Bribes Get Kids To Read
Bribes work. Kids have forced themselves to read for free pizzas, for extra playground time. Why not for store discounts and fancy certificates signed by the governor?
Anne Nesse is willing to try just about anything to get kids to read more. But she’s not sure Coeur d’Alene’s library can meet any increased demand.
“I was so discouraged after one visit to the library that I didn’t go back,” Anne says, her store-bought copy of “World Religions” perched on the couch arm at her side.
Anne’s quest isn’t radical by anyone’s standards. She wants teachers to require more reading and families to turn off televisions and read books that will educate them, answer their questions, make them think. She wants people to love reading so much that they choose to expand the library rather than build another ballfield.
Television and sports are tough competitors for kids’ time and attention. That’s why Anne and fellow Lakes Middle School parent Simone Kincaid created a contest.
Students at their school who read 12 books that aren’t required by school during the next year will earn a certificate signed by Gov. Phil Batt. They’ll also earn free pizzas and discounts at local bookstores.
To help families find good books, Anne and Simone compiled a hefty list from the suggestions of experts, favorites of library patrons and expectations of college admissions officers.
“You can’t believe how many adults want this list,” Anne says, laughing. The 41-page list breaks its recommendations into grade levels and includes fiction, non-fiction, plays and poetry. From Archimedes to Jane Austen, Virgil to Voltaire.
To satisfy the public’s urge to know how educated it is, Anne will leave copies of the list at local libraries and bookstores. “Hopefully we’ll entice parents to bribe kids into reading,” Anne says with a sly smile. “And the demand eventually will lead to better libraries.”
Books of a different cover
Your 3-year-old son shows no interest in using the toilet and you’re out of ideas. Your friends all have daughters, so they have no helpful advice. Don’t despair.
Coeur d’Alene’s Children’s Village keeps a parent library stuffed with books, videos, training materials and even workbooks for kids. The materials cover everything from safety to sexual abuse, thumbsucking to eating disorders.
The library is tucked in a private niche in the finished basement and includes a videocassette recorder and a place for children to play. Best of all, it’s free.
Call Tinka Schaffer at 667-1189 and tell her when you’re coming. She can help you find whatever you want.
Dearly beloved
Kootenai County retained its title as marriage capital of Idaho in 1994. It takes so long to compile vital statistics that 1994’s numbers are just out.
Twice as many people - 4,841 - wed, most likely, in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls than in Ada County. Can you blame them? I wonder if any of those couples named their kids Winterashia and Quirt. Those were among the oddest names given to Idaho babies that year…
I do
Speaking of weddings … a friend and colleague of mine plans to tie the knot this summer along the peaceful shore of Priest Lake. Hardly a prettier place exists, especially to exchange marriage vows and party late into the night.
Where in North Idaho was the most memorable wedding you’ve attended? On the rocks at Post Falls? ‘Neath the stacks in Kellogg? Announce the particulars to Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; fax to 765-7149; or call 765-7128.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo