Growing a Love of Books - Alternative Education Builds a Library
Growing a Love of Books
-Alternative Education Builds a Library
Growing a library has been a hands-on project for students and teachers in the Garfield alternative elementary education classrooms. Teachers Emily Borkhuis, Megan Nebel, and Denise Mayer received a $2000 grant to jump start the rejuvenation of their classroom libraries.
While teachers selected most of the books, the 3rd thru 6th grade students chose many books by reading the book summaries and voting on the books to buy. Mrs. Borkhuis reported, “Student’s took real responsibility and pride in selecting books. They considered the long term needs of the class, not just what they liked. Now the students are all boys and they selected books that they thought girls would enjoy.”
The first student activity with the new books was a “book pass”. Each student had 3 minutes to hold each book, read the review, and put the names of books of interest on his book list. Students learned “that they could not judge a book by its cover.”
Mrs. Borkhuis says, “My students, who often have difficulty staying focused, have increased the time they sustain their interest during silent reading. They are excited about finishing a book so they can get on to the next book on their reading list.”
The Watertown Middle School librarian learned about the need for books when the grant awards were announced. Having several new books at the Garfield students’ reading levels that were not being used, WMS made a large donation of additional books to grow the library. In the future, new books will be funded from the capital improvement funds.