Typical issues among modern-day students are wanting to read but struggling, lacking motivation, and not knowing where to start. Reading is fundamental in people’s lives and is crucial to their education and growth. However, only a handful of students are good at setting time aside to read, often pushing aside or neglecting their reading life. How is Cass High School working to address this pressing issue?

This year, Ms. Jackson and her library staff are introducing a new app called Beanstack to the public of Cass High; Beanstack is an app students can locate through Classlink. Beanstack lets students keep track of their reading with a reading timer and log; they can complete tasks and write reviews of books they read. Like any other social media app, on Beanstack, students can friend other students in the school, see what books they are reading, and read their reviews. Additionally, Beanstack is goal-oriented and can help drive students to read through methods such as awarding badges when they accomplish reading goals, such as reading for 20 minutes or visiting their public library. After a student receives roughly ten badges (every month has a set amount out of all the badges they can earn), they can win a big reward at the end of the month, such as being invited to a party to celebrate their accomplishments. In some months, students automatically earn smaller rewards once they complete specific badges, such as in November. For instance, for the fall into reading challenge, if a student attains all the badges completing them, they get to eat lunch in the library as the big reward. However, that is not all because, along the way, there are mini-rewards they get, such as if someone completes the mushroom badge by reading for 180 minutes, they earn a stress toy, or if a student completes the sweater badge, they win a bag of popcorn, and every month the prizes differ.

Across our campus, students are reaping the benefits of using Beanstack, which adds more fun to the reading process—giving students the extra push to read books and indulge in the reading culture. According to Senior Amaryllis Trim, she doesn’t care much about the social aspects of Beanstack’s portfolio, but in her words, ” It is so fun seeing my score against others. I am a very competitive player, so I enjoy a race against them even if I don’t win anything.” This shows how much friendly competition throughout the app can help bring joy and fun into the world of reading. Along with the social side of Beanstack, Junior Emma Brown stated, ” I think it’s cool to look at what other people in my school are reading and how they construct their reviews… Specifically, writing reviews has helped me with media analysis, getting me to think about what I liked and didn’t like in a book by expanding on my interpretation by seeing what others have thought.” Showing the reviews are not only beneficial to the people reading them but also to the people writing them.

Additionally, having goals with reading has proven to help kids see through reading and finishing books, another area kids often struggle with. For example, during discussions in the Cass High book club, in the past, some people would frequently abandon their books because of a lack of interest after barely attempting to read. While it is acceptable for students to give up a book if they don’t like it, when every book they pick up gets tossed to the side, there is a chance the book isn’t the problem. Since the Book Club started using Beanstack, numerous students have claimed it has helped them read books cover to cover. Likewise, junior Jackson Armona noted that Beanstack helps him to remain constant when reading; it helps him not to pick up a book one day and forget about it for the next week. A noteworthy aspect of the app is the daily streak; Jackson voiced this was the extra push that motivated him to read daily, trying to keep his streak going as long as possible. This statement displays how even the most minor details of the app can significantly impact a student’s reading. In a similar case, Trim said, “The goals are one of my greatest motivations. I love to set all kinds of goals. Using Beanstack has made me keep track of my reading and [has led me] to the completion of books. I’ve definitely reached my goals for this year.” Proving the app is beneficial to students reading, making sure they actually get it done.

All in all, students are encouraged to give Beanstack a try, even if they don’t know where to start. Just start, It is surprising how beneficial the app can be. So, why not download Beanstack today and start your reading journey?

If you want to join the Cass High Beanstack group, reach out to Mrs. Jackson, and she can help you get set up!