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.

McCorkle Elementary School
4421 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60609

2005/2006 Participants
Literary Circles
Drama
Meeting the Authors
Field Trips

2005/2006 Participants

McCorkle kids perform for Sharon Draper

Pictured are 2005/2006 Open Book participants from McCorkle Elementary School during an Author Event with Sharon Draper. The students are pictured as they perform
a scene from We Beat the Street.

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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.

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Field Trips

Field trips to interesting places are part of the Open Book Program.

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