What is a Book Talk?

Book Talks are a way for students to engage with what they read on a deeper level. We allow them to choose books that interest them, however, we ask them to move past the idea of just reading words on the page. Each Book Talk looks a little different and will have different requirements.

Book talks = learning and love of reading

So they’re fun and spirited, but there are also real academic benefits to incorporating book talks into your classroom:

• They get kids reading—really reading. When students do a book talk, they have to know the book and know it well. A book talk will fall flat if they haven’t read the book and can’t talk about it.
• They get kids sharing reading with others. Reading can be contagious, and book talks are a great way to spread a love of reading throughout your class, one book at a time.
• They teach note-taking. As students prepare for a book talk, taking notes and using those notes to summarize the story is an important skill they’ll develop.
• They build presentation skills. The process of reading the book, thinking through how to present it, and practicing are good rehearsal for later presentations.
• They build listening skills. When students aren’t presenting, they’re listening. The practice of participating in book talks, listening, and asking questions refines students’ listening skills.

Book Talk Due October 30th: Literary Letter

All requirements are posted in Google Classroom. Students will brainstorm using the template they have been given and then write a letter to me covering all of the elements. This is where I really get to see their feelings about reading and get to know their ability to write.