The FIRST Book Club Why? Einstein said that “imagination is more important than knowledge.” Through imagination we can predict, pretend, or propose – critical elements of problem solving. Fiction is an essential element of students’ lives – it offers much more than an entertaining vehicle to develop reading skills. Oatley (2008a) likens fiction to computer-generated simulations, allowing the reader to create mental models of situations and their possible outcomes, and possibly develop better strategies and skills to deal with them. “Frequent reading of literary fiction can facilitate the development of selfhood ... fictions are typically simulations of the social world, therefore, people who spend time reading them will become more socially skilled than people who read non-fiction.” Oatley (2008b). Author and Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen states, “Literature …supports and challenges readers…in their views of themselves, whether it’s in their families, friendship or cultural groups or social class. It offers glimpses of human behaviour beyond those available or known to the reader. Only when all children are in a book-loving environment will they achieve literacy, yes, but a lot more: a confidence in handling abstract ideas, an understanding of a multiplicity of viewpoint and the complexity and diversity of human interaction that comes through reading widely and often.” (2008). By reflecting on what they have read through discussion with others students are more likely to be able to develop those understandings that Oatley and Rosen refer to. Establishing The FIRST Book Club will
enable students to connect with other students beyond their immediate circle so they can share their reading and recommendations encourage students to consider a wider range of perspectives and opinions provide a forum for students in isolated circumstances to connect with others of the same age help teachers and teacher librarians meet the requirement of the English strand of the Australian National Curriculum
Who? Initially the target group is the Year 5/6 cohort in Australian schools, although other students may contribute. Participants will have to create an account through the website to participate and memberships will need to be approved. Membership can be by an individual or by a teacher or teacher librarian on behalf of a group of students. Leadership is provided by three qualified, experienced teacher librarians – Lyndy Cracknell, Sue Warren and Barbara Braxton. Between them, they have more than a century of experience in a variety of schools in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. Contact us at Barbara Braxton barbara.288@bigpond.com Sue Warren losangzopa@gmail.com