By Karmina Conde
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — In a former classroom at Jornada Elementary, soft seating, a whimsical teepee and shelves full of books now create a place where kids can let their imaginations fly.
They call it a reading café, an idea born after Principal Colette Martinez noticed volunteers reading with students in the hallways.
“The Jornada Elementary Reading Cafe, that I have witnessed first-hand, is a vibrant space where students are encouraged to find the joy and love for reading,” Mayor Eric Enriquez, said. “It’s also a place where caring and supportive community volunteers can come and help our students find that joy.”
With help from the Children’s Reading Alliance and Las Cruces Public Schools Attendance for Success Department, the school created a dedicated reading room filled with flexible seating and books chosen to match students’ interests.
According to the 2024 results from the national examination National Assessment of Educational Progress, the state ranked last in the nation for reading among fourth and eighth graders. Only 19% of New Mexico students scored at or above the “proficient” level in eighth grade reading in 2024.
“I think books that represent students, where they come from, who they connect with, are important,” Martinez said. “But I also feel like books that give students a view of what’s totally different are very important too.”
Elena, a student at Jornada Elementary, said she loves that she can learn a lot and come to the café when she gets stuck with a word. For her and other children, the café has become a small place that makes reading feel less intimidating.
At Jornada, the café is open throughout the school day, allowing students to visit with volunteers, teachers or classmates. Some use the space to practice reading out loud. Others pick a quiet corner and read alone.
“It’s just to encourage and let everyone know that reading is a fun activity that you can get comfortable and really change your world with,” Martinez said.
Teachers are also finding ways to incorporate the café into their classroom routines, bringing students in for shared reading or partner reading.
“I think that’s an opportunity for students to hear how others read out loud and a good opportunity for them to listen,” said Elizabeth Muñoz, teacher at Jornada Elementary.
School leaders hope the café continues to grow with help from the community. Jornada Elementary is accepting book donations and volunteer readers and the school can be reached at 575-527-9536.
To watch this story, visit: https://youtu.be/FQqOiONzW-Q?si=B37H2ie2ZsNx94UI
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