The MOST Important Ingredient in Any Book Talk
Maybe you are like so many teachers I hear from. You desperately want your students to become readers. You’ve stocked your library with all the quality books, you’ve got the book talk guides, but for some reason, you just haven’t consistently book talked.
That’s ok! Honestly, book-talking can be kind of intimidating. I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely felt nervous in front of middle schoolers before. They’re scary! (just kidding, but not really).
So, if you understand the basic structure of a book talk, and you understand the benefits of book talking, but just haven’t made it a classroom routine yet, this post is for you! Here are my best tips for making a book talk work for you, including the MOST important ingredient. Let’s dive in.
My first suggestion is to relax! Think of book talking time like a read-aloud. Of course there’s always the risk that students won’t be enthralled by what you share, but that’s what we teachers combat every day! (Plus, if you choose from my book talk guide selections, you’ll always pick a winner)!
Be confident! (But plan for the jitters). If the thought of 25+ eyes on you while you book talk for the first time gives you serious butterflies, don’t sweat it! Print this FREE bookmark pack and give students something to do while you talk and read. It will take some of the pressure off you, and keep the kiddos busy and happy.
Prepare! The first couple times you book talk, you’re going to want to prepare a bit. Get the book out, scan the book talk guide (protagonist, setting, and plot sections), and then quickly scan the suggested read-aloud pages and teacher notes. This will leave you feeling confident and prevent you from stumbling on any unexpected scenes or language during the read-aloud.
Above all else--above any tip, trick, or book talk guide--YOU are the most important ingredient in any book talk. Believe it or not, but your students look up to you. They absorb your energy, and you have tremendous power in influencing your students’ engagement and habits in your classroom. Even if you’re feeling shy or nervous about book talking, bring your best, most enthusiastic energy to the moment. Smile lots, read aloud with expression, hype up each book you share, and build suspense for students in any way you can. When students know how excited you are about a book, they will be too. Trust me. The results are absolutely magical, but in order to experience them, you have to trust yourself and really give book-talking your all.
Your students will forget so much of what you teach them in class, but they will never forget becoming a reader. They will never forget falling in love with stories and experiencing the world through others’ eyes. Matching your students with the right book and transforming them from a reluctant to an avid reader is one of the most rewarding experiences as an educator, and in my opinion, book-talking is the key.
Try it out for yourself! Spread the joy, and tell me how it goes! I’m so excited for you and your students.
Grab my Year-Long Book Talk Guide Bundle HERE
And snag this GROWING Volume II bundle here!
♥ Kara & Riley
