Van-Far Elementary still teaches the three Rs — except in this case it’s defined as Reading, Riding and ’Rithmetic.

It’s a simple equation: 100 x 18 = 4.

And if that doesn’t seem right, it might be better to spell it out with a little writing – or ’Riting, in the old three Rs.

The Bikes for Books program is now entering its 10th year at the school. The effort is designed to encourage young students to read by dangling a prize. Vandalia Masonic Lodge No. 491 provides four bicycles, two girls and two boys.

Bikes for Books – also promoted as Books for Bikes – is a nationwide reading incentive effort offered by the Masons through their state and local orders. Similar efforts take place in Moberly, Hallsville, Linn Creek, Bernie and elsewhere across the state.

Masonic foundations in several states claim the program has been instrumental in improving reading scores at the elementary level.

When members of Lodge No. 491 learned a decade ago of the need to motivate students, they introduced the program with matching funds from the Masonic Home of Missouri.

At first it was two bikes, one for a boy and one for a girl. That number has since increased to four each year.

“This has just been a fun way to motivate our students to read,” said Lori Culwell of Van-Far Parents as Teachers. “Forty-four bikes and counting.”

The process is simple, but effective. Students in the first through sixth grade at Van-Far Elementary are tasked with reading at least 100 minutes each week. Meet that goal and their name goes into a pool.

This continues throughout the semester. A student’s name can be added to the drawing multiple times.

“They often have the opportunity to have their name in the drawing up to 18 times,” Culwell pointed out.

At the end of the semester, the lucky names are drawn.

Culwell notes that Bikes for Books has been a success. More students are reading, a few get to go riding.

“The program was well received,” she said.