Our literacy team took a new direction this year with our school-wide reading incentive program. We wanted to establish a literacy-rich environment where all students were given the opportunity to participate in literacy celebrations. We did away with required nightly reading minutes, signed reading logs, and rewards given only to students who completed the reading challenge. Alternatively, we focused on creating opportunities for students to enjoy authentic reading, writing, and discussions. We planned several school-wide activities throughout the year to promote literacy: graffiti walls, book swaps, mystery readers, and Flashlight Fridays. For today's post, let's take a look at Flashlight Fridays. Flashlight Friday Event Details: Once each month we held a school-wide Flashlight Friday event where students were invited to bring their flashlights to school and use them to read their books during a "lights-out" read-to-self time. A note was sent home to parents in advance to let them know when Flashlight Friday would be held. Students were asked to keep the flashlights tucked away in their backpacks until it was time to read. The Results The flashlights students brought to school were as unique as the children. We saw everything from finger-flashlights to headlamps. Student excitement was undeniable. Children often doubled up to share flashlights with those who forgot. In addition, many teachers kept a few spares in their desk drawers. We invited all the members of our school community to participate in the fun by bringing their own flashlights and joining a classroom to read. Our December Flashlight Friday was my favorite. Teachers plugged in Christmas lights and stretched them across the floors, and students read by holiday lights. Isn't this cute? Have you held a Flashlight Friday? How do you keep your students engaged in the task of reading? Please share your ideas in the comment section below.