Mere Green Primary teachers at are hoping pupils will hungrily devour the contents of three new vending machines – because they dispense books!
The trio of vending machines have just been unwrapped at Mere Green Primary School – only instead of dispensing snacks, they offer an appetising selection of books for children to tuck into.
Star readers who impress Mere Green Primary teachers with their efforts in class and at home will be given a token in exchange for a book, in a drive to promote a love of reading across school.
The vending machines, which are in early years and key stages 1 and 2, are stocked with a mixture of traditional tales, classics, and new releases, including ‘Five Children and It’ ‘Lemony Snicket’ ‘The Pied Piper’ and ‘The World’s Worst Children’.
The machines have been kindly funded by the ‘Saturday Kitchen’, community volunteers who provided food and beverages to children’s football groups that used the school field, pre-pandemic.
All profits went towards giving Mere Green Primary School pupils extra experiences or equipment.
Aimee Bursnell, assistant headteacher at Mere Green Primary School, part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), said: “Our children really enjoy reading lessons at Mere Green and we hope that our vending machines will further develop our children’s love of reading outside the classroom.
“Not only does reading give children access to the rest of the curriculum, it develops their understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them. In the difficult times we have experienced this year, we want our children to feel safe and secure, and books can really help them do that. Let’s get reading!”