This week’s Academic Spotlight shines on the Lansing Elementary second grade team and reading interventionist Gabby Rader, who are helping students fall in love with reading through an engaging program called Book Taco.
Rader brought the idea to the team after looking for a way to strengthen reading comprehension while keeping students excited about books.
"I knew our school needed a comprehension program where students could read a physical book in their hands and then check their understanding," said Gabby Rader. "After doing some research, I came across Book Taco."
Book Taco allows students to read books at their level, track their progress, and complete short comprehension activities that reinforce vocabulary and understanding.
"Not only does it allow students to take comprehension quizzes on the books they read, but it also takes learning a step further with vocabulary and spelling practice using words pulled directly from the text," said Rader.
The program also adds an element of motivation by allowing students to earn points as they read. That has helped turn reading into something students look forward to each day.
"The program engages students through gamified learning and is helping build more confident readers here at LES," said Rader.
Second grade teachers quickly noticed a shift in their classrooms. Books are now constantly in students’ hands, and reading has become a favorite activity throughout the day.
"My kiddos love it!" said Rachel Johnson.
Many teachers have noticed that even students who previously struggled with reading or avoided it are now eager to participate.
"My lower readers who didn’t use to pick up books are now wanting to read," said Barb Robinson. "They cannot wait to do it each day. It promotes comprehension, the love of reading, and vocabulary enrichment."
Students are even choosing to read during their free time.
"My students LOVE it," said Shalee Black. "They chose to do Book Taco during indoor recess. Every single kid has a physical book in their hands and is excited to read and show their growth."
Teachers have also seen increased confidence among their readers.
"I love seeing a book in all their hands," said Brandi Lynn. "It has been great to see their confidence increase."
For some students, the change has been especially powerful.
"My toughest student who is also my lowest reader LOVES it!" said Cheryl Sander.
Students are also motivated by tracking their reading minutes and the number of books they complete.
"Even some of my lower readers who usually find reading stressful are excited to read books on their level and track their progress," said Aleya Baker.
The enthusiasm has even led teachers to expand their classroom libraries to keep up with the demand.
"My kids have been loving it so much that I had to create two more buckets from my own personal library," said Erin Dinwiddie.
While some students participate in intervention groups during reading time, teachers are also using Book Taco as meaningful independent reading work.
"I have my Tier 1 students using it while others are in intervention groups," said Trisha Croley.
The success of Book Taco highlights the power of collaboration across the Lansing Elementary second grade team. With Rader bringing the idea forward and teachers embracing it in their classrooms, students are strengthening their reading skills while also discovering that reading can be fun and rewarding.
Most importantly, the classrooms are filled with something every educator loves to see: students reading, smiling, and excited to turn the page to the next book.
Thank you, Gabby and the 2nd grade team, for helping our students fall in love with reading!