Ms. Ellen Gager, a 5th grade teacher in our middle school, has found a fun way to keep her students reading this year! 

Earlier this year, after students returned from winter recess, Gager introduced an incentive program centered on what she’s dubbed desk pet terrariums. 

If students read for 140 minutes per week for two straight weeks, they earn themselves a desk pet terrarium starter kit - the clear plastic terrarium itself, some kinetic sand for the bottom and their first item - a resin animal, faux tree, mini house and the like. 

Each additional week a student meets the 140‑minute goal, they get to choose another item to add to their terrarium.

“At first, students were a little hesitant - they weren’t quite sure what the whole thing would look like,” said Gager, “but once the first four students built theirs, interest exploded. The very next week, nine students earned one.”

Students have shared that having the terrarium on their desk - and watching it grow with each new addition - has been genuinely motivating. One of the most impressive parts has been how respectful the other two 5th‑grade classes have been toward the terrariums. Even more unexpectedly, the project has sparked new conversations and connections among students who don’t typically interact. 

“Students have been cheering each other on,” said Gager, “and it’s been really fun to watch.”