In pandemic-era hybrid schooling, the Paws to Read Book Club—led by the librarian and reading teacher—has served to engage and connect 4th and 5th grade students at Lawson-Marriott Elementary. Students read weekly chapters from Fish in a Tree by Lynda Hunt and then summarize main ideas, record video responses to prompts using Flip Grid, and discuss the chapter as a group. Additionally, students use the novel to learn about concepts such as similes, inferences, and context clues. The school counselor leads discussions related to the reading on topics such as bullying, insecurities, and learning disabilities. This book club has given the students at LMES a chance to have an open forum to show their love of reading. We have seen an increase in reading engagement and expect to see improvements in reading test scores. Most importantly, we hope the club will help these students develop a lifelong love of reading!

<strong>Contact: </strong>

LaVera Hamilton, Librarian

<a href="mailto:lhamilton@kqps.net">lhamilton@kqps.net</a>

804-769-3116