The English department is changing the summer reading program this year. Instead of a choice between five or so books, students in each course will be given one book their entire class will be reading.
By doing this, the department is hoping to spark more of an interest in summer reading by putting more of an emphasis on the book. Since all students in one course can share the reading experience of the same book, the novel can be used throughout the semester in more meaningful ways.
One of the first questions the department asked themselves was whether they even wanted to continue summer reading. Teachers didn’t put that much emphasis on it. Most teachers did little more with the book than have their students write a five-sentence paragraph or give a short speech. However, now that each book will be read communally by all students in each course, an assignment or lesson plan for the book can be created that is more worthwhile. Also, the book can be used throughout the semester instead of just a couple days after school begins.
The department ultimately decided that the main goal was to encourage a love of reading, and most students probably would not read at all over the summer if it was optional. So after a close vote on the matter, the department decided to keep summer reading. However, they unanimously agreed that a new plan was necessary.
“The books will be used in the fall as part of the class curriculum, which will enable the English teachers to start meaningful work day one. I believe that the teachers will have freedom to abscess the book the way they see fit-- always a creative plus,” Anne Malecki, English Staff Supporter, said.
The department looked at both Mundelein and Vernon Hills’ summer reading as well as a few other schools. Eventually, they decided on Vernon Hills’ model, which also has just one book per course.
“A nice thing about the plan is that it mirrors what they do at Vernon Hills, and is long-term. That make sense for both communities since we are a part of that whole,” Malecki said.
The teachers for each course got together to choose their summer reading book. All of the American Literature classes will be reading “Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt, and all of the English Literature classes will be reading “Grendel” by John Gardner. The teachers will be sending out a letter containing a brief description of the summer reading assignment.
The department is planning on revisiting each list every year and making the necessary adjustments to improve it based off of the feedback from the previous year.
“I am in favor of the new program, as I think it will help to jumpstart the year and make the summer reading more meaningful and useful. With this new emphasis, though, we have also decided to add recommended lists of “lighter” or less class-related books. All members of our department believe in the importance of both serious reading and reading for fun. We hope that readers will participate in both this and in future summers” said English teacher Dave Lapish.
To make accessing the summer reading books easier, Malecki organized a book fair that took place on May 20and 21 in the room across from the main gym.
“Karen LeMaistre came up with the Book Fair idea. Teachers here are very busy and don’t have time to organize an event like this, and I thought it was something I could do from my desk,” Malecki said.
The books were supplied by Anderson Book Fair Company, a family owned business located in Aurora, IL. They order from over 200 publishers, thereby producing a diverse selection of books, which enables them to send LHS the department’s specifications.
Anderson Book Fair Company also gives back to the school a fair percentage of the proceeds. The money given back to the school will be put towards a writer’s week that the English Department is planning for next February.
“We’re just trying to generate some excitement,” Paul Reiff, head of English department, said.