Junior Great Books (JGB) is a Volunteer-Led Program
The goal of JGB is to help 1st-6th grade students become self-reliant readers and learners.
Participants are provided age-appropriate literature that has been chosen to challenge them, spark their ideas, and promote thoughtful discussion. They utilize the Shared Inquiry Method which makes it possible, for all children (regardless of reading level), to contribute. Children gain confidence by learning to defend their opinions, listen to their classmates’ ideas, weigh the merits of opposing arguments, and modify their initial opinions as the evidence demands. Participants gain confidence and learn from one another. Please view the Great Books website for more information at www.greatbooks.org. We have chosen to host this program during the coldest weeks of the school year, so that the students willingly sacrifice their outdoor recess time. However, if your child would prefer/needs to spend the time outside, Junior Great Books may not be the best option for him/her.
PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
This program is only possible with parent volunteers. Parents are encouraged to volunteer as a reader and/or discussion leader. Discussion Leaders receive training through the Jr. Great Books program via webinar. Also, we are seeking parents who would like to be considered as an alternate or backup Reader and/or Discussion Leader (especially for grades that lack sufficient volunteers). If you are interested in volunteering with JGB in any capacity, please fill out the survey by clicking here or using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WND6NKK. Thanks!
Parent Volunteers Needed – Readers and Discussion Leaders (Training Reimbursement Available)
Parent Readers volunteer on Mondays and do not require training. Discussion Leaders volunteer on Fridays and must receive training. The next Shared Inquiry Method training from the Great Books Foundation is October 15th and 16th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. The cost is $99. (Please note: all volunteers must meet the criteria specified in the New CPS Volunteer Policy. See below for more information.*)
The training cost will be reimbursed to any parent who makes a two-year commitment (of at least 3 sessions/year) as a Discussion Leader.
Registration Information
If you and your child are interested in joining this great reading program, please follow Option 1 or Option 2:
If you have additional questions, please contact me at ale.juniorgreatbooks@gmail.com. Thanks again for your help!
Thank you,
Miriam Collins - Junior Great Books Coordinator
* New CPS Volunteer Policy – CPS has implemented a new volunteer policy. All individuals that volunteer at/with the school are to go through a volunteer application process. All volunteer candidates must complete a volunteer application through the Chicago Public Schools CiviCore database. Please visit cpsvolunteers.org. Beginning immediately, any person that would like to chaperon a field trip, volunteer in the lunchroom, be a parent reader, help with events in the school, etc. must go through this volunteer application process. CPS will notify the school when you have been approved through this process. Our school volunteer coordinator is Mrs. Jurasz in the Main Office. There are two types of volunteer applications:
--Level II volunteers: all day-field trip chaperones, other volunteer activities that come in contact with students while supervised for less than 10 hours per week
The goal of JGB is to help 1st-6th grade students become self-reliant readers and learners.
Participants are provided age-appropriate literature that has been chosen to challenge them, spark their ideas, and promote thoughtful discussion. They utilize the Shared Inquiry Method which makes it possible, for all children (regardless of reading level), to contribute. Children gain confidence by learning to defend their opinions, listen to their classmates’ ideas, weigh the merits of opposing arguments, and modify their initial opinions as the evidence demands. Participants gain confidence and learn from one another. Please view the Great Books website for more information at www.greatbooks.org. We have chosen to host this program during the coldest weeks of the school year, so that the students willingly sacrifice their outdoor recess time. However, if your child would prefer/needs to spend the time outside, Junior Great Books may not be the best option for him/her.
PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
This program is only possible with parent volunteers. Parents are encouraged to volunteer as a reader and/or discussion leader. Discussion Leaders receive training through the Jr. Great Books program via webinar. Also, we are seeking parents who would like to be considered as an alternate or backup Reader and/or Discussion Leader (especially for grades that lack sufficient volunteers). If you are interested in volunteering with JGB in any capacity, please fill out the survey by clicking here or using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WND6NKK. Thanks!
Parent Volunteers Needed – Readers and Discussion Leaders (Training Reimbursement Available)
Parent Readers volunteer on Mondays and do not require training. Discussion Leaders volunteer on Fridays and must receive training. The next Shared Inquiry Method training from the Great Books Foundation is October 15th and 16th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. The cost is $99. (Please note: all volunteers must meet the criteria specified in the New CPS Volunteer Policy. See below for more information.*)
The training cost will be reimbursed to any parent who makes a two-year commitment (of at least 3 sessions/year) as a Discussion Leader.
Registration Information
If you and your child are interested in joining this great reading program, please follow Option 1 or Option 2:
- (Option 1) Complete the attached Registration Form and send with the $5/child enrollment fee in an envelope labeled “Jr. Great Books,” or
- (Option 2) Use this link to register online and send the fee in an envelope labeled “Junior Great Books.”
If you have additional questions, please contact me at ale.juniorgreatbooks@gmail.com. Thanks again for your help!
Thank you,
Miriam Collins - Junior Great Books Coordinator
* New CPS Volunteer Policy – CPS has implemented a new volunteer policy. All individuals that volunteer at/with the school are to go through a volunteer application process. All volunteer candidates must complete a volunteer application through the Chicago Public Schools CiviCore database. Please visit cpsvolunteers.org. Beginning immediately, any person that would like to chaperon a field trip, volunteer in the lunchroom, be a parent reader, help with events in the school, etc. must go through this volunteer application process. CPS will notify the school when you have been approved through this process. Our school volunteer coordinator is Mrs. Jurasz in the Main Office. There are two types of volunteer applications:
--Level II volunteers: all day-field trip chaperones, other volunteer activities that come in contact with students while supervised for less than 10 hours per week