It’s that time of year… the leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and our Literary Programs volunteers are coming together once again to kick off what is bound to be another remarkable year of reading, writing and more. The last couple weeks have been filled with sharing inspiring stories and motivational successes from volunteers old and new at our Book Talk Kickoff and Room to Write Panel.
Volunteers from PS 261 review plans for their newest Book Talk groups.
Book Talk volunteers from across the five boroughs came together at Learning Leaders for an information-packed and fun-filled kickoff. As the guests arrived, conversations could be heard already about plans for the upcoming year. And what a perfect place to get some ideas!
Volunteers learn improv games to share with students.
Melanie Hoopes, a volunteer from PS 261 in Brooklyn, started things off by getting everyone energized and focused. Also a member of a local improv company, Melanie has been using improv games with her students as a means of uniting the group, preparing them to focus on the task at hand and, of course, getting out some of that extra energy. It was great to have so many volunteers willing to participate in presenting games like Red Ball, What Are You Doing?, and Pass the Face. There are a number of quick, fun activities out there that volunteers can take advantage of, even in a smaller space – all you have to do is search! No doubt the students will appreciate a small change in their usual schedule as well.
In starting up new Book Talk groups, a short story can be an ideal introduction before jumping into the longer novels. Eric, written by Shaun Tan from his collection Tales From Outer Suburbia, is a delightful story about a (very!) foreign exchange student that was read with the group. Even our quick discussion lead to many insightful comments from a number of volunteers – imagine the possibilities after sharing with students! Especially those who can relate to being “the new kid” in a city of many diverse backgrounds and cultures.
To wrap everything up, two dedicated Book Talk volunteers, Margaret Sheri and Rana Abu-Sbaih from PS 102, shared some great ideas for End of Year Celebrations. Once again, this prompted an inspired and creative discussion on other possibilities for those at different schools with different resources. It’ll definitely be exciting to see what our volunteers will have up their sleeves come springtime with this much advance planning!
Many volunteers arrived early to network with fellow literary professionals.
Our Room to Write Panel brought together dozens of publishing professionals to discuss the importance of engaging the adolescent writer at Scholastic headquarters. While enjoying a lovely spread of veggies, cheese platters and wine, volunteers were able to catch up on their personal and professional lives, as well as thoughts about the new school year. You could tell there was excitement brewing for the main event.
After the guests were settled and introductions were made, Jessica Behm, Maya Pindyck, Rodger Taylor and Michele Thomas shared the brilliant knowledge they have collected over years of working with writers in the public education system. An engineer, a poet, a librarian and an editor/pastry chef – our four panelists, joined together by their passion for inspiring young adult writers, truly knew the ins and outs of connecting with their students and motivating them to accomplish more than they ever thought possible through the written word.
Panelists fielded questions in a conversation about engaging young adult writers.
Panelists advised on subjects ranging from how to make reading and writing relevant to students’ everyday lives, to advice on encouraging the reluctant writer to share their ideas — even how to use Twitter as a means of practicing writing!
All in all, these events were a true testament to the power of both reading and writing and the immeasurable impact our volunteers have on so many students throughout the city.
It was a great event! Thanks Claire. One correction, Rana and I are from PS 102, not 201.
The change has been made — thanks for reading, and coming out to the event! And of course, for sharing some fun and imaginative ideas with us.
Thanks to Learning Leaders for organizing the fantastic Room to Write Kickoff Panel! The panelists truly had a wealth of experience to share, and we all found their insights and tips very helpful. It was the perfect way to begin our program this year.