5 Minute Book Look

• Before the class enters the library, set up tables full of high interest books you want to promote. (This could be Battle of the Books titles if you want to promote these books.)

• After the  regular library lesson, explain the rules of the Book Look Time.

(Rules: Everyone finds one book to concentrate on for the 5 minutes from the tables and displays. Find a seat where you can concentrate and not be distracted. Get your eyes and brain on the book for the full time the timer is set. No talking.)

Note: You choose the amount of time for the book look. For  younger students, I start with less time.

• Once all students have rotated around the tables and selected a book, they find a seat. Remind them this is a "by myself" activity and and "no talking." "We our giving our brains 5 quiet minutes to 'warm up' the book to our minds." 

• The teacher sets a timer for 5 minutes (or whatever amount of time you choose) for the book look. Note: You choose the amount of time for the book look. For  younger students, I start with less time.

• The librarian rotates and gives a thumbs up or other encouragement to students concentrating on their books and following the Book Look rules.

• Once the timer has sounded, have students share if their brains liked that quiet time to concentrate. Also invite students to share something interesting from their book with a partner, if they choose. They are encouraged to check out the book they utilized for the Book Look OR put it back on the tables for others to enjoy and go find another book they want to check out. Students who are NOT checking out books are expected to continuing reading at the tables whiles the other students check out books.