Encourage conversations around and about reading to build reading communities
Among students
Among teachers
Between students and teachers, and the broader school community
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What are Book Blankets?
What are Book Blankets?
This refers to a large spread of books placed all around an inviting reading space (e.g., classroom, canteen, library) which students can explore.
Why should I have a Book Blanket
Why should I have a Book Blanket
A Book Blanket helps teachers discover their students’ reading tastes by providing students with a selection of books in close proximity and in a comfortable environment.
This is particularly effective for students who may not have many books at home, or for classes with a strong rapport with one another and can tap on that to experience choosing books and reading together.
When should I have a Book Blanket
When should I have a Book Blanket
A Book Blanket can be a one-off event, or even a regular (e.g., monthly) occurrence.
Each Book Blanket Spread can be organised around different literary forms to ensure a breadth of books within a particular literary form (e.g., poetry, non-fiction, prose, fiction, graphic novels) while maintaining some similarities across the books in the spread to facilitate conversations around book selection.
How should I set up my Book Blanket
How should I set up my Book Blanket
Preferably in such a way that students would have to stand up, interact with their peers and select the books. This allows students to freely wander around tables to locate the book, facilitating the opportunity for them to discuss their choice of books with their peers.
Other venues to consider could be the library or a resource room, where a change in environment might facilitate a greater openness towards reading.
Feel free to make the space as inviting as possible, by shifting tables to the side, using bean bags, table cloths or ambient music, etc.
Are there any considerations I should have while selecting my texts?
Are there any considerations I should have while selecting my texts?
Have as wide a range of books as possible.
Do not preclude choices that might seem more appropriate to younger readers. Having students read for pleasure means choosing books that might appeal and not only books that will fit your idea of suitability for your students (in topic and difficulty).
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