive program, but a cherished rite of passage that leaves an indelible imprint on generations of students.
Original Article Source | Author
Your kid is cranky and whiny. They might even complain their back or tummy hurts.… Read More
Here's the secret to a stress-free holiday season: catering. No, seriously — lighten your load… Read More
Imagine you step into an elevator and someone you professionally admire is standing inside. You… Read More
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website,… Read More
Funding a small business can be difficult for anyone, but for Indigenous-owned businesses, it can… Read More
Shawn Johnson East started stressing as soon as she found out when her third child… Read More