Look for a Book

6th and 7th grade students show their newly purchased story books.

After beginning the new term at the Lutheran Non-Formal School, Tim met with the head teacher to explore a possible opportunity that would allow the students to purchase their own story books.

Mwanaisha previews a possible book choice.

As part of his preparation for instructional level text, small group lessons with the students, Tim conducted a brief reading interview with each child. Prior to benchmarking their current English reading level, he analyzed the interview answers. Over half the students stated they did not own a book. Of the half that did, only a handful possessed story books. Most of the books they owned were study guides and exam prep books. Also when asked "why do you like books?" only one out of the 40 students answered books can be entertaining. The rest of the students' answers reflected views on books as only a learning tool and means for preparing for the secondary school entrance exam. So this data helped open the door for the school to participate in the Look for a Book program developed supporters in the US. Each student was requried to contribute a small sum of money. That amount was then matched and topped up to allow each student the freedom to purchase one story book at a local book store.

Tim giving book recommendations.

This past Friday, Tim and Megan accompanied the students to Nakumatt and supervised the purchasing of over 30 storybooks. We are proud of the students for making an effort to save a bit of money towards buying a book. Thank you supporters of the Look for a Book program, and we are excited to see students have access to texts for enjoyment.

Tim and Vatis compare books.