Overview of our Book Talk Program:

The Fairfax County English Program of Studies is designed so that students can enjoy, understand, and appreciate the beauty and power of language and literature in its cultural, literary, and aesthetic contexts. The ability to recognize works with literary value is a skill. To develop this skill and to help students become discerning, life-long readers, the IBET English 9 program provides opportunities for student choice and development through book talks and follow-up literary discussions. These student-centered experiences give students a voice in their program of studies and an opportunity to exhibit their maturing powers of insight and discernment. Students submit names of books they have read and want to recommend to other students. A list of books is created from these recommendations from the students whose English class meets during a given period. Students then select the presentations they will attend in advance of the book talks. At the book talk, presenters describe the books that they are recommending in roundtable discussions and answer questions. Then, all students select the books that most interest them from the program and are assigned a book to read and analyze. Approximately four weeks later students reading the same book meet to discuss it and answer questions they have generated under teacher supervision in literary discussion groups. Student choice, the opportunity to work effectively and thoughtfully in small discussion groups, and development of oral communication skills are important components of this activity as well as the ninth grade English program. Parents who have questions about this process should contact their child.s English teacher.

Procedure: On the day of the Book Talks, students meet by period in the cafeteria. There will be six rounds of book talks. Each presenter will speak in two five-minute rounds, allowing for questions from group participants. Students should read their program and consider their options before the talks begin to determine which of the presentations in each round which are most interesting and appropriate for them. Following the book talks, students will turn in a list of the four books from the titles listed below that they would like to read.