Provided by Prince William County Schools (PWCS)
A book club gives fifth-grade students at Mountain View Elementary School a chance to have discussions with peers and teachers.
Fifth-Grade Teacher Natalie Lint, along Heidi Rhodes, Kelly Rutolo, and Sheri Ross, developed the weekly optional virtual book chats to keep students engaged and reading. The latest session featured a discussion and review of the book “Stargirl” by Jerry Spinelli.
“What good character word would you use to describe Stargirl?” Lint asked the group of students, all connected by a video conferencing tool.
“Loyal!” said fifth-grader Kali.
Lint and the other teachers prompted students throughout the half-hour session to share their thoughts about character development, rising action in the book and any takeaways.
When asked if they enjoyed the book, there was a mixed review.
“Is it okay if I love this book and you don’t?” asked Ross. “Of course! That’s the point of book club!”
Lint said, “The most important part to becoming a better reader is discussing what you read and challenging others’ thoughts as well.”
The book club will “meet” every Friday through the remainder of the school year. “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” and “The One and Only Ivan” are among the upcoming books to be read and discussed.
