History

Convinced by her research of the profound impact Performance of Literature (today taught almost exclusively at the university level) has on motivating elementary school children to read more critically and enthusiastically, Teinert designed a reading instruction program based on Performance methodology as the subject of her dissertation. She introduced elements of the program to students in Manor Elementary School, Summit Elementary School, Kirby Hall School, and Redeemer Elementary School in the Austin area. Key features of this reading program require students to write a critical analysis of a poem, story or book chapter; write a stage script of the text they have analyzed; block the script; choose simple props and set pieces for the script; and memorize and perform their script as a solo performer or with other classmates. Such an interactive approach to reading exercises students' abilities to think, write and speak critically about a work of literature.

Today, Dr. Teinert is gathering resources to create a permanent structure where students, teachers and the general public may come to interact with literature. Year round programs at the Center offer a variety of activities for school children, teachers, and the general public. Reading Hour "field trips" for school children and their teachers will teach objectives covered on elementary level TAAS exams through the dramatic performance of the literature children study in their classes. Formal stage productions of children's novels five times a year will involve authors in critical discussions of their novels following certain performances. Summer Reading Camps for area children grades three through six will teach and explore critical reading and thinking strategies through the analysis and dramatic performance of literature. A Guest Speaker Series involving children's authors and illustrators and educators from around the country will refine public understanding of the reading, writing and illustrating processes. The Center will also maintain a private library which will house a collection of children's literature and a collection of educational resources to assist teachers and the general public in their understanding of reading and what happens intellectually, emotionally, and physically to people when they read. All programs at the Center will celebrate and affirm the power of creative writing and critical reading to transform the lives of people, especially children, internally and externally.

Living Books Literacy Center™ became incorporated on April 3, 1998 and is scheduled to open in September of 1999.