How do you find more time in a busy school day? Join the new Silent Reading Club at Holly Springs Elementary…if you want to find more time to enjoy your love of reading, that is!
Students in third through fifth grade now have the unique opportunity to eat lunch in the Media Center and then cozy up with a book of their choice.
Media Specialist Kerry Harbin said, “Teachers are limited on the amount of time they have for students to visit the library or just give time to read quietly in the classroom, so this is an excellent opportunity for students to check in and out books and have that dedicated reading time.”
“I have heard of silent reading parties on social media. I wanted to give it a try,” Harbin added. "Students are allowed to participate once a week on a designated day. An average 20 or so students a day have been taking advantage of the opportunity."
Harbin already sponsors a traditional book club, but space is limited. This is a way every student can participate, she said, “with the exception of students who would miss talking at the lunch table with friends. I am not sure I would have participated in this club as a child, because I love to talk!”
Her advice to anyone interested in starting a similar program is this: “Just try it! I would suggest that you ask your students to eat first and throw away their trash. Then, find a cozy spot to read. This will prevent any spills on the library books! I would also recommend having a basket of books for students to choose from. I did not want students to pull random books from the shelves, if they did not bring their library book or personal book to read.”