Page 69 - 2017 Reading Summit Guidebook

Student Educator
Student Booktalk Tips
Booktalking Activities Read your book thoBrooukgtahllkyi.ng Buddies:
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Want your students to model good booktalking skills? They need the right audience!
Positive Influences Across Grade Levels
Make sure this is a book you love; if you’d rate it less than an eight out of 10, find
You might even want to take notes if inspiration strikes while you are reading!
a different book!
Students in younger grade levels are eager listeners. It’s fun for everyone!
WhatThink about starting your booktalk by asking a question: “What scares you the most?” Or start by giving your thoughts on a character you loved: “This is the
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Open strong!
Rehearsed booktalks performed with gusto. These don’t have to be perfect, but thebyrasvheosutldobge pI’voelisehveedr. met.” Don’t start with something predictable like, “This
book is called...” or “This book is about...” Surprise and excite your audience!
Who Find a hook.
3 Try to group students with children at least two grades younger than they are.
Consider your audience. Is there some element of this story that you know will
Younger students look up to and admire older readers, and prove to be an
especially interest your peers? Perhaps there’s intense magic, an adorable
enthusiastic audience. Just keep in mind this age difference as your students
dog, or a talented surfer? Think about the aspects of the story that made it
make their book selections. If booktalking to a kindergarten class, for example,
engaging for you.
picture books are the most appropriate choice. Remember that a great booktalk
convinces the listener to read the book – select books that your audience can
read if their interest is piqued.
Don’t give it all away.
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End with a cliffhanger such as, “Will he get out in time?” Remember, the idea is WhentoagnedttWhemheinrterestedenoughtowanttoreadthebook.
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“If you liked _____, then you’ll love this!” Think of a similar book which you know
Think of this like a preview, not a whole movie. Leave them begging for more!
Booktalking can happen anywhere, at any time! However, you’ll want everyone to be comfortable; your booktalkers may be nervous and your audience may
Enhance your presentation with props.
be easily distracted. This might mean booktalking in a communal space familiar
toCbaortrhyoafnthuemb,rseullcahfoasrathbeomoekdaiabocuenttaeraoinrycadfaeyte,roiar.wIte’saarlawcaayspafogrreaabtotiomkeatboout
booktalk, but keep in mind that students may get riled up – booktalking is fun!
baseball. Be creative! Just be sure not to wear anything that will muffle your
You might find that it’s the perfect way to end the school day.
sound, such as a mask. What you are saying is much more important than how you look!
Why Suggest other great reads.
6 Ultimately, you want your students to feel comfortable performing booktalks for
as many types of people as possible. But before they’re ready for their peers or
their parents, students in lower grades might be a great start: they’re a fascinated and forgiving audience. Younger students benefit as well as they see positive role models of reading. They’ll begin looking forward to the day when they are the ones performing booktalks!
was a hit in your school or classroom.
Have fun!
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