Promoting Literature and Reading

This week we talked about book groups, how they work and whether they help to build literacy skills. Resource 1 'General Guidelines for Book Discussion Groups'  (Class handout, published by Casey Cardinia Library Corporation) This offers some guidelines for running a book group, much of which is common sense and incorporates a basic structure of a book group session. It is helpful, particularly as I have never participated in a book group before, and the structure ensures everyone gets something out of the book club and that it runs smoothly and effectively.  Resource 2 'Facilitating Discussion' from ilovelibraries.org   This  resource included tips on how to facilitate a book group discussion, how to participate in one, and some questions to consider relating to fiction books and non-fiction books. It contained similar information to the class handouts, although it also included some icebreaker type activities and tips for facilitating a discu...

This week we looked at how to find books to recommend to others, based on books that have been selected as winners or shortlisted for literary prizes. We also looked at some websites that offer recommendations or information to help you choose a book or author. Resource One: The Stella Prize    This is the website for the Stella prize, an annual $50,000 prize given to a work of literature by an Australian woman that was published in that year. The website details the winners and shortlisted titles by year. Just because a book has won or been shortlisted for a prestigious prize doesn't mean it will be any good, or what someone is interested. However, it can be a good way to find a book that may be a current talking point. The Stella Prize shortlist is also useful if you are searching for new work by Australian women in particular. Resource Two: Fantastic Fiction Fantastic Fiction lists written works chronologically by author. It is very helpful when wanting to find th...

Resource 1: Goodreads is a book reviewing platform that allows users to submit reviews and ratings for books. Resource 2: Book Marks i s a website for book reviews that works on the same premise as Rotten Tomatoes does for films. It compiles reviews of books published by well-known sources such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and creates a rating based on all the reviews. The website shows an excerpt of each review, the link to the review, and assigns the review an overall descriptor from the following options; rave, positive, mixed and pan.  Resource 3: Below is a com parison of b ook reviews of two different books, comparing the reviews from television program 'The Book Club' (season 11 episode 8) with a written review for each book from the program. Book 1 - The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy The review panel on The Book C lub includes Jennifer Byrne, Marieke Hardy, Jason Steger, Colson Whitehead, and  Natalie Haynes. T...

Resource 1: Today in class, we had Sarah from CCLC come in and run a story time demonstration to give us an insight into what is involved in preparing and running a story time, and to give up tips and hints. She read four books, interspersed with rhymes and songs, each chosen with a specific focus. Short books are best, as anything too lengthy will resulting in fidgeting and loss of attention. Any book with flaps, textures or pop-ups works well as it gives an opportunity for you to engage the children by offering them the opportunity to touch or interact with the book (but only when offered - not everyone getting up at once!). It is important to make sure all the kids can see the pictures, and to try to engage them with looking at the pictures by asking questions or pointing things out. Books with repetition work really well as kids will quickly chime in and say it with you. Rhymes and songs help get kids moving and break up periods of sitting and listening. If kids are fidgeting, a...