Books can be used as educational tools, a hobby, or even an escape from reality. Some teachers choose to read in solidarity while others turn to a book club.
The staff book club is connected to the student book club. They read the same books. It’s a chance for teachers to connect with students over their interest in books.
“Ms. Young and I decided to start the staff book club to give the SunDevil staff a new way to connect with students and support literacy across Salem! Over the years, we have had several students check out their first book ever after talking with their teacher about the book club selection!” said Library Media Specialist Mrs. Kristi Patton.
Not only does the book club inspire students to read, it also inspires staff to discuss books.
“Ms. Young [SHS library media specialist] and I try to select books from a variety of genres to keep all of our members engaged. We will often select a book that will soon be released as a movie and then plan an after-school ‘field trip’ to view the film together,” said Patton.
This club also gives readers the chance to try books in new genres.
“I look forward to discussing the books during the book club meetings, they help expose me to different genres of books that I wouldn’t typically read. For example, my favorite book was The Inheritance Games. I ended up reading the entire series and other books by the author,” said math teacher Mrs. Liz Kress.
While some people join this club for a chance to read new things or to talk to staff, others just want a place to read amongst others.
“I have always loved to read,” said Gifted Resource Specialist Mrs. Kelly Lepkowski. “Being able to read a book in tandem with others is special because it creates a shared experience. The book club has helped me get to know folks at Salem better and in a different way- as we take our teacher hats off when we meet. At book club, we are not dissecting the literature to learn from it or to use it in our teaching practices. We are just people who enjoy reading and want to share our unique perspectives on the stories.”
For those who want to join a book club but aren’t staff members, Patton and Young also co-sponsor “Salem Reads,” the student book club.
“We are having an author visit in April, so the March selection was a title by the presenting author. For the author visit meetings, we like to merge the student book club and the teacher book club for the discussion and author Q & A,” said Patton.
To join “Salem reads” talk to Mrs. Patton or simply ask one of the teachers about the book they are reading listed on one of the many “This teacher is reading ______” signs outside their doors.
