This summer, the Lake George Elementary School Library is active with a fresh and exciting approach to literacy, putting the spotlight directly on its talented students. Instead of traditional adult-led sessions, this year’s Summer Reading Circles are being entirely designed and led by the students themselves, under the guidance of librarian Mrs. Crossman.
The innovative program empowers young readers to share their passions and creativity. Mrs. Crossman collaborates with each student leader to select a book that aligns with their unique interests. What makes these circles truly special is the accompanying activity. Each session includes a fun, hands-on project directly connected to the book and the student leader’s chosen area of expertise.
Participating students arrive at their 30-minute Summer Reading Circle having already finished reading the chosen book. The session kicks off with a brief discussion about the story, allowing everyone to share their thoughts and insights. The real highlight, however, is the activity that follows, a creative activity designed to deepen understanding and make learning fun!
This week saw a fantastic lineup of student leaders, including Mohman Bajwa, Craig Ashline, Maeve McCormack, Alister Shambach, and Brody Reinhold. Their chosen books, such as “The Day the Crayons Quit” and “The Very Impatient Caterpillar,” sparked incredible 3D art creations, showcasing the student’s imagination and artistic skills.
This student-led initiative is cultivating a new generation of leaders at LGES. Beyond sparking a love for reading, the program actively develops crucial leadership skills, encourages creative expression, and builds a strong sense of community and friendship. It powerfully demonstrates that learning becomes both enriching and incredibly fun when students are given the opportunity to take the lead.