A hair colouring reward system for reading development at
Te Akau ki Papamoa, is responsible for Year 5 and 6 teacher Jon Chapman dying his hair blue.

Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Jon challenges his students to read more by offering to dye his hair a different colour each time they raise their reading age.
The students have successfully reached their latest goal by raising their reading age by an average of two and a half years.
'They have been really motivated and have raised their reading ages in only 11 weeks,” says Jon.
'The children, aged 9 to 10, are now reading at 11 to 14 year old levels, which is a huge achievement.
'The kids have worked really hard and they are reading all the time now, which has made a difference to their writing as well, and has increased their self-esteem.”
After reaching the first goal, Jon dyed his hair blonde and he says if they reach their next goal his hair will be pink.
Photo by Bruce Barnard.