by Savannah Amschl
Literacy is the foundation of all classrooms and research proves that learners that are reading outside their structured class are exercising things such as; their global awareness, test-taking skills, improving employability and communication skills.” Very quickly into an interview with Mrs. O’Neill, she made it clear to me about the importance of encouraging reading outside the classroom. Mrs. O’Neill has been teaching at the high school for several years. Over the course of the past few years, she has seen the middle school changing its approach to literature in the classroom into a more self-paced and self-choice outline.
Many of the freshman English teachers have seen more students entering high school enjoying reading on their own and making the choice to read outside of the classroom. “This has made me think that we have a need in the student body that isn’t being met to encourage more students to choose to read.” This awareness has pushed Mrs. O’Neill into getting together with the English teachers at Lowell High School to create a Literacy Campaign. When asked about the campaign, Mrs. O’Neill told the Post, “The goal is not to be a book club, but to start creating access points for kids to begin reading outside of school. It is the idea that students will encourage other students.” For those interested, you do not need to be in the club to participate. Periodically, information will be pushed out through English teachers about contests and incentives that will be held by the club. “The student voice is what is most important. The teachers involved are not going to commit to any project that the students don’t want to do. The student will be making everything. It will be surrounded by them. From then national projects to the monthly themes.” If you are interested in being more involved in this process, you can become an ambassador for the club and you will have more opportunities to decide what the literacy campaign focuses on. There was a callout on Oct 12. You can email Mrs. O’Neill for more information or if you missed the meeting!
