Kara Horst

Reading Specialist

Judy Rothenberg

Reading Specialist

Wellwood is proud to be a Ben Carson Reading School!

Ben Carson's journey toward success as a neurosurgeon began when his mother turned off the TV and told her son that every week he would have to read two books and he could only watch three TV programs.  Dr. Carson faced many challenges in his life including poverty, poor grades, and a violent temper.  But with hard work and his mother's encouragement and high expectations, he went from the student everyone called "stupid" to the top of his class.  

Following Dr. Carson's model and philosophy, the Ben Carson Reading Project at Wellwood Elementary was developed to encourage students and families to use reading and learning as tools for achievement.

The program is based on Dr. Ben Carson's THINK BIG philosophy.  Each letter of THINK BIG stands for a different one of Dr. Carson's ideas for being a successful person.

In the Ben Carson reading club students earn prizes for reading.  There are 10 levels in the reading club.  For each level students have to read for a certain number of minutes to receive the prize.  They then start collecting minutes again so that they can reach the next level.  Prizes include time in the Ben Carson reading room, a free book, t-shirts, and more!  All students who complete level 10 earn a place on the Wall of Fame!  Students write down their minutes on a special form and then get a parent signature for their minutes.  Click below if you need to download the level one form for the reading club.

Level 1