By Terry Funk

CA 

McCormack, J. (2014). Rock self-directed reading with student book awards. Library Media Connection, 32(4), 48-49.

The Peebles Reading and Research Activity Center in Killeen, Texas is a place where students have open access and visit independently in small groups to work in centers, check out as many books as they want, or research at point-of-need. One of the past ideas they have implemented to engage students is to hold an Academy Awards type ceremony for favorite titles (both fiction and non-fiction). Students and teachers keep track of titles read throughout the year and then when nominations are called, students from each class vote. Winning titles and nominees are reviewed using online tools and also a posted in the library hallway. The finalists are entered into a Keynote presentation and students or authors emcee the ceremony. Students are in charge of the show – costumes, posters, drum roll and envelopes. Needless to say, it boosts circulation of favorite titles.

Evaluation: I enjoyed this program review because the school, Peebles Elementary, has kept the focus on reading for fun. The awards and ceremony are student centered – with their choices for best reads and students put on a red carpet performance. This is an example of a school wide effort with students taking ownership of both subject matter and the process. It seems to have become a tradition and the silver lining is that it encourages reading.