Project Booktalk: Fostering a Love for Reading (and Writing) at Da Vinci Design & Beyond
Da Vinci Design students are rediscovering the joys of reading through Project Booktalk, a project-based learning initiative that not only inspires a love for books, but also gives students a voice beyond the classroom. Through their participation, students share their excitement about a book they enjoyed in small bite sized reviews called ‘booktalks’ to the LA County Library website, where their work can be featured and shared with the larger community.
As part of Jason White’s 9th grade English class, students select books that spark their interest, write thoughtful reviews, and present summaries to their peers. The primary goal of Project Booktalk goes beyond just writing reviews, it’s about building a culture of reading. Many 9th grade students begin the school year with a negative outlook on reading, often shaped by past experiences. This project aims to repair and rekindle their relationship with books, empowering them to discover stories that resonate with their unique interests.
“When students choose books that resonate with them, they begin to see reading not as a chore but as something enjoyable,” Jason explains. “I love seeing their excitement when they present their books and recommend them to each other. That’s what this project is all about– helping students rediscover the joy of reading.”
Peer Influence and Shared Literary Experiences
The excitement for reading spread like a ripple effect in Jason’s classroom through peer influence and shared literary experiences. When students share their book recommendations, others feel inspired to dive into those same stories. One recent example of the project’s success comes from a student named Dylan, whose book review was featured on the LA County Library website. After seeing his work online, many classmates were eager to read the same book, of which some have already finished it.
Although reviews are rotated periodically on the LA County Library website, students are encouraged to check the site regularly to see if their work has been featured. Knowing their voices can reach beyond the classroom motivates students to read more and express their perspectives with confidence!
