In an inventive twist on a familiar salon experience, one teacher is captivating her students with a program that combines hairstyling and reading. This clever method, dubbed “Books and Braids,” allows children to read while getting their hair styled, making literacy a fun and engaging activity.
Sara Thompson, a Title I Reading and Math instructor at Greenfield Elementary in Minot, North Dakota, created this unique program to foster a love for reading among her students. “The personal time spent with each child is just as rewarding for me as it is for them,” Thompson shares. She introduces herself in a friendly manner, saying, “Hi, I’m Sara, your stylist for today. What kind of hairstyle would you like?”
The children are invited to choose from various hair accessories and even get to keep a comb, which Thompson notes has become a cherished part of the experience. “It’s amusing to see how important that comb is to them,” she adds.
The inspiration for “Books and Braids” came from a touching moment with one of her students. “A girl who always had her hair beautifully styled came to our reading group with a messy hairstyle because her mom was away,” Thompson recalls. “I offered to braid her hair while she read, and it turned into a beautiful moment.” This led to the birth of her program, which enhances the reading experience with a personal touch.
A friend of Thompson captured a photo of her braiding a student’s hair during one of these sessions, which was later shared on social media. In the post, Jamie Miller explained how students can schedule appointments in the “salon” to read aloud while Thompson styles their hair. “The child leaves with a new hairstyle, a shiny comb, and some quality time with a caring adult,” Miller wrote. “This is a wonderful low-pressure way to encourage reading!”
Literacy is crucial for children’s academic success. According to Save the Children, a non-profit organization that advocates for literacy, only about one-third of fourth graders in the U.S. are reading at grade level. Unfortunately, children who struggle with reading by fourth grade are unlikely to catch up.
Thompson also emphasizes that her program is inclusive. “I’ve had some boys express interest as well, and I’m happy to accommodate them. I haven’t styled boys’ hair yet, but I’m open to it – whether it’s braiding or just applying some gel!” She’s currently brainstorming with the after-school coordinator on activities tailored for boys.
Though “Books and Braids” has only been running for a few months, Thompson has received an outpouring of support. “It’s amazing to think about how many of these salons could pop up across the nation and how many lives could be positively impacted,” she expresses. “I’m just thrilled that a simple idea could create such a significant change.”
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In summary, Sara Thompson’s “Books and Braids” program is a creative approach to improving literacy among students, blending hairstyling with reading in a nurturing environment. This initiative not only promotes reading but also provides students with a sense of care and personal attention, demonstrating the power of innovative thinking in education.