For many students at Athens Drive, the Battle of the Books Club is a way to improve their reading skills through competition. Their weekly Wednesday meetings aren’t just for preparing, though; they are an opportunity for students to unite over a shared love of reading. The club teaches students discipline, time management, and teamwork skills.
While Battle of the Books can be fun, it requires a lot of preparation. All teams are responsible for reading 16 assigned books. The team at Athens tackles this by dividing up the books among the group so that each member can focus on the books that are most interesting to them. They read the books carefully so as not to miss any details, and then share that information with their teammates. They quiz each other and answer questions that they will face at the Battle of the Books competitions. The questions are often very specific, which is what makes it challenging.
“It could be one sentence that something happened in a book, you know, so you have to pay close attention when you’re reading,” said Betsy Ray, one of the Battle of the Books advisors.
Before the competitions, the team held a pizza party cram session to review the material. This gave everyone time to relax and discuss things that will be important for the competitions. The sessions also help to strengthen bonds between the team.
Athens Drive staff advisors lead the club, but the responsibility of organizing the team falls on the students, giving them the chance to take charge and demonstrate leadership. During the meetings, students are split into teams of three to four, which makes it easier to get to know each other.
“It brings the people on the team together, and it helps with our communication skills,” said Hope Hall, Battle of the Books member.
Joining the club can significantly improve students’ reading skills. The more you read, the easier it is to keep reading, and encouragement from their peers is a powerful motivator. When the members prepare for the competitions, they improve their speed and accuracy.
“My love for reading and reading comprehension has greatly improved because of Battle of the Books,” said Hall.
Many members say that the hardest challenge was getting people to fully commit to the club since they had other commitments. With such a small number of members, it put more pressure on the students competing to answer questions. Even though the team is small, they work hard to master the material.
The Battle of the Books club welcomes participants of all skill levels into the club, whether you’re an avid reader or you’re looking to find a new hobby. The club has an exciting and inclusive environment for everyone. It’s challenging for sure, but it gives people a feeling of accomplishment.
“I am just hoping that more people will look into being in Battle of the Books because I love it so much, and I think it is great if you love reading,” said Hall.
