Two years ago, teachers at East Middle School came up with the idea of creating a book club that would provide an opportunity for students to share their love of reading, and found it provided the occasion for adults to learn and appreciate literature as well. The idea for a book club expanded to West Middle School this year as Deb Carey, West Middle School's principal, encouraged English teachers to explore the possibility of having an after school gathering to discuss literature. The clubs promote positive social interaction as well as reinforce sound literacy strategies.

Talk about a win-win situation!

Teachers used signs and enthusiasm to entice students at East into joining. However, as Stacey Cummings, one of the originators of the idea said, “I think many came to see the crazy teachers who may have popped into their classrooms or danced down the hall” promoting the club. Together with two colleagues, Amanda Bova and Marcella Didio, the reading group selected “The Corner of the Universe” by Ann M. Martin as their first read.

The members include students from various backgrounds and skill levels. They are promised no additional homework, although all are asked to make note of aspects of the book they find intriguing. Such aspects could include poignant quotes, interesting characters, settings, or events. Participants react to the ideas of others, and conversations often become as creative as the books themselves.

The discussions are casual, snacks are provided and students have the same status as adults during discussions. Anyone can begin conversations and all are involved in determining the next book to read. Students represent all grade levels, with some attending each session, while others may attend sporadically. As a school year progresses, other activities like sports practices and rehearsals may cut into the meeting time.

The book club is in its first year at West, and the formats used in both buildings are similar, but Mrs. Balintfy, the organizer of the club at West, explained that they are first reading books provided by Mrs. Carey. Their first book, “The Glass Castle,” matched the Cayuga Reads endeavor for this year.

The club at West meets bi-weekly, whereas students at East meet each Wednesday. The goals are the same for both: promoting appreciation for reading; providing a non-threatening forum to discuss literature; and bringing kids together to share thoughts and ideas on various topics.

Yet, the clubs have fostered much more than originally anticipated. Teachers were thrilled when they witnessed kids discussing texts as they would in class, making personal connections, connecting the texts to world events, discussing themes and generally transferring the reading comprehension skills taught in class to their activities with the club.

As Mrs. Didio says, “It's been a learning experience for all of us,” with members submitting comments from a youthful perspective. That perspective is often one which adults have long forgotten, and in this non-threatening atmosphere, students may feel more confidence to express themselves.

Students and teachers continue to meet during the summer, using various city parks to continue their discussions. At times parents would also join, having read the same work. Mrs. Balintfy noted that although their club is just beginning, she receives requests from non-members for titles club members have read previously, some requests coming from staff.

Members will determine future titles they want to read by asking for input from the school library media specialist, staff at Seymour Library or exploring Amazon.com.

The club at East held a “Battle of the Books” last May with grade levels competing in a Jeopardy-like contest. With West on board for this year, it is possible the two buildings could compete against each other.

Other possibilities include involving other school districts in a discussion of common titles using technology like MOODLE, a Web-based system allowing people to log in and interact in such discussions.

The potential for growth exists for any activity that reinforces student learning and results in student participation during the summer. Following one such meeting a student lamented the date for the next meeting stating, “Oh rats! We're going on vacation next week.” As one teacher said, “I hope this never ends.”

I couldn't agree more.

Michael Fedorchuk is the ELA supervisor