Studies continue to show that a single age group is the most pivotal to decide a student’s future success in school and life: the third grade. At this age, students can truly gain a passion and talent for learning and reading; however they can also fall behind, never gaining a true interest and drifting through school for the rest of their lives—either by explicitly dropping out or by not reaching their potential.  A program held at Rocky Mount Academy is attempting to maximize the educational impact of these important years.  “Lunch Bunch” is aimed to create a high interest in reading among third grade students.  Student interest in reading has been shown to correlate with higher test scores more so than even in-school reading.   Interest-based reading also significantly helps ESL students; some studies show that interest based reading helps more than structured, in-school language instruction.  Finally, it has been shown that even a small amount of independent reading significantly helps critical thinking skills.

Lunch Bunch groups are led by parent and upper school volunteers who present and discuss interesting books to small groups of three to four students.  The program introduces third students to fun books in a variety of genres, and allows volunteers from the Rocky Mount Academy community to share their interest in reading with the students. Each group of books read to the students will present a wide range of reading levels, so the books will appeal to students with different reading abilities.  Dedicated volunteers often connect with students outside of class, going to plays and sporting events. The program in essence introduces an informal atmosphere, where the students and the volunteers can have fun engaging with books in a low pressure environment.

Lunch Bunch has been made possible by dedicated volunteers and the thoughtful donation of books by the families of Rocky Mount Academy.  In addition, the RMA third grade teachers and administration have helped the program from its infancy, and have been incredibly open to new ideas. Lunch Bunch plans to continue next year, after the leadership has been passed onto ninth grader Ann Sumner Thorp and tenth grader Holly Brantley.