Music, tablecloths, and just the right amount of ambience. It sounds like a typical café. But, there was something special about this particular venue – a 3rd grade classroom at Bell Elementary.

 

 

The Reading Café at Bell allowed students a chance to sample different types of books. Students participated in a full dining experience with the chance to read a variety of books and complete menus about the books that they tried. Students had their choice of picture books, historical fiction, biographies, informational texts, fantasy books, and more.

"There were books that were funny and just right for me. I picked a Magic Tree House book,” said Kayanne Pangburn.

“I give this restaurant five stars,” said Caleb Darling. 

The café was the brainchild of third grade teachers Jodi Bawas and Emily Rose.

 

 

“Jodi and I knew that doing the restaurant would be a great way to pull students in and engage them. We hope the students feel they can try new things in our classrooms and in their reading. I hope they can branch out and try new genres of books. Having favorites is great but trying something new can open doors to other worlds for these 3rd graders,” said Miss Rose.