Madison Academy book club creates appreciation for literature
Just the name Peter Rabbit evokes powerful childhood memories for many. The character was the most popular of author Beatrix Potter's creations.
With a history like that and so much more to be discovered, Madison Academy Elementary librarian Magna Elkins decided to dedicate an entire year to the author through a school-sponsored book club.
"We want to find out more about her art, discuss her vocabulary and find out more about the Lake District, the famous region in England where Potter spent many happy holidays," Elkins said.
Eighteen third and fourth graders, along with Elkins, Madison Academy Elementary principal Carlmelita Burton and a parent gather once a month in the early morning prior to school to study the author and her characters. The study began in September and will continue through April.
Book club members read two Potter stories a month. Along with discussing Potter's life and the vocabulary she uses, the students examine her illustrations as well.
"At our meeting we discuss her vocabulary. We've learned several British words. We look at the illustrations, which are inspired by places she loved in the Lake District and students have also drawn their own pictures of some of the characters and scenes," Elkins said.
Students have learned something they did not know about Potter before beginning the study, and that tidbit is that Potter was a conservationist.
"We have enjoyed the newly-learned fact that Potter was a great advocate for the preservation of the environment," Elkins said.
Elkins started the book club last year when the students read all five books in C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia." During those meetings, the focus was on the parallels between the novels and the different Bible characters or stories.
"We intend to have a book club every year. We are still thinking about authors that we'll read next year," Elkins said.
