Who says you can’t mix a little fun with learning? Enter the ‘Books and Braids’ program, where kids dive into the magical world of reading while getting their hair braided. It’s a delightful twist on the classic salon experience, and it’s all happening in the classroom—minus the overwhelming scents of hairspray and bleach, of course.
Sara Medalen, a Title I Reading and Math teacher at Sunnyside Elementary in Minot, North Dakota, has ingeniously adapted this beloved salon ritual to help her students boost their literacy skills. “The special one-on-one time is just as great for me as it is for the girls,” Medalen shares with Home Insemination Kit. “I introduce myself as their stylist for the day, asking, ‘How would you like me to do your hair?’”
The charm of this program is in the details. The kids get to choose their own hair accessories and take home a comb—an item that Medalen says her students treasure. “You wouldn’t believe how excited they get over the comb!” she laughs.
The inspiration for ‘Books and Braids’ came from a moment of empathy. Medalen recalls a student whose hair was less than perfect while her mother was away. “She was the only one in reading group that day, so I asked if I could braid her hair while she read,” Medalen explains. That simple request blossomed into the beautiful concept of ‘Books and Braids.’
A friend of Medalen’s even captured the moment on camera, showcasing the joy this initiative brings. According to Kelly Boswell, who shared the photo on social media, girls can book appointments for hair styling before school, reading to Medalen as she braids away. “The child walks away with a brand new comb, a fancy hairstyle, and a dose of love from an adult,” Boswell notes. “It’s a stress-free way to encourage kids to read—just books and braids, no timers or pressure!”
Literacy is crucial for our children’s futures, and organizations like Save the Children highlight that only about one-third of fourth graders are reading at grade level. If children aren’t catching up by then, it can be a steep uphill climb.
And Medalen is not leaving the boys out. “I’ve had boys show interest too,” she says, “and I’m ready to style their hair however they’d like—gel it up or whatever they want!” She’s already discussing ideas with the school’s after-school coordinator to include boys in the program.
Though ‘Books and Braids’ is still in its early days, Medalen is overjoyed by the enthusiastic response. “I’ve been thinking about how many of these salons could pop up around the country and the impact they could have on young lives. It’s incredible,” she adds.
This heartwarming initiative proves that a little creativity can lead to big changes in education. For more ideas on how to support family planning and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource.
In summary, Sara Medalen’s ‘Books and Braids’ program is a creative approach to help kids improve their reading skills while enjoying some pampering. This initiative not only promotes literacy but also fosters connection between students and teachers. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!