Kids can enjoy reading while getting their hair styled.
For many women, visiting a salon often includes flipping through magazines while their hair is done. This comforting ritual can now be brought into the classroom, bringing a fun twist to literacy without the usual salon chemicals.
The concept has been brilliantly executed by Emily Johnson, a Title I Reading and Math teacher at Maplewood Elementary in Fargo, North Dakota. She has created a program called “Books and Braids” to inspire her students to read more.
“The one-on-one time I get with the kids is just as rewarding for me as it is for them,” Johnson shares. “I try to change the atmosphere from a typical teacher-student dynamic by introducing myself as their stylist for the day. I ask, ‘Hi there, I’m Emily. What hairstyle do you envision today?’”
During these sessions, children can choose their own hair accessories and a comb to take home, a small gesture that means a lot to them. “It’s amusing to see how excited they get just from having a new comb,” she adds.
The idea for “Books and Braids” came to Johnson after a memorable interaction with a student. “One day, a girl who usually had her hair neatly done came to our reading group with a messy hairstyle because her mom was away. Since she was the only one there that day, I asked if she’d like me to braid her hair while she read,” she recalls. The girl accepted, and the moment was so special that it inspired Johnson to start the program.
A friend captured a photo of Johnson braiding the girl’s hair and shared it on social media, which quickly garnered attention. The girls can sign up for a styling appointment before school, where they read aloud to Johnson while she skillfully braids their hair.
As Kelly Adams noted in her post about the program, “The child leaves with a new comb, a beautiful hairstyle, and the nurturing attention of a caring adult. It’s a fantastic low-pressure way to encourage young readers!” She also emphasized that there’s no timer or stress involved—just a delightful blend of books and braids.
Literacy is crucial for children’s academic success. According to Save the Children, a non-profit focusing on literacy, only about one-third of fourth graders in the U.S. are reading at grade level. Children who struggle with reading by fourth grade are unlikely to catch up later.
Johnson is not solely focusing on girls; she is open to involving boys as well. “I’ve had some boys express interest, and I’m absolutely ready to include them—whether that means styling their hair or just using gel,” she mentions. Johnson is collaborating with the school’s before-and-after school coordinator to brainstorm ideas that can cater to boys in the program.
Despite having launched “Books and Braids” only a few months ago, Johnson has received overwhelming positive feedback. “I’ve tried to calculate how many of these salons could open across the country and the number of children who could benefit. It’s truly humbling,” she reflects. “I’m thrilled that one simple idea can create such a significant impact.”
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In summary, Emily Johnson’s “Books and Braids” program is an innovative approach that combines hair styling with reading, providing students with a unique and enjoyable way to enhance their literacy skills while also fostering meaningful connections.