"I am a reading teacher. You may ask why is a reading teacher stacking. Every year at testing time, I try to find an educational activity that will keep students on task and educationally focused. I look for something that involves problem solving, vocabulary study, and fun. This year, while watching television, I came across stacking. My next step was to get on the Internet and do some research. The Speed Stack Web site had so much great information. I did not have the time or money to get the sets for the kids to use so I ordered a single set and had my students bring in plastic cups. My classroom overflowed with literally hundreds of different types of plastic cups. I gave my students a copy of the rule book. We discussed and illustrated the vocabulary. Their homework for testing week was to read the rules, learn the vocabulary, and stack. They loved it. When my stacks (minis, too.) arrived, you would have thought they were gold. Kids were waiting patiently to get a turn with the real thing. They wanted cups. I put together a group order of close to nine hundred dollars. I was amazed. I was even more amazed that after the order arrived students were begging me to do another order.

Since testing is complete, I did not expect that Stacking would remain a part of my classroom routine. Wow, was I wrong. My students will do anything to get a chance to stack. I teach two classes of intensive reading. These classes contain students who are struggling readers. As one would expect, it is hard to get them to read and complete work. There are often many rounds of whining and attempts to avoid reading work. Well, that has changed. With the promise of time to stack, all of the students in one class completed their work and did a great job. In the other class, all but one completed their work and that one did more work than he has ever done. Who would have guessed that stacking would motivate a child to read and do work?

My reading classroom has become stacking central. Kids show up before and after school and beg to stay for lunch. They do not ever want to leave. I am amazed at their willingness to share and the good sportsmanship that they show when stacking. Since it is the end of the school year and budgets are always tight, I personally purchased two stacking sets, a mini set, a mat and timer. Students who did not purchase their own sets come and borrow mine. Once the Speed Stacks arrived, all other plastic cups were immediately rejected. They hit the trash with great speed. The students want to “Stack Fast.” They have declared the only way to do that is with the real thing.

For the rest of the school year, I am offering stacking time before school, and I expect to start a club for the next school year. It is thrilling to see so many kids motivated and having fun.

Next year I do not have to look for an activity during testing. Nothing can beat stacking!"