Mini-Lesson

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

1. Take a poll: How many students have visited the public library in the last month? Then, start a discussion. Ask: What do public libraries offer? Why are they important? What obstacles might prevent someone from visiting his or her local public library? Tell students that services allow people to access their library's resources without leaving home. Have students read the timeforkids.com story, Check This Out!

2. Point out that an important goal of the program is to encourage reading. 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.