Social Emotional Learning: Gratitude

By Yael Lorberfeld, Blog Volunteer

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Our emotional life is a compass that helps us understand our inner desires, our singularity, and our personal experiences. It is the framework that guides us. It captures our uniqueness and our differences, as well as commonalities and connections we all share. This is called our Emotional Intelligence. Emotions are part of our evolution, they serve a purpose for surviving, as well as drive our behavior and enrich our lives.

According to Gottman Institute (2017), Emotional Intelligence encompasses awareness, understanding, and the ability to express and manage one's emotions. While many educators concentrate on academic achievement in childhood, Emotional Intelligence is a stronger prognosticator of life's success than IQ (Intelligence Quotient). 

What is Social & Emotional Learning?

It is not an easy task for children to develop a mature and healthy emotional life. According to The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), "Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions." (2003)

An essential part of our experience is how we conceive and interpret our emotional life. What we think, our thoughts, are a potent tool. It is not enough to believe our thoughts are only a result of our experience, they are also a big part of creating our experiences. 

We are not solely the result of the continuous activity of our minds, we have the power to control our thoughts. Imagine what would happen if instead of remembering all the bad, negative, and difficult, we could, for the most part, remember the courage, resilience, vigor, and remarkable aspects of life?

Choose Love

Scarlett Lewis constructed an Enrichment Program called "The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Enrichment Program" in honor of her son Jesse after he was murdered at his school at the age of six years old. Choose Love was built upon the idea that we can be agents of change and growth for our lives, and with the task of improving Emotional Intelligence. Choose Love is made for classrooms and targets social and emotional growth in children, teachers, and parents. It has the goal of teaching how to Choose Love in any circumstance, and therefore prevent this type of tragedy from happening and help people to live a happier life.

The program focuses on four important character values – Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion – which cultivate optimism, resilience, and personal responsibility. Children in schools learn that Choosing Love means choosing to live a life with Courage and Gratitude, practicing Forgiveness, and being Compassionate individuals. According to Lewis, being able to "Choose Love" promotes resilience in challenging times. As a result, children learn personal responsibility and the understanding that they always have a choice in how they respond. They realize they can decide to love themselves and others. The program teaches them how to do this, and teachers and parents learn with them too.

The Choose Love program provides a group of lessons based on research on emotional intelligence, resilience and post-traumatic growth, neuroscience, positive psychology, mindfulness, and social and emotional learning. The whole child – body, mind, and feelings – are carefully given attention.

How Words Alive is Teaching Gratitude

One central tool of the program is the transformation of negative thoughts into more loving and positive ones, having an impact on behavior. Gratitude is a magical way to perceive the good in our lives. According to Tamara Levit, gratitude wakes us up to the goodness and beauty in life. But we need to work on it. One of the most important columns of the "Choose Love" movement is Gratitude.

The result of using gratitude in the "Choose Love" program is impressive. Scarlett Lewis affirms that research consistently shows that this type of program helps children get better grades, maintain longer and better attention spans, lower anxiety and behavioral problems, live a happier life, result in higher graduating rates, less substance abuse, and even a lower divorce rate.

Scarlett Lewis recognizes that gratitude is a magical resource. As Rhonda Byrne states, "The more you use gratitude every day, the greater the good you will bring into your life" (2012).

This is why we at Words Alive are following in Choose Love’s footsteps by focusing on Social Emotional Learning, and gratitude specifically, in our programming this year. Here are some of the books we’re reading and discussing with students that focus on gratitude:

• If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson - This story demonstrates not only the process of planting and growing for young children but also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit. (Goodreads)

• The One Day House by Julia Durango - Inspired by a friend’s volunteerism, author Julia Durango tells a story of community and togetherness, showing that by helping others we help ourselves. (Goodreads)

Sources:

How to Strengthen Your Child's Emotional Intelligence // Parent Co.  // June 26, 2017

Festival of Lights: Diverse Holiday Books to Read this Winter!

Written By Yael Lorberfeld, Blog Volunteer

As days become shorter during winter, there is a pattern among different cultures to celebrate holidays that adopt light for their celebrations – to use and create light, when it is darker. As Khalil Gibran wrote: "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." 

Take a moment to learn about the diversity of winter holidays celebrated around the world with the following books!

Christmas is an annual festival that billions of people celebrate around the world. For some, it is a religious festivity, and for others, it is a cultural holiday. Some of the values around this holiday are kindness, giving to others, and emphasis on family time. Some books recommendations for Christmas are:

• "Amazing Peace," by Maya Angelou (2008), an inspirational poem aiming to embrace peace and celebration in all religions, ethnic groups, and all ages.

• "The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll," by Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, (2007).  A heartwarming story of the importance of family.

Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people all around the world. It commemorates a miracle that occurred 2,200 years ago. One of the traditions is to light the Hanukkiya, or candle holder, for eight nights. Other customs include giving to the less fortunate, exchanging presents, and unifying family and friends. Some books recommended for Hanukkah are:

• "Latke, the Lucky Dog," by Ellen Fischer (2014), a fun and charming story about a dog that gets rescued the first night of Hanukkah, and has trouble learning house rules. Despite all, he remains a lucky dog.

• "The Story of Hanukkah," by David A. Adler (2012), revises the history and celebration of the ancient miracle of Hanukkah.

Three Kings Day marks the travel of the three kings, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar, who followed a star to Bethlehem, where they offered gifts to baby Jesus. One of the traditions is decorating the house with lights as well as eating the bread "Rosca de Reyes," and representing the birth of Baby Jesus with a scale model. A book recommendation for this holiday is:

• "Why the Wise Men Came to Christmas Following Yonder Star," Len M. Allen (2015). It is a book that explains the meaning of the holiday.

Winter Solstice, the shortest day in the year, has been significant to many cultures as the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun. It is observed in Iran and celebrates the victory of light and goodness over dark and evil. It is one of the most celebrated traditional events in Iran. 

There is decorating the house with lights and candles, as well as gathering around the fire and dancing at night. Reading options for this holiday are:

• "The Eve of Yalda," L. K. Bonabi (2012). A story that revolves around the night of Yalda, the longest night in the year.

• "Winter Solstice," Elin Hilderbrand (2017), a story about a family reunion to celebrate the holidays. 

St. Lucia Day, or festival of lights, is celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and Swedish-speaking areas of Finland, in honor of St. Lucia, one of the earliest Christian martyrs killed because of her Christian beliefs. This holiday represents hope and light during the darkest time of the year. A book that explains these traditions is:

• "Lucia Morning in Sweden," Ewa Rydeaker (2002). It brings to life the preparations and celebrations of the St. Lucia festival in Sweden.

Kwanzaa it's a week-long annual celebration held in the United States, Canada, and other nations of the African diaspora. It honors African heritage. People light a Kinara or candle holder, symbolizing the values of the celebration. It observes ideas such as family, life, and unification. It includes a feast and exchange of gifts. Some book recommendations for Kwanzaa festival are:

• "Together for Kwanzaa," by Juwanda G. Ford, (2000). It is an introduction to Kwanzaa traditions, as well as a story of family unity.

• "Seven Spools of Thread, a Kwanza Story," by Angela Shelf Medearis and Daniel Minter (2000).  A picture book about seven brothers who need to work together, and also about the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Las Posadas, originally from Spain, now mainly celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala, and part of the Southwestern United States, is a nine-day celebration. A procession moves from house to house, as people sing with a candle. It ends up in a church or a home where the party continues with feasting and piñata breaking, which is usually in the form of a star. When breaking it, all the goodies coming from it are shared with all, especially the children.

A book about las Posadas is:

• "The Night of Las Posadas" by Tomie dePaola (2001), a book about faith and family.

Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, among others. The festival is also referred to as "Festival of Lights." People share sweets with family and friends. Books recommendations for Diwali festival are:

• "Lots of Lights," Kavita Sahai (2013), it is a story of each day of the Diwali celebration. It is an excellent introduction to the understanding of Indian culture.

• "Diwali, The Magical Diyas," Anitha Rathod (2019), it's about how to understand the rituals and traditions associated with Diwali. The book brings a story with mythological significance related to the lights of their Diyass, which are oil lamps usually made out of clay.

When the hours of sunlight get shorter during the winter, festivals around the world coincide in the search for unity, love, giving, altruism, and the need to create light to overcome darkness. During your winter celebrations this year, make sure to pick up one of these books and learn about a new culture!

Give the Gift of Reading This Holiday Season!

Written by Joanna Kneller, Blog Volunteer

Looking for an easy way to help support Words Alive this holiday season? Look no further – we've got you covered!

One simple way you can give to Words Alive is by making a purchase from our Amazon Wish List. Our list features a variety of books and supplies to be used in our programs that help us inspire a love of reading in our program participants!

 By choosing items from the Words Alive’s Wish List, you'll be supporting the following programs:

Read Aloud Program (Preschool to Grade 3)

Words Alive partners with elementary schools, Head Start programs, and child development centers to share a love of reading with children from underserved communities. Each week, our trained volunteers read aloud to approximately 4,300 children, helping them develop the cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills needed to be motivated, strong readers.

Adolescent Book Group

The Adolescent Book Group brings books to life for teenagers facing extraordinary circumstances like homelessness, violence, teen pregnancy, and impact by the justice system. Participants enhance their critical thinking skills, self-esteem, and ability to express themselves through engaging projects, writing workshops, and discussion sessions. 

Family Literacy Program

Our Family Literacy Program empowers parents from underserved communities to become agents of change and advocates for their families. Participants attend workshops and receive parent education covering early literacy development topics specific to preschool age children. Workshops include tailored information sessions and skill-building exercises for parents, a group story time, and guided activities for parents and children. 

Here are just a few of the books you can select from our wish list!

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

An image of the book Hey, Kiddo laying on top of pages of art from the graphic novel. Image credit: 3starsandup on Instagram

(Themes addressed: addiction, absent parents, and finding the art that helps you survive.)

A National Book Award Finalist! Jarrett Krosoczka has a complicated family. His mom is an addict who seems to wander in and out of his life. His father is nowhere to be found. So Jarrett lives with his grandparents: two loud, loving, and opinionated people who thought they were done raising children until Jarrett came along. Jarrett spends his childhood struggling to live a normal life, but finds ways to express himself through drawing. As a teenager, Jarrett is able to begin piecing together the truth of his family, reckoning with his mother, and finding his father.

(Source: Amazon)

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez (The Questioneers) by Andrea Beaty, David Roberts

An image of the book Sofia Valdez, Future Prez. Image credit: thechildrensbookreview on Instagram

(Themes addressed: courage, leadership, and community.)

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller! Abuelo walks Sofia to school every morning. But one day, he injures his ankle at the dangerous local landfill and can no longer do so. Sofia misses Abuelo and comes up with a plan for the town to turn messy Mount Trashmore into a beautiful park. Once she finally works up the courage to go to City Hall, she's told she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid. Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do!

(Source: Amazon)

Refugee by Alan Gratz

An image of someone holding the book Refugee in front of a snowy background. Image credit: teachliketrish on Instagram

(Themes addressed: courage, survival, and the quest for home.)

A New York Times bestseller! Three kids separated by continents and decades experience harrowing journeys to find refuge. Josef, a Jewish boy in 1930s Nazi Germany facing the threat of concentration camps, boards a ship with his family and heads for the other side of the world. Isabel, a Cuban girl in 1994 watching riots and unrest plague her country, sets out on a raft with her family in search of America. Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 seeing his homeland destroyed by violence, starts a trek with his family toward Europe. All will face unimaginable dangers, but they hold on to the hope of a better future. And although they're separated by time and place, these kids will share shocking connections that tie their stories together. (Source: Amazon)

So, there you have it. A quick, easy way to make a donation and a difference this holiday season by shopping directly from our Amazon Wish List. Help support Words Alive in creating opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading!

Volunteer of the Month: Sarah Archibald

An image of Sarah with her WAWS Mentee, Brittany, when she graduated from UC Santa Cruz.

Words Alive spotlights the amazing accomplishments and service of volunteers each month with our Volunteer of the Month award. This is an important way for us to thank you, and to honor just a few of the many great moments in time you have given to the organization.

Our November Volunteer of the Month is Sarah Archibald. Sarah is the Lead Volunteer in two Adolescent Book Group middle school classes this year. As we expand the program to 6th and 7th graders for the first time, Sarah has been flexible and creative in trying new strategies to engage this new age group. Sarah has also stepped up as a leader, filling in for her teammates in times of need. She has been volunteering since 2011 and has supported the Adolescent Book Group, Words Alive Westreich Scholarship, Curriculum, and the Author’s Luncheon during her time with us.

Now let’s hear from Sarah!

Q: So, tell us a little about yourself. 

A: I am a research scientist (brains!) and lifelong book lover.  I love to travel, read, and hang out with my book loving friends.  I have a big dog, two cats and a couple of vegetable gardens.

Q: How long have you been volunteering for Words Alive?

A: I have been volunteering for Words Alive for 9 or 10 years.  I have reviewed books, done ABG in several locations, been on the scholarship committee and mentored a couple of scholars. Domminiece Willis and Brittany Jackson speak for themselves as successful scholars and my reason for volunteering.

Q: What brought you to Words Alive? How did you first get involved with Words Alive?

A: I was attending a volunteer event and heard I could review books and more.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your volunteer roles? What is the most rewarding aspect of your roles?

A: I love talking to young people about books and hearing what they think. 

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your roles?  

A: Mentoring is amazing.

Q: What is your favorite memory of volunteering with Words Alive?

A: Two things: Attending my mentee Brittany’s graduation from UC Santa Cruz and once when I was at a store and heard “Hey book lady!”  from a student in my Adolescent Book Group. I happily claim the “book lady” moniker.

Q: And by the way, what are you reading lately?

A: I am reading Ann Patchett’s new book “The Dutch House” and then will start “Girl, Woman, Other” by Bernardine Evaristo.

Words Alive's Holiday Gift Guide!

A Words Alive graphic that says “Holiday Gift Guide November Petition”

Clothing, cupcakes, and everything else!

Explore these opportunities to show your support for Words Alive while you shop. Act quickly, many of these are only valid in November! 

Limited Edition: Words Alive 2019-2020 Book Tour Shirts

An image of our brand-new Words Alive shirt! It’s a blue shirt that features outlines of books with the text “Was it something I read?”

Buy your limited edition Words Alive 2019-2020 Book Tour t-shirt today!

Available in adult and youth sizes, the soft, tri-blend t-shirt and long sleeve shirts showcase just a few of the many, many titles we're reading this year in our programs serving toddlers to teens, and everyone in between! A small portion of each sale goes to support Words Alive.

All orders must be placed by November 30! For more details and to order, click here: www.customink.com/fundraising/wordsalive

Cakes & Cupcakes for a Cause

An image from Cute Cakes our three cupcakes and a cake and a cutout of a Words Alive logo.

Cute Cakes Bakery & Café, located at 345 W Grand Ave in Escondido, has chosen Words Alive as their November Charity! A portion of the proceeds from each purchase of their special November Cutie (Vanilla Bourbon Cake) and Cupcake (Banana with Vanilla Custard) will be donated to Words Alive. Stop by their store, get a treat, and support a great cause: www.cutecakes.com/giving-back/.

AmazonSmile Gives Back While You Shop

When you start your Amazon shopping on smile.amazon.com, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

For more information about Amazon Smile and to set up your account to benefit Words Alive, visit this page!

Look for more opportunities to shop in support of Words Alive coming in December!

Celebrate Friends of Libraries!

By Omar Jawdat, Blog Intern

A graphic that features and image of shelves at a library and the text: “Friends of Libraries Week! October 20 - 26, 2019”

Friends of Libraries groups have their own week dedicated to raising awareness around both community and campus libraries throughout the country. Through funding and celebration, National Friends of Libraries Week commemorates and recognizes the important services that libraries provide to children and students, such as reading programs, author events, special collections, and new technologies. United for Libraries will coordinate the 14th annual National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 20-26, 2019. This week will also provide a chance to promote Friends of Libraries groups in your community, as well as sign up for membership!     

Libraries serve to bring communities together, integrating groups or individuals under the same roof, where people can access data through books, internet, and other resources. Social roles of libraries include active participation in reading, forming clubs, or read aloud programs. Libraries also help foster literacy programs and studies for students of all ages. It is also a place where meetings, conferences, or tutoring can take place.

Friends of Libraries Associations 

‘Friend of Libraries’ are members from non-profit charitable groups that volunteer to support their local libraries. Friends of Libraries helps promote libraries in the community by fundraising, sponsoring programs/other special events, and serve as spokesmen to encourage and advocate for lifelong learning. Friends are also recognized by the library staff and Board of Trustees for their help and support in the libraries.   

How Can I Participate In This Celebration Week? 

If you are thinking of creating or reorganizing a Friends group, the United for Libraries association offers a variety of resources and ideas for all types of Friends groups. If you would like to volunteer, contact your local library and find out how you can join Friends. You can always start in your own community if your library does not have a Friends group. To access these sources and learn more information, visit: (www.ala.org/united/friends).  

The American Library Association (ALA) provides resources to celebrate libraries, helping you get involved and speaking out on behalf of libraries, as well as keeping you informed and up to date on the issues and trends affecting libraries: www.ilovelibraries.org

Sources: 

• www.ala.org/united/events_conferences/folweek

• www.ilovelibraries.org/article/national-friends-libraries-week-1

• www.ala.org/tools/research/librariesmatter/category/social-role-library

• www.lib.washington.edu/support/friends/friends-of-the-libraries/

Become a Reading Role Model

By Omar Jawdat, Blog Intern

A graphic that shows one of our volunteers holding up a book while a student points at it. The text says, “Reading Role Models: What are they and how can you become one?”

Reading role models help encourage children not just to read, but to have fun while reading! Kids are influenced by their parents, teachers, and care-givers, all of whom can be considered role models for reading. It is important for these role models to influence their kids by demonstrating enthusiasm while reading, and helping them discover new and diverse forms of literature. It is also important to be aware of a child’s reading. When kids feel that their work is valued, they are also encouraged to continue their choice to read. Reading role models are overall “critical to instilling reading as an integral part of a child’s life.”

Children who are frequent readers tend to have more reading role models. Frequent readers also tend to have greater access to books. Unfortunately, “having access to books, whether in or outside the home, is not a reality for all kids.” An estimated “103 books are present in home libraries of children ages 6-17, yet this varies widely. Most strikingly, frequent readers have an average of 139 books in their homes vs. 74 in infrequent readers’ homes.” 42% of frequent-reading kids claim that they have trouble seeking books that catch their interest. Infrequent readers have a 59% chance of not being able to find books that they are interested in reading. 

Therefore, it’s important for libraries to provide a wide range of diverse books that include different types of stories, characters, and plots. As kids grow older, their interests can change, and their curiosity and eagerness for knowledge grows with them.

Reading Role Models at Words Alive!

All volunteers at Words Alive are reading role models, especially volunteers in the Read Aloud Program and the Adolescent Book Group. These volunteers dedicate their time and read together with students and kids of all ages (from elementary school to high school and college), discussing the stories and talking about how the book impacts them in different ways. For children, it serves to help develop cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills as they grow. Having a reading role model at Words Alive makes students aware of the importance of literacy, and helps explore the values of books, reading them not just as an assignment, but as a hobby and passion.  

Sources: 

• www.scholastic.com/readingreport/access-matters.html

• www.huffpost.com/entry/be-a-reading-role-model_b_5813a56ae4b08301d33e0906

Volunteer of the Month: Mary Weatherup

An image of Mary standing in front of the Shakespeare Company bookstore!

Words Alive spotlights the amazing accomplishments and service of volunteers each month with our Volunteer of the Month award. This is an important way for us to thank you, and to honor just a few of the many great moments in time you have given to the organization.

This month our Volunteer of the Month is Mary Weatherup! Mary joined the Words Alive family fairly recently, but we have been so impressed by her dedication to our mission. She is a curriculum volunteer who diligently worked on a curriculum guide for our middle school students this summer, and she enthusiastically jumped in when we needed extra help on a guide for this fall! We were also so grateful for her support at our Author’s Luncheon & Fundraiser!

Now, let’s hear more from Mary!

For as long as I can remember, I've been an avid reader. Entire childhood car trips and family vacations are a blur, lost to whatever story I was reading at the time. All these years later, it's still hard to tear me away from a good book.  I have a Master's Degree in English Literature and have spent years working in a university writing center. Upon moving to San Diego, I was looking for a way to use my love of reading and teaching skills, and Words Alive! seemed like a perfect fit. I started my volunteer work in May of this year, compiling a curriculum guide for middle grade readers. I learned a lot in the process, and I'm currently helping out with another guide. My favorite Words Alive! event so far was the Annual Author’s Luncheon & Fundraiser. It was a great way to learn more about the organization and meet the new Executive Director, and I loved hearing Emma Donoghue speak. I'm so inspired by the difference Words Alive! is making in the community.

I'm currently reading The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. As a big fan of The Handmaid's Tale, I had to have this one hot off the press! I am also looking forward to The Dutch House, a new novel by Ann Patchett, who is one of my favorite authors. Perhaps the best book I read this year, however, is an older novel, A Member of the Wedding, by Carson McCullers. It was such a sensitive story and beautifully written.

How Did Book Clubs Start?

By Omar Jawdat, Blog Intern

A book club is a reading group made up of several people. They can either meet in public, such as libraries, classrooms, coffee shops, or other rooms and buildings, or they can also meet in people’s homes. Together, the groups discuss a particular book they are reading, asking questions and sharing thoughts, opinions, and ideas about the selected book. Book clubs have always had a foundation based in contemporary politics, society, and religion. These clubs are also a great way to meet new people who share similar interests in books, genres, and reading material. 

The popularity of book clubs is due to the importance of engaging in conversation about books. These discussions heighten our perspectives and knowledge about a particular story or event. It also helps improve reading comprehension and other literary skills that allow us to effectively articulate and nurture the reflection of not only literature, but ourselves as well. Book clubs also inspire positive attitudes towards books, such as a love for reading and appreciating literature in its diverse art form. Book clubs for students encourage them to read in more extensive and intensive ways, as it exposes them to a multiplicity of perspectives. 

How Did Book Clubs Begin? 

The evolution of American book clubs began in the early 17th century, when religious renegade Anne Hutchinson organized a female discussion group pertaining to sermons, all while being on a ship that was heading to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1634. In 1727, Benjamin Franklin was also a pioneer of today’s social gatherings of book clubs when he organized a ‘prominent Philadelphian literary society called the Junto, which was made up of 12 members. ‘The group met weekly to discuss moral, political, commercial and scientific topics of the day.’ For the next three centuries, prominent American figures have kept the tradition alive through constructing reading societies and study groups related to education in school, particularly in literacy.

In the past, the majority of book clubs have been organized and centered upon oppressed minorities and women. They provided a ‘self-culture’ for people, as well as a ‘mutual desire for self-cultivation through literature.’ Women’s groups have made book clubs an ideal place for consciousness-raising and collective engagement, in the aims for intellectual growth.   

Adolescent Book Group

Volunteers at the Adolescent Book Group Program here at Words Alive focuses on facilitating monthly or bi-weekly book discussions, writing workshops, and other projects within classrooms to help improve students’ reading analysis, literacy, vocabulary, and critical thinking. The ABG program also provides opportunities for underserved teens to achieve academic and social success. Teens in book group discussions will gain college-ready skills that will enhance their critical-thinking, ability to express themselves, public and interpersonal communications, and overall confidence/self-esteem.   

Sources: 

• www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-book-club-738891

• www.minnpost.com/books/2009/09/evolution-american-book-clubs-timeline/

• cpet.tc.columbia.edu/one-book-book-club/book-club-in-the-classroom-10-tips-for-success

• daily.jstor.org/feature-book-club/

Reading To Evolve, To Connect, and To Share

By Dawn Miller, Head Teacher at Lindsay Community School

An image of Dawn with her students as they hold up copies of the book, Pride.

Twenty years ago, I was approached by my then principal Tracy Thompson and Leslye Lyons about launching a book club for my students at Lindsay Community School. Books and reading had played an integral role in my own survival as a child and young adult, and this fundamental understanding of the undeniable power of words naturally translated into my classroom at Lindsay, where we try to provide any and every opportunity for our students to latch onto a book and fly. 

So of course, when I met Leslye, we jumped at the chance to work with her and her new Words Alive project. And for any of you who have ever met Leslye, you know that she has that twinkle of the eye when she’s talking about books -- the one that tells you she doesn’t just read for leisure or entertainment, Leslye reads to evolve,  to connect, to unlock and share the secrets of our own humanity.  This rare and discerning awareness provided the foundation for Words Alive, and has guided the powerful work that has continued to come out of this project for the last 20 years. I recognized that twinkle the moment I met her, like when pain sees pain, or struggle sees struggle, with no words spoken -- and we couldn’t wait to begin the work.  

For the past 20 years, Words Alive volunteers have come into our school space, each month, to engage in the sparring of book talk. If I could give a quick shout out to our current volunteers - Mona, Geri, Sally and Jean - these extraordinary women also go around flashing that eye-twinkle-thingy and they share so much of their hearts with our students — we are deeply indebted. 

I’m assuming that most of the folks in attendance here today, also have a passion for reading, and you all might think that conveying that passion to and with a group of young folks might be challenging, but ultimately doable because you just know they’re gonna love that right book so much because your own love of books - it’s just a matter of getting that right book in the right hands . . .   But with our students, both at Lindsay and JCCS-wide, sharing this love requires you to put in work - real work - sometimes uncomfortable, often gut-wrenching and always formidable, work. Because as you may or may not know, the students of Lindsay are young mothers, and this already exiled status is compounded by homelessness, physical and sexual abuse, abandonment, family separation, system brutalities and endless other traumas and tragedies that the very best of us here, could not withstand.  BUT they make their way, each day - and I share their struggles with you now, not for sympathy (for sympathy does not empower), but to highlight their extraordinary resilience and undeniable courage in a world that works daily to smother them.

So when our Words Alive volunteers come monthly to spar - they come armed with books, of course, but more importantly, they come armed with compassion and understanding, without judgement or verdict, ready to learn and listen to one another in endless acts of patience and love. The girls also come packing - with sharp and quick-witted tongues, astute analyses, profound reflections, and grand criticisms. And somewhere in the middle of this motley crew, a million magical moments of hope are born. Books and reading are already mighty in their own right, but in the right context and wielded in a righteous way, they are also transformative.

What is borne of those monthly book circles is hard to describe, but what I witness can most aptly be called a political act. Sometimes the students are emboldened by stories of rebellion and insurrection, led by stronger-than-life women characters, real and unreal. Other times they are enthralled by collections of poetry that rip their already broken hearts out, but also remind them that through their pain comes strength. Often, they are so moved by a story or character battling similar Sisyphean struggles to their own, they become immediately resolved to pen their own stories of inequity, but this time, and in real life, with endings of justice and liberation.

Regardless of the book, it is in these moments that reading becomes an emancipatory act - a momentary vision of what is possible and how to get there. These students, who have been systematically stripped of their dignity, are suddenly circled in a space where they find themselves, their dreams and their words, ALIVE.