Blackshear reading club.
February 2001
Blackshear Reading Club
The love of reading is spreading, especially at Blackshear Elementary School. This month, in celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday, students and teachers have set a goal of reading 2001 books by the end of the month. Each teacher is charting books read by their students. Many people may not know, however, that even more books will be added to that list due to the efforts of a recent addition to Blackshear.
In November 2000, the Blackshear After-School Reading Club officially began. Approximately 15 AmeriCorps members and 40 students meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00–4:30 p.m. to celebrate the joys of reading and writing. The students, who range from grades K–2, look forward to this time all week. Reading Specialist Karol Hobbs, who provides support for members, says, "The kids are always stopping me in the halls and asking, 'Is Reading Club today?'"
The purpose of the Reading Club is to provide extra support for students who may be struggling in class or just need some one-on-one attention. Each session begins with a read-aloud and is followed by a one’Äěhour meeting with the members and their students. Each member works with 2–3 students. Activities include additional read-alouds, bookmaking, comprehension exercises, and various literacy games. The students regroup in the last 15 minutes and are given the opportunity to share their successes with the group. Whether it be a favorite poem or book, a story or play, everyone enjoys sharing the joy of reading together.