University Laboratory School holds third annual Book Battle, supervised by Kinesiology undergraduate student Nguyen
11/13/14
LSU College of Human Sciences & Education’s University Laboratory School (ULS) held its third annual Book Battle on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the Lab School Library.
This year ULS high school students, under the supervision of Kinesiology undergraduate student Randy Nguyen, ran the trivia event, a competition during which groups of students answer questions about popular young adult novels. In past years, both middle and high school students participated as competitors in the Book Battle. This was the first time high school students helped organize and host the event.
When asked how he became supervisor of this event, Nguyen said: “I felt like I needed to find work on-campus that would allow me to interact with our community, something that would give me hands-on experience. I met with Dr. Bach, who recommended that I lead and organize the ULS Book Battle this year. I was thrilled!”
School of Education’s Elena and Albert LeBlanc Associate Professor Dr. Jacqueline Bach and ULS Head Librarian Dr. Charity Cantey appointed Nguyen head supervisor, where he acted as a mentor for the high school volunteers, directing them, tracking the event’s progress, and keeping everyone on task. High school volunteers grouped together as a team to advertise the event, to encourage middle school student participation, and to create the questions that would be presented on game night.
“To help host an event that promotes reading and literary comprehension? I was all for it!” said Nguyen. “I hope the high school students learned how to juggle their responsibilities and obligations - to multitask on a long-term basis. I was a high school student once, and yes, I know how hectic and chaotic high school life can be, but the students I worked with handled duties very well. I hope that they will continue to volunteer with projects and events such as this one and make the most out of their time!”
Five teams of middle school students competed in the Halloween-themed trivia competition. Trivia questions tested their knowledge of the popular book series Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling, Divergent by Veronica Roth, I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, Shadow Children by Margaret Peterson Haddix, and Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans.
“If there is one thing the ULS middle school students learned from this event, I hope it is that reading is and will always be FUN!” said Nguyen. “Whether it is fiction or non-fiction, fantasy or adventure, books will always be a medium in which kids and adults alike can channel their energy, to explore different worlds and dimensions, and to just simply enjoy a good [or bad] book.”
“Aside from watching it all be put together and carried out, my absolute favorite moment from that night would have to be watching the eager middle school students get excited and worked up,” said Nguyen. “They were enthusiastic about answering questions about books and wanted to have a good time! I am happy the middle school students read various books and were allowed to showcase their knowledge. I hope that they continue to read and never lose sight of their imagination.”
About University Lab School
The University Laboratory School was established by the College of Education, now known as the College of Human Sciences & Education, of Louisiana State University and has operated under its auspices for nearly 100 years. This coeducational school exists as an independent system to provide training opportunities for pre- and in-service teachers and to serve as a demonstration and educational research center. The school is located on the main campus of LSU in Baton Rouge.
Visit the University Lab School at www.uhigh.lsu.edu
About CHSE
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. Formed in 2012, CHSE brings together programs and capitalizes on individual strengths to create a dynamic new college that addresses the socially significant issues we face as a state and nation. The College is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library and Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 977 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is continually working to improve its programs.
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at chse.lsu.edu.