The first graders of Eagle’s View Elementary School recently completed participation in Heifer International’s Read to Feed Program. The goal is to improve students’ reading abilities by encouraging them to read and to make a difference in the lives of others by gifting livestock to families in need. After viewing a slideshow on Heifer International’s website that illustrated how reading can help other kids and other families, the students agreed to be part of the program.  Teacher Joni Scott expressed that with the days getting longer, she knows it's great to play outside but she doesn't want them to forget about reading. She said, "A fun way for them to keep on reading would be to help others." 

Isabella Lopez, one of the students, explained that their pen pals from IFHS clinic give them a quarter for each book they read. Both Mrs. Scott’s and Mrs. Anderson’s classes began the program in April and by the end of the school year, the students had read about 600 books and raised $320.

The class discussed what would be the best animals for each family and then they voted. "We were able to purchase a llama, a pig, sharing of a few sheep, and many flocks of chickens to help support families in East Africa,” Scott said. “Not only did the first graders strengthen their reading skills but,  more importantly,  they helped out those who are in need.”

Several students shared how reading made them happy and how now they want to read more. One student stated that it felt good to help others, and everyone was in consensus – this summer, keep on reading!