Kids dine with great writers
Taken from the Mining Journal

PHOTO: Ishpeming High School participants of the school's great books discussion group gather recently to discuss a recent reading. The students are assigned weekly reading assignments consisting of literary pieces by highly regarded authors. The students then attend the group discussions facilitated by IHS English teacher Tim Clancy. (Journal photo by Jacqueline Perry)
 

By JACQUELINE PERRY, Journal Staff Writer

ISHPEMING - A group of Ishpeming High School students spend lunch time once a week discussing classic literature - and it's their choice.

About a dozen students gather every Friday in English teacher Tim Clancy's classroom to participate in the great books discussion group. Participants are assigned weekly reading assignments consisting of fiction and non-fiction literary anthologies from ancient to modern times written by a variety of highly regarded authors from around the world. The students then express their opinions regarding the reading in the discussion group facilitated by Clancy.

"Discussion questions are designed to promote critical thinking and a lively exchange of ideas, as well as the ability to listen to and learn from other people's ideas" he said. "My responsibility is to pose questions that challenge the critical and interpretive skills of the students. What impresses me about the group is that I can typically ask one question at the beginning of our discussion and that single question initiates a continuous conversation amongst the students and additional questions posed by them."

The participants usually read about 20 books per year, Clancy said. However, this year's group is on track to complete 26 readings, completing 13 during the first semester.

The students enjoy the book discussion for many reasons in addition to their mutual appreciation for reading.

"It's interesting to hear what other people's views are on the books we read," junior Amanda Peredo said. "A lot of times their interpretation of the book is much different than mine, so it puts the book into a new perspective."

Hearing other group members' take on the book also helps some students to better understand the reading, said Jerry Brawley, a freshman participating in the group.

"If I'm confused about a section of a book, it helps me to hear what other people think about that section," Brawley said. "The readings are often a puzzle that we attempt to figure out during our discussions."

IHS Junior Shae Kangas is the veteran of the group, participating since her freshman year.

"I've been introduced to many writers that I may not have otherwise learned about in my English classes," Kangas said.

Participating in the group also gives her a sense of satisfaction, she said.

"What I enjoy most about the group is when we come to a conclusion or a realization about the book," she said. "It's that moment when I can say, 'that's it, that's what the author meant.' That's what I love most about this group."

Often, the students complete a short story and are motivated to read a novel by the same author, Clancy said.

"These discussions have really broadened each participants literary horizon," he said. "It's also helpful in preparing the students for their future education. Many of our alumni have said that they've already read many of the required readings in their college classes during their participation in our great books discussion group."

The bottom line is that the group gives students a venue in which they can express their enthusiasm for reading, Junior Jocelyn Selmser said.

"It's an opportunity for us to socialize with one another about something that we all have in common, which is a love for reading," Selmser said.

Note:  This article was taken from the online version of the Monday, January 9, 2006 Mining Journal.