Fostering Relevant and Engaging Writing Opportunities for Young Writers
Across PWCS:
Bel Air Elementary School
King Elementary School
Marumsco Hills Elementary School
Montclair Elementary School
Swan Creek Elementary School
River Oaks Elementary School Boys Book Club:
Mrs. Barrett, Reading Specialist and Reading Recovery teacher at River Oaks Elementary School took on the challenge this year to encourage a group of reluctant readers to fall in love with reading. While on her way to pick up a group, she heard one student say loudly, "I hate reading! It's boring!" This was a young man who'd had some behavior issues. Mrs. Barrett stopped and asked him what was his favorite kind of book to read. He said without hesitation, Dog Man. She quickly realized that he didn't hate reading... He just needed opportunities to read books of interest to him.
As a result of this encounter, Mrs. Barrett started a boy’s book club this year. She asked teachers for students who had behavior issues, who could read independently at least at an average range, and who could use some encouragement. Currently, we have seven boys in our School of Excellence Book Club (named by the student who said he hates reading). We meet once a week. The members have student-led discussions about the characters and events. They compare/contrast characters, make connections, and ask each other questions independently (with minimal facilitation). They also select, exchange, and tell me which books to purchase.
These young men enjoy reading and re-reading their favorite books each week. I am moved by their desire and tenacity to engage in text. Most of the times when I see some of the boys in passing, they ask me can I pick them up for book club. When they come for their book club session, they get right to reading and discussing the characters/events without me prompting them! This is what I call success! Students reading with enjoyment books they choose & love, uninhibited!
I'm already looking forward to next year's Boys Book Club!
River Oaks Elementary School Boys Book Club PowerPoint presentation:
River Oaks ES Boys Book Club.pptx
