2015 Spring Presentations
Vermont Dept. of Libraries

Cheryl Sloan
Youth Services Librarian, Charlotte Public Library

Heidi Huestis
Teacher Librarian, Charlotte Central School

To encourage and challenge middle school students to read and enjoy classical literature. To nurture a love of good books and foster the connections between modern-day children's books and the canon of world literature.

With a generous grant and the seed of an idea from a local patron, we started a week-long summer reading program for middle schoolers.

We realized the program would only be successful if we had the support of middle-grade teachers. They were the key.

An incentive for the students: their summer reading requirements were fulfilled at the completion of the program ( this was especially attractive to the long-suffering parents!)

A typical week looks like:

Students meet us as the public library for one week. They commit to spending two hours each day with us, as well as keep up with reading each night.

The week begins with an overview of how the group will use both face-to-face interactions and technology tools to center discussions around the students' reading of the books, as well as how they relate to each other and to the contemporary world.

We connect related information through guest experts (local or not-so-local), art projects, interpretive exercises such as play acting and podcasting, and field trips, whenever possible.

Wednesday Wars & Shakespeare
Lightning Thief & Greek Mythology
Jip & Oliver Twist
Leviathan & The Time Machine

This year...The Great Wide Sea & Treasure Island

Field trips to local museums, guest speakers (town historians, local artists, etc.), discussions, podcasts, art projects.

Added two sessions!

Added "Thinkmarks" to help students keep track of their thoughts & connections as they read. We try to keep discussion guidelines consistent with what students are already familiar with.

Asked parents to sign a photo/video release form so that we could celebrate via social media.

Parent survey.

Turn & Talk!

Take a few minutes to think about your students and your community.

How could you mix and match the classics with modern children's literature? What sorts of community resources or experts could you bring in to inspire creativity in your students?

There are grants available to implement Classical Connections in your community!

The grant is designed to fund a week-long middle school reading program. The Vermont Department of Libraries has multiple copies of some titles.

Grant funding is available up to $500.00

Visit the Vermont Department of Libraries site for more information, or use the brochure for help.

Cheryl Sloan,
Youth Services Librarian
Charlotte Public Library
http://charlottepubliclibrary.org
youthservices@charlottepubliclibrary.org
802-425-3864

Heidi Huestis
Teacher Librarian
Charlotte Central School
http://booksliveon.wordpress.com
802-425-6632
Twitter: @heidihuestis