Greenville Elementary Book Clubs, Powerful self-reflection and meaningful discussions for the benefit of our students
Teachers are always looking for ways to improve their craft and collaborate with colleagues. In the last 4 school years, many of our K-4 teachers have participated in at least 100 hours of professional development through book clubs. Together, we have read and studied 5 education-related books that have focused on curriculum, discipline, technology, and child psychology. The K-4 teachers who participated in these book clubs gained a lot of insight into new and different ways of connecting with our students academically and emotionally.
The first book study in the 2022-2023 school year was on the ever-pertinent topic of the Science of Reading. Our book, “Reading Above the Fray” by Julia Lindsey, describes research-based ideas on teaching young students how to read. The participants of this book study were able to relate the material to what they were seeing in the classroom. The teachers use Orton Gillingham as one of their core curriculums, which provides a solid foundation for phonics and reading skills.
Our second book study took place in the spring of 2023. Our book, “What Happened to You?” by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah was an emotional book that made us understand how trauma affects the way children behave. It was a very powerful and thought-provoking book that made us educators think differently about how our past will shape us in the present and future.
by Jessica Gorman, Assistant Principal