Summit_Guidebook

Booktalk in the Classroom:

Easy Lesson Plans to Hook Your Kids on Books

Plan to share at least one booktalk each day. Great examples are available on our booktalking

video site:

Check it out!

Picture the Book (all grades)

Objective: Students will learn how to give a basic booktalk.

Divide students into pairs and distribute picture books along with copies of the Student Booktalk Tips.

Ask students to read the book aloud together, and then create a simple, but effective, booktalk to “sell”

this book to other students. Offer students the opportunity to perform this in front of the class.

Questions:

What is the value in learning how to booktalk using books that are below your reading level?

How can you apply the skills learned from this lesson to your own peer-to-peer booktalks?

Bonus:

Invite your students to booktalk to a younger class.

Booktalk Bingo (all grades)

Objective: Students will learn techniques on how to give a better booktalk.

Build your Booktalk Bingo board: Ask students to help you generate a list of ideas on how to give a great

booktalk. Turn this list into short phrases, such as “start with a question,” “wear a costume,” or “booktalk

without a script,” then create bingo cards online using these phrases. Try

How to play:

Together, watch the booktalk videos featured online at

Tell students to mark/cross off each suggestion they see demonstrated in the videos. For example, if a video

features a student booktalking while wearing a cape, students can mark off “wear a costume.” The first student

to get a line, a box, or a zig-zag wins.

Questions:

Which video was your favorite and why? Does the subject of the book matter if the booktalk

is interesting?

Bonus:

Have your class upload their own booktalk videos!

Booktalk Improv (upper grades)

Objective: Students will learn to incorporate new elements into their booktalks.

Ask students to come prepared to give a booktalk without using props. Divide the class into groups of four and

give each group four random props or costumes (a baseball, a blanket, a shoe, a crown, etc.). Have each student

perform his/her booktalk to the group. After everyone has performed, ask the group to work together to figure

out how to use the props (one prop per person) in each booktalk. For example, a student might wear a crown

and say, “Sarah felt like the queen of middle school.” Ask for volunteers to share their new booktalks at the end.

Questions:

How did using a prop or costume enhance your booktalk? Why is it more interesting to watch a

booktalk that uses some kind of visual aid?

Bonus:

Build a Booktalk Box! Give students inspiration to enhance their booktalks by keeping a communal prop

box in the classroom. Ask students to bring in small items they are willing to donate (with parent permission).

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