Since the spring of 2019, Geneva College’s Communication Disorders Program has led a book club for preschool children, open to the public, at the Beaver Falls Library. A student at the time began this venture as part of an academic partner’s project, researching how students in the program could serve the Beaver Falls community.

 On the first Saturday of the month, Geneva students lead the book club as   part of their service-learning opportunity, along with Geneva Assistant   Professor, Kim Arata. Students read a story and conduct a correlated activity   and craft that is based on the concepts of the book. At the end of their time,   each child leaves with their own copy of the book that was read that week.   This initiative is funded through the generosity of The Geneva Women.

  “We are very intentional in our book selections. Not only do we identify books   with language rich in content, but books that acknowledge the lives and   experiences of our Beaver Falls community.” -Kim Arata

Each book is intentionally selected to represent the full spectrum of people, backgrounds, and environments so each child can learn and relate to the reading. Some past book selections include Saturday by Oge Mora and Chalk by Bill Thompson.

“Book club is really fun! I like doing the crafts and I like getting to take home a new book to read with Hammie (grandmother)! Book club is the best!” -Chloe, book club attendee since 2019

The Carnegie Library of Beaver Falls is a wonderful partner, allowing Geneva and the community to use the Children’s Room for the book club.

“Often book club is the first time our students are interacting with children outside of their families and social network. Moreover, it is often their initial experience providing any type of therapeutic or educational service. It is a joy to see our students rise to the challenges of navigating unfamiliar territory with creativity, flexibility, humor, and grace.” -Kim Arata

While the club serves the community, it also is a valuable service-learning opportunity for students to put what they are learning into practice, and gain experience that will help them throughout their studies and career. The purpose of our classes is to equip students to discover and cultivate their passion into skills for fruitful service to God and neighbor; book club is just one of the many ways this is accomplished.

If you or someone you know is interested in signing their child or grandchild up for book club, please reach out to Savanna Teraccio, Geneva College Chapter NSSLHA Community Liaison, at tornadotimebookclub@gmail.com. You can also reach out to Kim Arata at 724-847-6683. Please note this is for preschool-aged children, 3-5 years old, only.