Open Book Program, a multi-faceted after-school program for young adolescents in which participants are engaged in activities that encourage the development of reading, writing and critical thinking skills.

Wiliams Elementary School
2710 S. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60616

2000/2001 Participants
1999/2000 Participants
Literary Circles
Drama
Meeting the Authors
Field Trips

2000/2001 Participants

Pictured here are Open Book participants at Williams Elementary School during the 2000/2001 school year. Also pictured are Williams Librarian Elaine Agusto
and Author Nikki Grimes.

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More about 2000/2001 Participants

1999/2000 Participants

Pictured here are Open Book participants at WilliamsElementary School during the 1999/2000 school year. Also pictured are Open Book Executive Director Marrice Coverson and Author Glenette Tilley Turner.

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Literary Circle

Students read and discussed their assigned book during literary circles. Each student was assigned a role like "Discussion Director," "Literary Luminary," "Word Wizard," Creative Connector," Character Captain" and "Artful Artist." After meeting in their groups, students met and reported on their findings. Literary circle roles were rotated so everyone got to experience every role.

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Drama

Warmup songs and dramatic exercises spark students enthusiasm. Then, while reading their books, the students create original dramatic pieces that are performed during author visits and for special school assemblies.

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Meeting the Authors

After reading a book, students get to meet and interview the author. Pictured here is Nikkie Grimes (top), author of Jazmin's Notebook and My Man Blue. Also pictured are students with Darwin McBeth Walton (middle), author of Dance, Kayla!, and Glennette Tilley Turner, author of Running For Our Lives.

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Field Trips

Field trips to interesting places are part of the Open Book Program. Here, students are learning about paper making at Columbia College.

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