Reading Incentive

O’Neal launches reading incentive program
Posted on 10/04/2022
Ronnie Cline and Ashley Robertson.

O’Neal Elementary has kicked off a reading incentive program this month with help from a business sponsorship to encourage students to read more at home.

Students received reading logs on which they were asked to document 15 minutes of reading each evening, then have their parents/guardians sign off on the time spent in total at the end of the month.

When the logs are returned, students will earn special reading keychains, and their names will be placed in a drawing for a Kindle Fire every trimester, with prizes donated by agent Ronnie Cline of Poplar Bluff Realty.

“The goal of the program is to encourage students to practice reading skills to help them improve stamina, fluency and build vocabulary,” explained Ashley Robertson, O’Neal librarian. “Kids reading for enjoyment is an ultimate goal for me as a librarian.”

Robertson came up with the idea after reviewing school data of students struggling or right on the line of becoming grade level readers, she explained. The best way for young people to build their critical reading capacity is to “practice reading outside of school,” Robertson continued.

When approached, Cline reportedly jumped at the opportunity as the husband of Andrea, a long-time teacher at O'Neal, and repeat school supporter. He said he could recall when their sons, Ronnie III and Tyler, attended the elementary, and participated in a similar program involving charm bracelets in physical education.

“If we give kids an incentive to run laps, why not give them an incentive to learn? That’s our future,” Cline said enthusiastically. He added that he hopes the program continues to evolve – with a large celebration at the end of the school year, and perhaps guest readers from the business sector.

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Cutline: O’Neal librarian Ashley Robertson accepts a donation from Ronnie Cline of Poplar Bluff Realty to launch a new reading incentive program at the elementary school.

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