What?
Chapter 9 focused on implementing book clubs for every classroom. Ideally, the teacher would produce a list of books ranging in reading level that all revolved around the same subject. Students would choose a book based on interest and form book groups around their choice. Students would develop a reading schedule and lead the discussion in their groups. The class would create a book club rubric that they could self-evaluate for participation grades, and the teacher would monitor discussions rather than lead them.
So What?
This strategy allows students to take responsibility for their education. We want to create life long learners and book clubs will encourage students to pick materials that they want to read. Students will also experience and practice cooperative group work, which is the most successful way to have students work in groups.
Now What?
I can't help but worry about students who don't complete their reading assignment. I understand that I will obviously tell if they don't complete the assignment and I can give them less credit, but if they miss one reading assignment they will be far behind their group. Plus, the group members are depending on each other to spark discussion and if they don't read then they will all lose out.
Book clubs are also something that we will have to develop over the year as a class. You can't just start a book club any random day, there needs to be immense planning with lessons on reading strategies and cooperative group work. Sure, having the clubs meet every other Friday for 20 minutes isn't a lot of class time, but the amount of preparation and planning that goes into book clubs will take quite a while. Like our administration panel explained, we will need to sell this activity and really get students hyped about book clubs. Is it something that could be implemented anywhere? Perhaps.
This link is another resource that suggests book clubs in the high school class, and reading it made me feel more confident. Perhaps I'm just over-worried because I haven't been in front of a classroom yet! The author of this blog taught her students to brainstorm solutions to problems as they arise which allows the students to accept responsibility and self-reflect. I really like the idea of students taking control of their education and learning with each other.
Do you think this is a strategy that could be implemented in an inner city public school?
I understand your concern for implementing book clubs in the classroom. I didn't think of some of the things you mentioned, but I think you make some good points. I would also imagine there are those kids that may not read, or may not be caught up to the rest of the group. This would cause the problems in the group because not everyone would be able to contribute to the conversation. I would hope the idea of working with other students would motivate the students to complete their work on time. However, I think you're right, we need to plan for this so all students are on board.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that book clubs can be implemented in any school as long as it is built up to, like you said. If students have the proper tools to facilitate meaningful book clubs, I think they can get a lot out of it, especially when it's a book they get to choose. I have been in literature circles for my MLED class, and the best way to make sure that students to the reading is to make them choose a role to play so that they have something specific to share with the group. It encourages student thinking while they are reading and can spark deeper level thinking during discussion.
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