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Kush interviewed Ms. Caraway on how Book Talks strengthen students\u2019 bonds and influence new reading choices<\/p>\n
Delicious aromas of cookies and hot chocolate fill the room, accompanied by the melodious sounds of cozy music wafting in the background. The students\u2019 bubbling excitement is palpable and apparent in each of their smiles. One powerful phenomenon strengthens the students\u2019 connections, creating an intentional and robust bond \u2014 literature.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This year at St. John\u2019s School, my 7th-grade English teacher, Ms. Stephanie Caraway, gave an assignment like no other. She instructed us to prepare a Book Talk, which included an oral presentation about our favorite summer reading novel. Ms. Caraway hosted the Book Talk in a cafe-style environment within our classrooms. We enjoyed delectable baked treats while listening to our peers describe their impactful stories.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I spoke with Ms. Caraway about why she creates and assigns a Book Talk at the beginning of each school year. She discussed how it helps her establish relationships with students and spark a joy for reading.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI think there\u2019s excitement around peers talking about books. There can be a connection to people you never thought you would have one with. It also takes the test out of reading \u2014 it\u2019s a conversation, not an [exam],\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Inspiring Future Readers and a Lifelong Passion for Literature\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I also spoke with my classmates about their experience participating in Ms. Caraway\u2019s Book Talk. Claire Haas, 13, created a toilet prop resembling part of her book as an entertaining addition to her presentation. She described how the Book Talk influenced her new reading choices.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI loved [the] Book Talk because it was very interactive and informative. It helped me find new novels to read,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Charlie Skalak, 13, an avid reader, discovered new books through his classmates’ presentations, which he will soon read and enjoy. \u201cMy favorite part of the Book Talk was hearing everyone\u2019s responses. I could remember what books sounded [interesting], and look forward to reading them later!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Ms. Caraway provided us with feedback sheets to write about our peers\u2019 presentations and explain why we enjoyed them. We noted how the presenter piqued our interest and which aspect of their novel we connected with. The presentations not only demonstrated our passion for a book, but also helped bring our class together.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ari Staller, 12, spoke about The Wonder of Us by Kim Culbertson in her presentation. Although she liked giving her talk, her favorite aspect of the morning was listening to everyone else\u2019s perspectives on their summer reads.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBeing able to experience the books through other people’s eyes was really interesting,\u201d she said. \u201cThe presentations motivate me to read because I [see] the books from other people’s points of view and their preferences.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ms. Caraway showing Kush her classroom library\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n