Fifth grader Landon Tiller’s book collection and love of reading have grown since starting Meeting Street Academy – Charleston’s Book Club last fall.
Need proof? Ask him about the last book he read.
“We just finished the Wizard of Oz, and it’s a story about how doing stuff on your own isn’t always the best option and friendship is important,” he said.
Cultivating a love of reading is one of the primary goals of Book Club, which is offered to fourth and fifth graders as part of the extended day program. Students meet weekly to read and discuss a book, and for those with good behavior who actively participate and read, the experience culminates with an out-of-state trip.
“We’re just tapping into their creativity,” said Dr. Everette Platt, one of the Book Club’s facilitators. “The most important lesson I want them to understand is the movies they love to watch – it all starts with writing. No one just gets a movie made. You can bring your words to life through theater and movies, and it all starts with writing.”
School staff propose books and themes for the year, and a vote determines the winner. This year’s Dream Chasers are diving into books that became Broadway performances with plans to travel to New York and see Wicked. The Courageous Teens of California are reading stories of grit and overcoming challenges in California, and they plan to go to San Francisco.
“I wanted to show them, ‘You’re not alone,’” said Mary Doctor, who proposed the Courageous Teens of California group and co-leads it. “You’re not the only one going through hardship.”
The Book Club offers non-instructional staff a unique opportunity to interface with students. Doctor is the school’s front desk receptionist, and her co-leader is one of the kitchen assistants.
Doctor said she’s able to connect with students in a different way. She said she’s excited to get to know students better and have an adventure, all while teaching a little history, etiquette, leadership and budgeting.
“It’s not just about a trip,” she said. “It’s a journey to the trip.”
The Academy’s Book Club started in 2018 with the generous support of Donor Julie Walker. Dozens of students’ lives have been touched by the Club since then.
Fifth grader Alshaun Rouse traveled last year to Arizona, marking the first time he took such a trip without his family. He likes the Book Club’s weekly pace because he has more time to read and do the assignments. He said he can’t wait to go to San Francisco with his classmates.
“It makes me want to do my work because if I don’t do it, I can’t go on the trip,” he said.
Fifth grader Kyla Richardson said Book Club feels different than class because she’s not getting a grade.
“I like the books we’re reading, and I’ve been trying to find more books that I want to read,” she said.
Platt said she’s been impressed with the way students engaged with the books, including their depth of conversations and the way they connected to the text.
“I’m a reader, so to be able to impart my love of reading and share it with them is special,” she said. “We’re reading together and learning together, and I’m hoping it gets the students excited about reading.”
