Episode 11 Guests: Shari Roberts and students Heather and Sandy engage with Shari Roberts, a Junior/ Intermediate teacher, to explore the intricacies of implementing book clubs in the classroom. Shari shares her extensive experience in preparing students for book club discussions, emphasizing the importance of scaffolding, practice, and creating a supportive environment. The conversation delves into the dynamics of student-led discussions, the role of the teacher, and the excitement surrounding book club days, providing valuable insights for educators looking to enhance their reading programs. Students also share their experiences learning in book clubs.

Guests: Britany Bartlett and students

Brittany Bartlett, a grade seven teacher, discusses the implementation of theme-based book clubs in her classroom. The discussion highlights the importance of student choice in book selection and the use of hexagonal thinking to connect different texts. Brittany emphasizes the significance of facilitating personal connections to literature, allowing students to voice their experiences and reflections. Students also share their thinking and what they've learned from reading together in book clubs.

Hosts Sandy and Heather in coversation to introduce season two. Sandy and Heather discuss the podcast’s two anchor texts to give an overview of launching and managing book clubs in classrooms. They discuss various structures for book clubs, the importance of diverse texts, and the essential skills needed for successful discussions. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective organization and planning and aims to inspire educators to create engaging and inclusive reading experiences for students.

Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul, an expert in literacy and equity, discusses the transformative power of book clubs in education. The discussion explores how book clubs can breathe new life into reading practices by centering student choice, fostering diverse voices, and creating a joyful learning environment. Dr. Cherry-Paul emphasizes the importance of cultivating student voice, reflecting identities through literature, and embracing the chaos of book clubs as a means to enhance student engagement and growth in literacy.

Guest: Rachel Cooke, TDSB Hybrid-Teacher/Coach and Assistant Curriculum Leader of English/Literacy, and Author

Rachel Cook shares insights into the practice of “book talks” and their impact on student reading habits. She discusses the significance of book talks, the process of selecting texts, and the logistics of implementing them in the classroom.

Guest: Lauren Bull, Supervisor of Library & Media Services at TJRC

Lauren Bull discusses the resources available at the Terry James Resource Center and how they curate their collection. She shares insights into the changes in the approach to providing taught texts over the years and the shift from formal literature to high-interest texts that focus on diversity of representation and authorship, and empowering student choice and voice. Lauren highlights key parts of the TJRC collection including graphic novels, novels in verse, short story anthologies, and traditional novels, in both English and French.

Epiosde 6 Guest: Jerica Fraser, UGDSB Indigenous Education Lead

Jerica Fraser provides expertise and practical insight into the process of vetting Indigenous texts. The discussion focuses on the importance of using recommended Indigenous texts and resources and the significance of providing a selection of texts rather than just one. Jerica highlights the importance of authenticity in bringing Indigenous voices into the classroom and avoiding tokenistic approaches.

Guest: Jael Richardson, Author and Director of the FOLD & FOLD Kids

Jael Richardson discusses the importance of book clubs in the classroom, the significance of reading diverse texts by Canadian and Indigenous authors, and the principles of culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy. She emphasizes the value of including diverse voices and perspectives in classroom texts and the impact it has on students.

Guest: Pernille Ripp, Author, Educator, and Public Speaker

Pernille Ripp discusses how to create an environment that respects the voices and choices of students in classroom book clubs. She explores the importance of developing student reading identity and the impact of instructional practices on students' reading experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need to dispel myths about reading and to have authentic conversations with students about their reading journeys.

Episode 3 Guest: Jodi Sprung-Boyd, UGDSB Educator

Jodi Sprung-Boyd shares her strategies for using book clubs in her classroom. She emphasizes the importance of providing diverse book choices and creating a sense of community through book clubs. Jody also discusses the power of storytelling and how it can be explored through activities that involve movement and dialogue. She shares her approach to introducing book promos and involving fellow educators and former students in the process.