Michael Tannebaum

During a “literary feast” held in her English class, Gregg Middle School seventh-grader Autumn Brown discusses the theme of the book that she read.

The topics ranged from love to war, from staying true to one’s beliefs to never losing hope and from enjoying the pleasures of childhood to embracing the responsibility that comes with age.

At Gregg Middle School, the seventh-graders in Kim Whittaker’s gifted and talented language arts class recently read a novel of their choice and conducted oral presentations to share with their classmates the details of their book.

Each student discussed the theme of his or her book as well as particulars such as characterization, plot, point of view and setting. The books each had different themes and the manner in which the students presented varied greatly, but by the end of the 25 or so presentations, odds are each of the students had one thing in common – a full stomach.

In addition to bringing to class their expertise about the book they had recently read, each student was also asked to bring a treat as part of a literary feast. Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, cookies and brownies were among the sweets that accompanied the children to class.

Prior to the presentations, the students piled their plates high with goodies and they continued to snack throughout the book reports. Between the presentations, some of the students would grab seconds and after not too long, the seconds became thirds.

Each presentation lasted a few minutes and speakers were only allowed to bring with them to the podium a small note card to use as a reference and their book. Students were encouraged to share quotes from their book to back up their analysis and to impart what they believed to be the book’s takeaway point.

It was Whittaker’s hope that the assignment would enable the students to learn how to critically analyze literature, practice their public speaking skills and have some extra fun in the process. The well-delivered speeches, interest with which the students spoke about their books and paper plates that eventually were covered by nothing more than crumbs suggested Whittaker’s hopes for the fictional book presentations ultimately became a reality.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com

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