When Nikki was in first grade, her teacher posted a sticker chart in the classroom to display the number of books children read throughout the year. Nikki excitedly took home three books from the classroom library every night.
Adding stickers to her growing collection filled Nikki with pride but couldn’t top how much she enjoyed reading new books with her mom each night.
The combination of book access and joyful reading experiences is now part of Nikki’s DNA as a kindergarten teacher.
With 20 years of teaching experience, Nikki has learned how to unlock a passion for reading in her kindergarten students, and Book Trust is part of the solution!
“When children are given the freedom to pick books that interest them, it encourages a love of reading,” explains Nikki. “The Book Trust program has had a remarkable impact in my classroom, and I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it is for my students.”
Nikki knows that some families do not have the resources to support home libraries. “For many of these children, receiving books to keep and cherish is a truly special and meaningful experience. It’s more than just about reading—it’s about giving them the chance to build a collection of books that are theirs, sparking a love for reading that can last a lifetime.”
When Nikki’s students receive their Book Trust books, they’re always ecstatic to look for familiar words and take in the new illustrations. But from Nikki’s perspective, the book access, ownership, and shared reading experiences accomplish even more. “This access doesn’t just encourage them to read more, it empowers them to explore new worlds, follow their curiosity, and become confident, independent learners.”
Follow in Nikki’s footsteps and become a Reading Hero today by donating to Book Trust.
