Today, we assigned groups based upon student book requests. I presented book talks on Monday, and students requested their top two choices. We'll follow this routine for future book clubs, too.
The next step was to complete the book club goals and ground rules form as a team. It is important for groups to set norms and expectations together, so that discussions proceed productively, respectfully, and purposefully. I loved seeing the seriousness with which the Wolves discussed their expectations, hopes, and desires for book clubs. This group takes their reading seriously, and plans to have some serious fun engaging with their books!
The book club discussion record is a tool for each club to use to record the "guts" of their book discussion that day. These are turned in to me for my review, and then stored in a binder to serve as a record of all the book club meetings. At the end of each book, the group is then able to go back and review their talks as they work on their final book projects.
Book clubs will take place all year, with a planned six sessions between now and May. Most book clubs will take approximately 4-5 weeks to complete.
I am eager to share more details regarding the Wolves' approach to reading and writing at Curriculum Night (Wednesday, September 7). Book clubs are the heart of the new curriculum we're piloting this year, which is centered on social justice and engaging in civil discourse. I can't wait to tell you all about it!
Happily reading,
Rachel