Learning in the Library
Engaging students with literary role models
Gioia House and Year 8 engaging with authors
The library continues to boost the profile of reading with three YA authors engaging with our Gioia House students this term. Mystery is clearly a favourite genre for young readers at the moment.
Ashleigh Barton introduced her debut novel How to sail to somewhere, a middle grade mystery story about friendship, family and hope. She encouraged students to reflect on their own writing skills and to share what elements they thought a good mystery should have. She spoke of her journey to be a published author, conveying an important message of the power of perseverance and resilience when things feel like failure.
Jacqueline Harvey, author of the popular Alice Miranda series, unveiled her new novel The Girl and the Ghost, with a girl, a ghost and a mysterious French chateau. Jacqueline shared her inspiration for the book reminding students that good stories can be found anywhere. Another highlight was the visit by Jessica Townsend with the launch of the fourth book in the Nevermoor series, Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow.
Year 8 English students were fortunate to have an audience with the author of their current text, The Sky so Heavy, in conversation between Claire Zorn and Melina Marchetta. This opportunity to ask questions of the author enabled them to deepen their understanding and personal connection to the study of survival. The students were intrigued to discover that despite the writer being regional, and the novel being dystopian, part of the setting was based on local areas such as Westfield Burwood. It was obvious from the amount of questions asked, that the students appreciated the process involved in writing.
Families as reading role models – fostering a love of reading in Years 7-10
Families can continue to promote reading for pleasure at home through engaging with reading as a source of entertainment. Families who engage in shared reading experiences with their children see reading as more than skill building: an opportunity to spend valued time together, to talk and develop a positive bond.
Families from 7-10 are again invited to participate in OpenBook during theWinter Term holiday break. OpenBook – What will we discover?… is a buddy reading program for families to promote reading and conversation. Interested families are invited to sign up and choose a book from a robust selection centred around three key themes:
- Stories of finding courage
- Stories of growing up and finding your identity
- Stories of hope, resilience and joy.
Two copies of your chosen book will be sent home in a complimentary book bag, with discussion points to promote conversation and observation. It’s a chance to have a shared experience with your child; one that encourages connections and a great sense of belonging. Think of it as a family book club.
We have a selection of novels for all types of readers: avid, reluctant, discerning. Remember, that sometimes it only takes 20 minutes a day of reading to see a difference in the way your child engages with the world. What a better way for them to experience that than with you part of that journey.
When Term 3 resumes, students will be asked to return the novels and discussion cards, however, the bookbag remains with you as a small gift. At the start of Term 3 we will also hold an afternoon tea for participants to talk about their experiences and books.
Please watch out for the letter and Google form that has been sent out via the Parent Lounge for those interested to sign up. The form is also available here.
Please feel free to contact the library team if you have questions.
Susan Lombardo
Head of Library 5-12
