asakiyume | Using book discussions to enhance a literacy program

In New Hampshire, there's a literacy program called Connections, geared mainly to nonnative English speakers new to the United States, that supplements its curriculum with book discussions:

A four-part book-discussion series, Connections augments the curriculums of established literacy programs by bringing content-rich children’s literature with thought-provoking themes to students from around the world. New readers meet with teachers and Humanities Council–trained facilitators to learn new vocabulary, engage in lively discussions and supplementary activities, and explore the world and ideas through books. . . Biographies, novels, short stories, and poetry connect new readers to history, ideas, culture, and themes that are relevant for those who are new to the country.

Participants really enjoy that aspect of the program. Commenting on it, a director of an adult-literacy program said,“[Connections offers] our students a way to expand their vocabularies, think analytically and critically, share their thoughts, and experience the joys of actually reading.” One student said, “I love to read. I love books . . . I have to share my books with everyone.”

And the program even produced its own book, a bilingual tale in Nepali and English: The Story of the Pumpkin.

New Hampshire Humaniities Council Folktale Festival celebrating The Story of the Pumpkin; photo by Deb Cram. Source: here