The Power of a Page: Reading, Connecting and Engaging Students Through Reading
Sarah Sanders
ID-2025
School Name:Barron Collier High
Grant Request Grade:9-12
Grant Request Subject:Language Arts
Additional Details
To establish a student-centered book club designed to encourage reading for enjoyments, strengthen literacy skills and increase students engagement through meaningful conversations and shared reading experiences in the BCHS Media Center. The book club will provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where students feel excited and comfortable participating. Creative decorations, enjoyable food and an inviting atmosphere will make each meeting feel special and give students something to look froward to while also develop a love for reading.
The book club will provide students with opportunities to read contemporary, high-interest novels, participate in meaningful discussions and build connections with their peers in a welcoming environment. Specifically, students will:
*Read and discuss selected books together
*Participate in group conversations about characters, themes, conflicts and important ideas
*Complete creative activities connected to the books, such as artwork or bookmark making
*Enjoy themed snacks and food connected to the book or meeting's theme
*Increase reading for pleasure by encouraging students to read outside of their required coursework. Developing the habit of reading for enjoyment will contribute to stronger lifelong reading habits.
*Strengthen communication and discussion skills by providing opportunities for students to discuss characters, themes, conflicts and person reactions to books. These conversations will help students practice expressing ideas clearly and listen to different perspectives.
*Build a sense of community as students from different interests and background find a common ground through stories and develop relationships with peers.
*Develop student confidence though a supportive book club environment, giving students a low-pressure opportunity to share their thoughts. As students participate in discussions, they can become more comfortable speaking in front of their peers and expressing their opinions.
Additionally, the book club will meet during lunch, making participation accessible to students without required them to stay after school or arrange alternative transportation. Providing food and drinks will help create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage students to use their lunch period as an opportunity for literacy, conversation and community building.
The goal of this projects is not just to simply complete 3-4 novels, but to establish a sustainable culture of reading and students engagement in the Media Center. Therefore, the three main areas we are budgeting for is the purchase of at least 10 copies of each novel for the students, funding for food and drink refreshments since the meetings will be held during lunch time and funding for decorations and incentives that will help make the meetings visually appealing, create an excitement around each book and recognize students for their engagement.
900.00
10 Novels "Falling Like Leaves" by Misty Wilson
85.00
10 Novels "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt
120.00
10 Novels "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins
