In a remarkable initiative blending education and personal care, a creative teacher has developed a program that not only helps children read but also offers them a unique salon-like experience. This approach, known as “Books and Braids,” enables students to enjoy reading while having their hair styled, fostering a love for literacy in a relaxed environment.
Emily Carter, a dedicated Title I Reading and Math teacher at Maple Grove Elementary in Fargo, North Dakota, has successfully implemented this program in her classroom. By mimicking a salon atmosphere, she engages her students in one-on-one reading sessions while she braids their hair. “The special time I get with the kids is just as rewarding for me as it is for them,” Carter explains. “I introduce myself as their stylist for the day, asking them how they’d like their hair done.”
Carter allows students to choose their hair accessories and keeps a comb for them as a little memento. She recalls how the idea sparked from a past experience with a student who needed help with her hair while reading. “When I offered to braid her hair, it turned into a beautiful moment filled with laughter and reading. That’s when I thought of ‘Books and Braids,’” she shares.
A friend captured the essence of this program in a photo shared on social media, highlighting the way students can book appointments before school to receive hair styling while reading aloud. “Children leave with a new hairdo, a comb, and the personal attention of a caring adult,” the post noted. “It’s a wonderful low-pressure way to encourage reading.”
The importance of literacy cannot be overstated, especially considering that only around one-third of fourth graders in the U.S. are proficient in reading, according to Save the Children. If children struggle with reading by fourth grade, they often find it challenging to catch up later.
While the program primarily caters to girls, Carter emphasizes her commitment to inclusivity. “I’ve had boys express interest, and I’m open to styling their hair too—whether it’s braiding or just using gel,” she notes. With plans to collaborate with the school’s before-and-after school coordinator, she hopes to create opportunities for boys to participate soon.
Although “Books and Braids” is relatively new, Carter has received an overwhelming amount of support and enthusiasm. “I tried to calculate how many similar programs could emerge across the country and the impact they could have on kids’ lives—it’s truly inspiring,” she reflects. “I’m thrilled that a small idea can lead to such significant change.”
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In summary, Emily Carter’s “Books and Braids” program is transforming the way children engage with reading, making it a fun and stress-free experience while promoting literacy in a nurturing environment.