The idea is simple. Instead of prescribing literature that students do not want to read, let students choose their own books from the classroom library. Or if there is not a wide selection of books in a classroom's library, let students handpick the books they want to read in class. At least, that is what Marianne Schand did.

Schand, a 7th grade reading teacher at Hunter Middle School, is the recipient of a mini-grant awarded by Unum. With $1,000 at her disposal, she decided to build up her classroom's library with books that her students selected—from Books-A-Million that is. Last week, one hundred 7th graders invaded the book store to stock their classroom library with a variety of books, which were generously discounted by the retailer.

 

The project blends seamlessly into a program piloted by a handful of Hamilton County schools, including Hunter Middle. The program, The Reading and Writing Workshop, was developed by the Teachers College of Columbia University and aims to use students' interests and creativity as the foundation for teaching curriculum standards. Or as Schand puts it, "To light a fire and passion for reading—one of life's greatest joys! And to teach the skills as they read selections of their own choice from the classroom library."