Additional reading was recognized at the rate of another ton for each 10 picture books or 100 pages read. Certificates were awarded to individuals during quarterly assemblies. A hall bulletin board was maintained by parents which recognized participation and class group success. The 3D mine entrances were decorated with donkeys pulling carts labeled with class names. The culminating event was a Gold Rush Festival with carnival games of skill and chance.
Students read their way to become a crab, octopus, marlin and great white shark.
The walls were decorated with colorful fish designed by each student in collaboration with the art teacher. We established a salt water aquarium in the front hall and added sea creatures as classes met their reading goals. Students read to become a page, a squire and eventually a knight. Once knighthood was attained individualized reading quests were developed to encourage continued participation. The school halls were decorated to look like a castle with stone like paper and portcullises.