Description

Three authors of novels for middle-grade/middle school students discuss the value of including fiction in teaching various curriculum areas – and not just designating novels as “extra-credit!” The authors will reveal the depth of their research for historical fiction (Rebecca Behrens, "The Last Grand Adventure"); for science/nature study (Jo Hackl, "Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe"); and about political and social change (Sara Holbrook, "Enemy").

Eileen Makoff, a school librarian with a New York City Public School: The Magnet School for Environmental Studies and Community Wellness, will lead the discussion and present solid reasoning for the role of the school librarian to foster inclusion of fiction in curriculum teaching and learning. Librarians, bringing their broad expertise with children’s literature, their understanding of children’s reading preferences, and their knowledge of curriculum demands can partner with teachers to enrich and enliven study of history, science, social studies and more by integrating fiction into the center of learning, not keeping it on the sidelines The program will include a list of recommended novels that tie to curriculum.

Learning Goals

1. Encourages engagement of school librarians with teachers by introducing discussion between them about the integrated use of selected fiction in the teaching of specific curriculum areas and the ongoing shared work of implementing the idea into classrooms thereby increasing the perceived value of the librarian within the school.
2. Offers an opportunity for librarians to learn from authors themselves about the research and expertise they put into their novels in order to provide young readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of various subjects.
3. Provides school librarians with a list of excellent works of fiction that relate directly to curriculum subjects in such areas a history, science, social studies, and language arts.

Speaker(s):

• Eileen Makoff, Librarian, The Magnet School for Environmental Studies and Community Wellness
• Rebecca Behrens, Author
• Jo Hackl, Author
• Sara Holbrook, Author