Web-Based Platforms for Book Reviews to Accelerate Summer Reading Among Peers: A Partnership of 'Teens for Literacy' Student Leaders and Teacher Education Candidates

Abstract

Student leaders from an urban public middle school who were representatives of the Teens for Literacy (TFL) program visited an undergraduate education class in late spring 2013 as a component of Shadowing Day at the sponsoring university. Teacher education candidates outlined several platforms that may be used to share favorite books including a book journal, Tumblr, Blogger, and Wix. With the goal of promoting literacy in their school and with the support of teacher education candidates, the TFL student leaders created book reviews utilizing a variety of media options to generate momentum for summer reading initiatives. Teacher education candidates rotated to assist students with focused reading, comprehension strategies, and writing in preparation for their blog entries. TFL students presented their book reviews to their peers and made them accessible before the summer break began to promote authentic engagement in literacy learning.