New Initiatives Grant Final Report
“Book Nook Boxes”
Please provide a brief narrative explaining your project and its outcomes.
With our grant money, the Chittenango Middle School library was able to fund a new program modeled after popular “subscription box” businesses (e.g. HelloFresh, StitchFix, OwlCrate, etc). Our program was student-driven, starting with the name voted on by participating 6th graders: Book Nook Boxes.
From October to December 2023, two 6th grade ELA classes selected library books for their assigned 5th grade “book buddies” and curated a box full of extra goodies: bookish crafts, custom 3D-printed bookmarks, uplifting messages, and more. The boxes–featuring an original sticker designed by one of our 6th graders, and chosen by popular vote among the 5th glade classes–were delivered during special library visits. With each box, 5th graders had an exciting “unboxing” experience to discover what book was chosen specially for them along with the other fun goodies inside.
The program promoted literacy and the value in reading for enjoyment, and encouraged our students to explore new types of books. All classroom teachers involved hyped up the project every step of the way and encouraged students to read their books, though we were purposeful in avoiding any strict requirements or assignments related to the reading. We wanted to emphasize that this should be an enjoyable experience and a chance to explore what types of books they truly connect with.
Overall, students in all grades approached the project with enthusiasm. Even students who do not consider themselves big readers found something to like, whether it was the artistic and creative aspect of designing the boxes and extra content, or simply the fun of having a box full of surprises delivered straight to them to enjoy. As expected, we did encounter some students who were just not interested in their book or not motivated to finish reading it; however, even those students seemed to enjoy the “unboxing” element and have that positive association with the school library, which we consider to be a good starting point for those students. On the other end of the spectrum, we also had multiple students who were thrilled about the box AND the book inside, and discovered a new author/series/format that they now know they enjoy!
At the very end of the program, the 5th and 6th grade students had special library days to meet their book buddy in person and participate in a fun library Kahoot game as a team.
What is the most remarkable accomplishment or finding of your project?
Marianne Quinn, 6th grade teacher: This project helped motivate my students in the area of independent reading. They were reluctant readers at the beginning of the year. The visits to the library and exposure to new books and different genres helped my students choose books for themselves. One student commented to me that she found the current book she is reading when she was looking for a book for her buddy.
When making the 2nd book box, my students were more in tune with the interests of their book buddy and put more thoughtful effort in choosing a book that really connected to and motivated their buddy to read. This experience was memorable and all of my students really enjoyed creating the crafts/notes that connected with their book recommendations. I hope to do it next year.
Beth Bennett, 6th grade teacher Students enjoyed the creative process that went with the project – designing something for the 5th grader to do or have. Getting the feedback, especially when their buddy enjoyed the book, was very rewarding.
Diana Cashman, 5th grade teacher: Consistently, throughout my whole class, their favorite part was the reveal, the new box and seeing what the new book was going to be. They liked looking at the theme inside the box, too.
Katie Crayton, 5th grade teacher: My 5th graders were very motivated by their involvement in this project. It really helped them start the year and get into some independent reading. Some of my students were inspired by the books that they read and even jumped into sequels or other books by the author. I really hope we do this again next year!
Please provide a brief summary of your evaluation activities and/or results, if available.
The 6th grade students created the first Book Nook Boxes based on their book buddy’s responses to a general reading survey. This survey gave the 6th graders an idea about their book buddy’s attitude towards independent reading and what type of stories they have enjoyed reading in the past.
After receiving Box #1 and having sufficient time to read the book (about 1 month), 5th grade students completed another brief survey to share feedback with their book buddy. Questions included: did they finish the book, what would they rate it out of 5 stars, what did they like or dislike about the book. 6th graders could then use this feedback to inform their choices for the next book box.
The feedback on Box #1 varied. There were some students who reported absolutely loving their book, some students who finished their book and felt ambivalent about it, and students who reported not finishing because the book just wasn’t for them. However, all teachers noticed an overall increase in the number of students who reported enjoying their SECOND book box (as noted in teacher comments in the previous question).
Jenna Ballard
Library Media Specialist, Chittenango Middle School
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