At Sherwood Middle School in Columbus, an innovative project dubbed the "Book Nook" has sparked a significant shift in students' attitudes towards reading. Spearheaded by English language arts teacher Monique Walker with a $1,500 Columbus City Schools (CCS) Teachers’ Dream Grant, the project aimed to pry kids away from screens and rekindle their love for the written word.
Walker noticed a reluctance among students to engage with books at the year's start, but now, an estimated 85% display a newfound eagerness for reading. "It went from ‘I don’t want to go to the library’ and ‘Why do I have to bring a book?’ to ‘Oh no, I left my book in my locker’ and ‘Can I go get another book from the library?’" Walker described the transformation in a statement obtained by CCS’s website.
The project challenges students to represent a chosen book's themes and conflicts artistically through a diorama-like book nook, using materials like clay, cardstock, and foam. Each student kicked off with a blueprint based on a rubric, which, upon approval, would grant them the supplies for their creative endeavor. Engrossing themselves in this hands-on activity for three days a week, they delve deeper into the books they read, enhancing not just their enjoyment but their comprehension skills as well.
Jasmine Adhikari, a seventh grader at Sherwood Middle School, found a particular connection with her book of choice, "Words With Wings" by Nikki Grimes. She expressed an enriched passion for reading thanks to the project, saying, "This project has made me like reading books more," according to a CCS interview.
Another student, Giovani Ramirez, dove into his project based on Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, finding joy in the artistic process. "I realize that there are so many stories that need to be told and important lessons out there that are relevant today," Ramirez told CCS. His work, as with others, not only showcased his interpretation of the literature but also signified a deeper engagement with reading as a whole.
Through this project, Walker aimed not just for temporary excitement but rather a foundational change that could help students tackle the Ohio State Test (OST) without the usual trepidation associated with extensive reading. It's a testament to the project's success that students are willing and eager to carry a book in hand instead of a device—a small yet powerful victory in a digitized world.
Walker's dream realized through the Teachers’ Dream Grant has formed a template for teachers seeking innovative ways to inspire literacy. Applications for this year's grant are currently open, offering more educators the chance to transform reading from a chore to a cherished pastime.
