September Sampling. Teachers, BOLDLY, take students on Book Speed Dates.
If you had walked into the library at North Richland Middle School last Friday you would have thought there was going to be a baby shower or retirement party judging from the way everything was decorated. Twenty two tables were covered in nice linens and pretty centerpieces. On each table there was a number, an assortment of books and a worksheet full of emojis.
One by one the sixth grade English teachers brought classes to the library. Upon entering, students were seated at tables much like you would in a restaurant. Some brief instructions were provided, soft music started and students began to read any book on their table and even encouraged to look at more if time allowed. Five minutes later, the music stopped, students were asked to use the score-sheet to write down the book title and circle the emoji that best describes whether or not they would "go on a second date" with their book. After marking their score sheets, students were directed to proceed to the next, numbered table, grab a seat and new book. The music began again and the process was repeated. Another layer to this activity was the short book talks some students shared with their peers. Students would stand on a step-ladder and share why they loved a particular book or author. Somehow peer recommendations mean so much more than adult recommendations when you are in middle school. By the end of the September Sampling, students had exposure to at least 40-50 books from different genres. Many of which, they might never have picked off the library shelves.
Book speed dating is not new to schools, teachers and librarians. However, the level of creativity and planning these teachers took to create an entire experience is what took this lesson over the top.
In order to answer Dr. Clark's charge to eradicate illiteracy in Birdville, teachers have to be bold in the ways they reach students. NRMS English teachers and their librarian demonstrated just one way we can answer the call. #birdvillelearns #nrmspoud #BISDbold #ELARelentless
One by one the sixth grade English teachers brought classes to the library. Upon entering, students were seated at tables much like you would in a restaurant. Some brief instructions were provided, soft music started and students began to read any book on their table and even encouraged to look at more if time allowed. Five minutes later, the music stopped, students were asked to use the score-sheet to write down the book title and circle the emoji that best describes whether or not they would "go on a second date" with their book. After marking their score sheets, students were directed to proceed to the next, numbered table, grab a seat and new book. The music began again and the process was repeated. Another layer to this activity was the short book talks some students shared with their peers. Students would stand on a step-ladder and share why they loved a particular book or author. Somehow peer recommendations mean so much more than adult recommendations when you are in middle school. By the end of the September Sampling, students had exposure to at least 40-50 books from different genres. Many of which, they might never have picked off the library shelves.
Book speed dating is not new to schools, teachers and librarians. However, the level of creativity and planning these teachers took to create an entire experience is what took this lesson over the top.
In order to answer Dr. Clark's charge to eradicate illiteracy in Birdville, teachers have to be bold in the ways they reach students. NRMS English teachers and their librarian demonstrated just one way we can answer the call. #birdvillelearns #nrmspoud #BISDbold #ELARelentless
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| Book Speed Dating at North Richland Middle School |
Great idea! Good job North Richland.
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