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Forget the snacks and soda, this N.H. school installed a vending machine for books

Forget the snacks and soda, this N.H. school installed a vending machine for books

Boston Globe20-05-2025
Students in the elementary school earn gold coins from their teachers for exhibiting good behavior. Each month, the school focuses on a specific behavior that they're trying to promote: like collaboration, self-control, or being a good friend. Once they've won a coin, the students can cash it in at the vending machine for a book of their choice.
'It is wildly popular with students, teachers and parents,' said Thompson. 'It's really kind of created this hype at the elementary school.'
Thompson said the school used federal Title IV funds for the initial purchase of the machine and for one refill of books. A Hampstead mothers' club has raised additional money for purchasing more books, and the school has an Amazon wish list where parents can buy books to restock the machine, according to Thompson.
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Located by the school's main office, the vending machine for books looks much like the kind that distributes snacks or soda, with over 20 different colorful titles visible from behind a pane of glass.
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Thompson said teachers and students weighed in on the most popular titles to make sure the selection of books is as irresistible as possible.
'It checks two boxes,' he said. 'One is it supports literacy and gets kids
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This story first appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, our free newsletter focused on the news you need to know about New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles from other places. If you'd like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday,
Amanda Gokee can be reached at
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