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A small area within the Luverne Elementary School media center is dedicated to a former teacher who was passionate about helping students read.
“Carrie’s Reading Nook” was established in memory of Carrie Bakken, who assisted in the Response to Intervention and Title I reading programs.
Bakken died in July 2019 from complications of scleroderma, which she was diagnosed with in 1994.
As a final wish, she asked that memorials be directed to the Luverne elementary library. The school received $1,200.
“We were asked to use the memorial funds in a way that would enrich the lives of students in the elementary,” said Tina Petronek, a media center paraprofessional.
“Since Carrie’s focus was on struggling readers, we opted for books and a reading nook.”
The reading nook includes a bookshelf and two oversized beanbag chairs. The chairs encourage children to stop and sit in the quiet corner, and the bookshelf is full of selections meant for students to read individually or in small groups.
The books feature series called “Jobs with Animals,” “Gross Jobs,” “Natural Disasters” and “Beginning to End.”
“The books chosen are what the book industry calls ‘Hi/Lo’ books, meaning the books are at a high-interest level but at a lower reading level,” Petronek said.
“Since Carrie lived on a farm and her family is in the agriculture industry, we tried to select books that were agriculture-related.”
Each book in Carrie’s Reading Nook is fitted with a small sticker on the spine, and inside the front cover a label is affixed that reads, “Donated in the Memory of Carrie Bakken.”
The books are popular with students, something Carrie would have been proud of, said colleague Lynette Stensland.
“She was passionate about finding just the right strategies, books and materials to engage her students and help them succeed,” Stensland said.
“Carrie’s determination to do her job well, despite her health challenges, was an inspiration to all of us here at Luverne Elementary.”
Family members attended an informal unveiling of Carrie’s Reading Nook on Jan. 19.
Her husband, Peter, son, Eli, and her parents, Darold and Helen Laabs, talked with staff and viewed the items purchased in Carrie’s honor.
The gathering brought tears and heart-felt appreciation to those who attended.
“I want to give accolades to the teachers for the support that the school gave her,” Peter Bakken said.
Due to Carrie’s vision, students are able to spend time enjoying reading and improving their skills in Carrie’s Reading Nook.