The Levittown Public Library was the hub of discussion as students from Jonas Salk and Wisdom Lane middle schools conversed about Holly Goldberg Sloan’s “Counting by 7’s,” this school year’s pick for the annual Summer Reading Extravaganza and community read. The event was the third of three summer book discussion and English language arts activity dates designed to promote and inspire a Levittown community of readers.
Director of K-12 English Kerin Slattery explained that reading the same book brings the community together. “Reading the same book creates a bond and collaboration among students and staff by giving everyone something similar to discuss,” shesaid. Students were required to read the book over the summer and will discuss, share and write about “Counting by 7’s” upon returning to school on Sept. 7, thus incorporating the Summer Reading Extravaganza into the core curriculum.
In addition to the book discussions, the district made available a dynamic website from which to download student and teacher/administrator blogs discussing key elements of the book, as well as video clips of staff discussions. The website also included opportunities to upload additional reading material and engage in related book activities.
With each activity completed, students entered a raffle for prizes or the opportunity to have lunch with the author, who will visit the district during the school year. On Oct. 27, the district will host a READ Showcase, highlighting the activities and projects completed at the book discussion events.
