Mini-Lesson

Book Talks

Mini-Lesson: Grades 4-6

Objective: Students will prepare book talks to recommend favorite titles to their classmates.

1. Tell students that kids around the country are celebrating Read Across America Day. Pass out the timeforkids.com news story, Read On! As students read the article, have them keep track of the festivities that are being held to get kids excited about reading. Ask: Why is it important to celebrate reading? How else can teachers and principals encourage their students to read?

2. Explain that one way for readers to find books they will love is to get recommendations from friends. Have each student prepare a book talk to spread the word about a great read to the rest of the class. Explain that a book talk is short; it should only last a few minutes. The presenter should answer three questions: What is the book about? What makes it a great read? What type of reader would find it most interesting? Demonstrate a book talk using a title with which all students are familiar.

3. Schedule two or three books talks each day until all students have presented, or have students deliver their presentations in small groups. Encourage them to continue suggesting great books to their friends, even when a book talk is not scheduled.