Summer is a time
for teachers to back off from busy schedules and enjoy life.
Like students, teachers like to see each other, but since it’s summer,
not too often. Invariably, when
teachers get together, they talk about school, and there are other things in
life.
For example, books. Summer
is a time to read and discuss all the good books that have been published during
the year. A simple solution for
summer networking and books is to invite members of the school staff to a couple
of meetings during the summer where pre-
Not everyone will be available, because of summer travel, work, or other activities. But those that will be involved can choose a book and date prior to the close of school. Bestsellers and other books are reviewed at http:www.barnesandnoble.com. Other Internet resources include the following: Reading Group Center has reading guides at http://www.randomhouse.com//vintage/read. Book Group Corner has reading guides at http://www.randomhouse.com/resources/bookgroup. The New York Times book reviews and bestseller lists can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/index.html?site+1008ban-309. Suggestions for reading groups can be found at http://www.readinggroupchoices.com.
A small group could visit a public library or bookstore and select several
titles for consideration. Then all who wish to participate can decide on
the title.
One member of the group could gather the e-mail addresses of members of the
group so that members can be reminded of meeting dates. An agenda and
questions could be e-mailed prior to meetings.
While some time during the meeting can be spent
discussing what has happened over the summer, following an agenda will provide
enough time to discuss books. Discussion questions should be printed and given to members.
Following the book discussion, the group needs to determine the time and
location of the next meeting, the title of the next book, and who is responsible
for preparing the discussion questions.