ABOUT Get a Kick out of Reading
What is Get a Kick out of reading?
Get a Kick Out of Reading (GAKOOR) is an incentive-based reading program that provides rewards to individual students, classes and schools for sustained reading activities for children. This tremendous initiative promotes a love of reading and supports successful reading programs in schools and community organizations.
How is GAKOOR different this year?
The 2008-09 GAKOOR program will be much like previous years, but will feature a few changes. These changes will help the program become easier for teachers to integrate into their classrooms; challenge readers to reach different levels of achievement; and provide more incentives to students, teachers and schools. GAKOOR will continue to stress the participation of elementary students but will, for the first time, offer a limited program for intermediate and secondary students
Teacher-defined Program Goals
Rather than focusing on one method of getting kids to read (minutes read per day), this year's GAKOOR will allow the teacher to set her/his own program goals to better fit their existing reading curriculum. For instance, if your school is emphasizing guided reading, then you can set the GAKOOR program goals to include achievement levels for attendance, participation levels and improvement in reading aloud. The GAKOOR program can be adapted to fit any existing reading program a school/library may already have in place.
Three-tier Incentive Program
This year's GAKOOR will offer more prizes to students as well as offer incentives for teachers and entire schools. Thanks to the support of Albertsons and our other sponsors, GAKOOR's prize packages include a three-tier, escalating incentive program. A student can earn one of three levels of achievement with each level offering more prizes. A teacher/classroom can earn one of three levels of achievement based on the total performance of the entire class. A school can earn incentives based on the total performance of the entire campus.
What if my school does not have a reading program already in place?
Even if your school does not have a reading program, you can still register for GAKOOR. If you would like suggestions on reading activities, program ideas, etc. please contact the FC Dallas Foundation.
REGISTRATION
Who can register for GAKOOR?
Individual teachers, librarians, reading specialists and any educator who runs a reading program for children
How do I register my class(es) or program?
Click here for the registration form. Once you fill out the form you can submit it via the link on the form, it's that simple! If you have problems submitting it through the form, you can save your completed copy, and e-mail that to FCD.Reading@gmail.com. Once we receive your registration form, we will confirm the details and your class may begin their program at any time.
What type of activities should I organize for GAKOOR?
Activities can include take home reading assignments, in-class guided assignments, in-class independent reading, after school reading projects, or any project that promotes active reading.
What goals should I set for my students to earn GAKOOR prizes?
The goals should be designed to be both achievable for the average student and challenging to the most excellent reader in your class. The first level goal should be achievable by almost an entire class; the second level should be achievable by most of the class with good effort; the third level should be achievable by the part of the class giving great effort.
How long should my reading program last?
The reading programs should last for at least thirty (30) days. The program can begin at any time between your registration date and Friday, February 27, 2009
What is the deadline for registration?
February 17, 2009. After this date, no more new class registrations will be accepted.
PRIZES AND INCENTIVES
How does the incentive program work?
Teachers set three achievement levels for their students. Each student has the opportunity to become one of the following: GAKOOR Star Striker, GAKOOR Premier Player, or GAKOOR Reading Champion. The more the student accomplishes, then the higher tier s/he will achieve, the more s/he will earn.
For the classroom and school incentives, the three achievement levels are determined by the performance of the entire class and the entire school. Specific goals for classrooms and/or schools may be set. Any specific goals for classrooms/grade levels/schools should be communicated with the FC Dallas Foundation.
What prizes can my students earn?
Level 1, GAKOOR Star Striker Prize: Free Ticket to a 2009 FC Dallas Home Game
Level 2, GAKOOR Premier Player Prizes: Above plus Get a Kick Out of Reading gift bag
Level 3, GAKOOR Reading Champion Prizes: Above plus Invite to All-Star Reader Picnic at Pizza Hut Park, which will feature FC Dallas players & Tex Hooper!
What prizes can my class earn?
Level 1, GAKOOR Future Stars Team (75% of classes earns at least "Star Striker): FCDF/Albertson's Recognition
Level 2, GAKOOR First Team (75% earn at least "Premier Player"): Above plus team-signed poster for classroom
Level 3, GAKOOR All-Star Team (100% at Star Striker, 75% at Premier, 50% at Chamion.): Above plus Invitation to All-Star Reader Picnic at GAKOOR FCD home match sponsored by Albertsons
What prizes can my school earn?
Level 1: GAKOOR School for Outstanding Readers Recognition by FCDF & Albertson's; Outstanding Reading School Certificate
Level 2: GAKOOR School for Reading Excellence Recognition by FCDF & Albertson's; Excellent Reading School Certificate presented by FC Dallas representative
Level 3: GAKOOR Official FCDF Reader Leader School Recognition by FCDF & Albertson's; "Reader Leader" Certificate presented by FC Dallas representative
REPORTING AND PRIZE REDEMPTION
When my program is completed, how do I report my results?
Once your program is completed, simply download the GAKOOR Results Report and submit it to the FC Dallas Foundation.
When will I find out about prizes?
When we receive your Results Report, we will contact the teacher within seven (7) days to confirm the names of students and their achievement level.
How will the prizes be distributed?
Ticket vouchers will be mailed to the school in each teacher's name. Gift Bags and other prizes will be distributed at FC Dallas home matches or delivered to the school.
What is the deadline for submitting my results so that my students, class and school can receive their prizes?
Programs must be completed by Friday, March 27. All Results Reports must be submitted by Friday, April 10 in order for students, class and school to receive their prizes.
