StM News

As fourth grader Keagan G. stepped up to the podium, she was prepared with a great pitch. With the confidence of a contestant on the long-running TV show Shark Tank, she explained why she enjoyed her chosen book, and why she thought her classmates might, too. Keagan and her classmates were taking part in what is now an annual project for St. Martin’s fourth graders: the Library Shark Tank.

The Emmy-award winning show, now in its 15th season, serves as inspiration for a project led by Lower School Librarian Mrs. Ethel Madden. The project is an example of the close collaboration between Lower School teachers, library resources, and computer science. Students select and read an award-winning or notable author’s novel. The book choices included Newbery Medal and Honor books, New York Times bestselling books, National Book Awards, and other notable books and/or authors. The students then research their authors and illustrators through print and digital resources. They submit a written book report, then create and present their report with a visual slides presentation to a group of “Sharks” who seek out good books to read. 

Some of this year's “Sharks” included Head of School Whitney Samuel Drennan '94, Head of Lower School Dr. Rebecca Lovisa, Head of Middle School Jenny Velasquez, Nurse Eileen Smilari, and former Upper School History teacher Mr. Chuck Rivet and his wife, retired librarian Mrs. Sandra Rivet. The “Sharks” posed questions to the students about the authors, story plots, and their personal book ratings.

The project helps fourth graders hone a wide range of skills, including reading comprehension, public speaking, and visually presenting information.

Some of this year’s “Sharks” included Head of School Whitney Samuel Drennan ’94, Head of Lower School Dr. Rebecca Lovisa, and former Upper School History teacher Mr. Chuck Rivet and his wife, library volunteer Mrs. Sandra Rivet. The “Sharks” posed questions to the students about the authors, story plots, and the presenters’ personal book ratings. 

The project helps fourth graders hone a wide range of skills, including reading comprehension, public speaking, and visually presenting information.