Schools have two options for after school and summer school programs.

#1. The regular 100 Book Challenge program provides motivation, materials and instructional frameworks that practically guarantee success for any summer or after school reading program.

#2. For schools already doing 100 Book Challenge during the regular school day, or schools that simply want to deepen students’ fascination with and knowledge in the content areas, Research Labs are the perfect solution.

100 Book Challenge Research Labs is a six-week, hour-a-day program that stimulates, challenges and engages children to become experts in their chosen fields of study—in science, language arts and social studies.

Research Labs are designed with a multi-disciplinary approach that combines reading, writing and discussion, culminating in a final project: a student-authored and illustrated book. With their acquired expertise, students can say with confidence, “Ask me anything!”

Students participating in Research Labs:

Preview the topic: Teachers introduce students to the theme of the Research Lab, (e.g., Animals), and students then read, write, and discuss possible topics they may select to research, (e.g., Antelopes, Penguins, Hummingbirds).
Choose a Topic: Based on contextual learning, students self-select the topic in which they wish to develop an expertise.
Research the Topic: Students focus additional reading, writing and discussions on their respective topics. Teachers supplement individual research with read-alouds, individual conferences, advanced reference materials and follow-up discussions.
Demonstrate Learning: Each student produces a self-authored and illustrated book, demonstrating expertise and creating a sense of accomplishment.

All books are labeled using American Reading Company’s proprietary leveling system, which is keyed to national standards for reading competence by grade level. The simplicity of the system allows all students to self-select books they not only can read, but want to read. Teachers and students alike can identify books according to their “just right” reading levels by identifying the 100 Book Challenge color-coded sticker.