018. How Book Talks Can Build a Love of Reading
In this episode, Bridget shares how she intentionally helped students who didn’t think they were readers fall in love with books through Book Talks.
Book talks are short, engaging presentations, like a mini commercial for a book, that invite students to share what they’re reading, connect with peers, and spark curiosity across the classroom.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Book Talks Work:
- Expose students to new texts and genres
- Strengthen comprehension, summarizing, and speaking skills
- Build classroom community and conversation
- Foster a genuine love of reading
- How to Get Started:
- Model and practice with one mentor text (Bridget used Yarn!)
- Use simple materials like a signup chart and student organizer
- Offer flexible formats—movie trailer, slides, or quick share-outs
- Always pre-read, model often, and build the routine over time
Key Takeaway:
When students talk about what they love to read, reading becomes contagious. Book talks create a classroom community where every student—especially the reluctant ones—can see themselves as readers.
Links:
- Join the Bridging Literacy Community
- BLC Members Grab the Book Talks Pack
- Vlog on Book Talks in the classroom
- Book: Extra Yarn
- Book: The Magicians Hat
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