Written by Chaney Skilling
Ready, Get Set, READ! Over seventh Block Break, Colorado College hosted the annual Battle of the Books in Armstrong Hall, a nation-wide competition for fifth graders ages 10 and 11. In the digital age of iPads, smartphones, and endless media, Battle of the Books is a unique program that encourages kids to hit the books, rather than Netflix. This year’s event hosted a record breaking 700 people, including coaches, judges, and of course, students.
Involving elementary schools from all over the Colorado Springs area, Battle of the Books is a year-long process that inspires young kids to read a multitude of titles. Beginning in early 2015, participants received a list of 40 books that span genres including historical and realistic fiction, humor, science fiction, adventure, mystery, and fantasy. Some of the books on the list: “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Where the Red Fern Grows,” and “The City of Ember.” In composing each year’s list, organizers try and introduce students to a broad range of topics while also ensuring a riveting plot.
By the time they reach the city-wide competition the following year, participants have read all 40 books and are prepared to answer comprehension questions of all levels. During the competition, students are seated in groups of four according to their home school. Broken up into three rounds, each group works their way through a series of questions designed to test their ability to retain information. Judges might ask participants about plot, characters, or historical significance. For every correct question, each group earns a certain number of points. After everyone completes all three rounds, awards are given to the three highest scoring groups. With a total of 650 participants, the competition is tough. Placing well indicates one’s ability to read, retain, and comprehend information—a skill needed later in life to succeed on such exams as standardized tests and the ACT and SAT. As for the atmosphere, according to event planner Karin Henriksen, there is nothing but excitement.
“I think it’s a big deal for them to be at CC,” said Henriksen. “Being able to be a college student for the day really gets them excited.”
Yet, Battle of the Books is just one of 36 community events CC hosts each year. For CC to even consider hosting an event, the event must be education oriented. Naturally, the intention of Battle of the Books to inspire young children to read fits the criteria. What is more, CC’s Battle of the Books is considered one of the exemplary events that is looked to as a role model for Battles across the country. While Battle of the Books is certainly one of the larger events CC organizes, it is far from alone. Many of the other 36 events are aimed at exposing first generation children and families of lower socioeconomic status to the possibilities of higher education. As a college degree is almost required to ascend the ladder of cooperate America, such events as “Educating Children of Color,” the “African American Youth Leadership Conference,” and “College Readiness” are key in fostering and inspiring children to pursue higher education and the opportunities it presents.
The official 2017 Battle of the Books list has not been released yet, but nevertheless incoming fifth graders are preparing for the exciting year ahead. With 40 books on the list, there will be no time to dilly-dally.