Yadira Hans and Gillian Shotwell, educators at P.S. 249 The Caton School, shared their great idea for engaging students in online lessons over the summer. “This past school year, our school has worked hard to get everyone excited about using i-Ready and meeting their weekly goal in reading and math,” explained Hans. “To help our students continue progressing with this work, we developed the i-Ready Summer Challenge! To launch the idea, our school hosted a [family] meeting to explain the details and kick off the challenge.” When students meet their weekly lesson goals, they are entered into a virtual prize drawing for a chance to win prizes. They use a digital wheel of names to help choose the winners.

Their challenge takes place over six weeks, and the prize drawings happen biweekly. When the regular school year begins in September, they have a final prize drawing that will include the top three students from every grade.

“Families receive reminders and shout-outs through our communication platform,” Hans added. “Above all, we want our children to enjoy using i-Ready to support their strengths and needs, and so, it is very important to us to give recognition to all our students who are taking part in the challenge. At our virtual prize drawings, families join us for i-Ready–themed games, such as 'Would You Rather,' and for special recognition for our students.”

Consider hosting your own i-Ready summer challenge!