In many salons, women often pass the time reading while having their hair styled. This calming tradition can be adapted for children in the classroom, creating a unique opportunity for literacy development.
At Sunnyside Elementary in Minot, North Dakota, a creative teacher named Emma Reynolds has developed a program called “Books and Braids” to foster a love for reading among her students. “The special one-on-one time is just as rewarding for me as it is for the kids,” Reynolds shared. She introduces herself to the students as their stylist for the day, making the experience feel special and different from the typical classroom setting.
In this program, students get to choose their hair accessories and even keep the comb they use, which Reynolds noted has been a delightful surprise for them. The inspiration for “Books and Braids” came from a moment with a student whose hair was unkempt while her mother was away. Reynolds offered to braid her hair while she read, and that simple act sparked the idea for the program.
During the “salon” appointments, students read aloud to Reynolds as she styles their hair, creating a nurturing environment without the pressures of timed reading sessions. As one observer noted, “The child leaves with a new hairstyle, a comb, and personal attention from a caring adult. It’s a fantastic low-pressure way to encourage reading!”
Literacy is crucial for children’s academic success. According to Save the Children, only about one-third of fourth graders in the U.S. are reading at grade level. If children struggle with reading by this age, they often fall behind and find it hard to catch up. Reynolds is committed to reaching all students, including boys, and is exploring ideas to include them in the program, even if it means styling their hair differently.
Though “Books and Braids” has only been running for a few months, the positive feedback has been overwhelming. Reynolds reflected on the potential impact this program could have across the country, saying, “It’s incredible to think about how many lives could be touched by just one simple idea.”
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In summary, “Books and Braids” is a creative program designed to enhance literacy in a fun and engaging way while providing children with a sense of care and attention. By mimicking a salon experience, teacher Emma Reynolds has developed a unique method to inspire a love of reading in her students.