Reading for pleasure leads to improved reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary development, spelling, and grammar usage, but how do we instill a love for reading for the sake of reading? How do we get kids excited about the actual act of experiencing stories and text? Over my 25 years of teaching and literacy coaching at the elementary level, I’ve discovered many ways to spark excitement for getting and reading books. Here are over 40 ideas I'll share that participants can use for years to come in the classroom or library. 1. How to start an after-school book club 2. How to implement a book fairy visit 3. Guest leaders as readers 4. Kid-Created contagious book reviews 5. How to run a Reading Marathon 6. Book tasting preparations 7. How to host book-bartering days 8. How to get your own Little Free Library 9. Host Chat and Chews 10. Have an Author Visit 11. Special reading spaces initiative 12. Unleveling your books 13. Creating a StarBooks Cafe 14. Connecting with Reading Buddies 15. Compiling book wish lists 16. QR code book review creation 17. Paper bag book talks 18. Book Billboards 19. Interviewing characters 20. Thinking like a movie promoter 21. Ways to get free books in kids' hands 22. Setting up book "blind dates" 23. Book vending machines 24. Library field trips 25. Read-a-thons 26. Fuzzy Friend Reading Buddy Adventures 27. Read Across America ideas 28. Setting up Camp Read-a-Lot 29. Beach reading 30. Reading showcases 31. Fun reading challenges 32. Book breakfasts 33. Book bracket battles 34. Author Studies 35. Cozy reading 36. Reading extensions that excite 37. Story walks 38. Where in the world? project 39. Lights, Camera, Action! 40. Bring characters to life
Learning Objectives:
Implement dozens of strategies for inspiring kids to read more books.
Kick off the school year with momentum-building activities to help kids see themselves as readers.
Provide opportunities for kids to participate in initiatives that will get them free access to books and reading mentors.