Year 10s and Preps meet in the Library!

Published: Thursday, 26 July 2012

When English teacher Mrs Ponnusamy, Senior Teacher Librarian Mrs Novak and Junior/Middle School Teacher Librarian Mr Farquharson put their heads together early this term, little did they know that they would be starting a project which would totally capture the interest and excitement of a Year 10 English class!

This is exactly what happened when the class was taken over to the junior/middle school library where Mr Farquharson and Mrs Novak talked to the students about the kinds of stories that capture the interest and enjoyment of young children. Hunkering down on pillows in the warm environs of the library, the Year 10s sat wide eyed and enthralled as Mr Farquharson and Mrs Novak read stories to the class to illustrate various points being made.

Back in their English class, Mrs Ponnusamy had the students read the picture story books borrowed from the junior/middle school libary to each other. Commenting on the session, she reflected that the students were “enjoying the experience … they just need to come out of their shells and look past the embarrassment of reading a picture book aloud - maybe for the first time.” By asking the students to focus on common characteristics, students were encouraged to write their own short stories which were read out to the class in the following lesson to which Mrs Novak was invited to attend. Enjoying the experience of an authentic audience, the students were able to take on board constructive advice offered by her on how they may better engage their young audience – the two Prep classes which had been lined up by Mr Farquharson for later in the week.

Observing the excitement that filled the junior/middle school library on the morning was a sight to be seen. Battling to overcome nerves at venturing beyond their comfort zone, the Year 10s captured the hearts of the little Prep students as they cuddled up in different spots around the libary to enjoy ‘story time’. Listening to the cacophony of noise as more than 20 voices whooped and exclaimed through the reading and re-reading of loved stories as well as the stories written by the Year 10s, especially for the occasion, was a joy to behold. Watching the Prep students with Year 10 in tow going to the shelves to get book after book, both Preps and Year 10s faces alight with enthusiasm highlighted the success of the session.

While the Year 10s most definitely seared their way into the memories of the little folk, it is without a doubt that the Preps will hold this as a magical session had during the early years of their schooling. For the Year 10s, this experience was a journey back to their childhood when they themselves were read to. They have been made all the richer by being part of this.