Book club suggestions 2024 Looking for the best book club books for discussion in 2024? Check out these books guaranteed to get your book club talking
Book clubs in first grade?! It may seem like a stretch, but the Spring is such a great time to get your students ready and used to reading, thinking about, and discussing books with their peers instead of me, the teacher! When done right, it can be such a fun learning experience for both […]
Wanting to revamp your independent reading program? Try using a classroom book club, which is a great way to enrich, engage, and differentiate in secondary.
Looking for some fantastic books for your next book club selection? This list ranges from thought-provoking to comedy, suspense, and romance!
Looking for a fun and engaging way to get your middle school students talking about their independent reading? No problem! Just download, print, and go! This fun and creative book club unit for middle school readers includes all you need to engage your students in literature-based discussions. This unit is designed for bi-weekly meetings over the course of four weeks. This download includes printable PDF files AND links to copy and edit the resources in your Google Drive. This download includes: a Book Club Contract to ensure all group members take ownership in the book club a Reading Pacing Calendar to help keep your students on track all resources for Book Club/Literature Circle meetings, which include eight creative activities to engage your students in conversations about their books a CCSS-Aligned Rubric to assess your students' participation Special thanks to Lovin Lit and The Hazel Owl for fonts and graphics used on the cover photo! Please follow my store to receive updates on new products and freebies! Also, don't forget to earn your TpT Credits by leaving some feedback. Thank you :)
Whether your little one is a new reader or into their own chapter books, starting your own book club for kids is easy with these tips and tricks!
Looking for some Pippi Longstocking activities to go along with your favorite book? We've gathered 10 MUST-TRY activities to take you on your own adventure!
Randi Sonenshine, children’s book author of The Nest That Wren Built and middle school literacy specialist, shares ways to keep communication going in book clubs using fun games. Read on for some easy ideas that can help switch up the normal routine and get students engaged in conversations...
Make your own book for kids with this free printable template!
Make reading fun and engaging for your preschool or elementary student with these free, printable reading passports.
The days of dioramas and book reports may be long gone. (Is it wrong that I’m a little sad about that?) Yet the expectation that students read and express their understanding of what they’ve read remains as strong as ever. So what’s a teacher to do? More specifically, what’s a creative teacher to do, when she doesn’t want to rely on worksheets? Get creative, of course! I’ve compiled 9 Fun Book Projects for you. They’re quick and easy to prepare, and best of all, they’re engaging – for both your students and you. No more slogging through piles of “Why I Liked This Book!” Take a look: Write a different ending -- What if the main character didn’t make it in the end? Or the dogs had lived? Or the culprit was the best friend? Your students’ imaginations can really wander with this assignment. Maybe their alternate ending will be even better than the original! Offer to let students draw their new ending as a bonus. Give a book talk --- Book talks are a wonderful way for students to demonstrate their understanding of books that they have read while practicing their writing and speaking skills. They're a great book project because they combine so many skills...and students love listening to one another. Oh, and the added bonus is that students can learn about books that they're interested in reading as they listen to the book talks. If you'd like to give them a try, then check out this FREE BOOK TALK GUIDE. It includes an overview of book talks, pre-write, final copy, and tips and tricks for presenting a book talk. Find it HERE. Write a sequel -- If you have the time, your students may want to extend their alternative endings into a whole second book (or at least a few pages or a chapter). After all, who hasn’t reached the end of a great read and wished for more? This will be a challenge, as students will have to build on the original plot lines and character outlines. Refer them to some famous book series for inspiration. Write a letter to the author -- Take a page from Beverly Cleary’s classic Dear Mr. Henshaw and have students write a thoughtful letter, with questions for the author of their current reading selection (or a favorite book). Most authors love to write (of course!) and appreciate opportunities to interact directly with their readers. Address letters (or e-mails) to the publisher, or see if the author has contact information on his or her website. It never hurts for students to practice their letter-writing and envelope-addressing skills, either – at least as long as snail mail is still around. Your students will be thrilled to get a response, too. Great news! I've put together three stationary templates that students can use when drafting their letters. They're a special FREEBIE just for you! Click here to check them out...and download them for free! Choose a response --- Here's an idea that students love...give them choices! It's amazing how giving students the ability to select the response or project that they would like to complete instantly increases their engagement. With that in mind, I created a series of "This or That" reading responses. Each This or That Reading Prompt includes instruction at the top of the worksheet and then 2 reading response choices for students to showcase their learning. After reviewing the choices, students can choose to do the "This" prompt or the "That" prompt. You can easily turn this into a book project by having students complete 5 (or so) different prompts while reading the book and submit them all as a final project when they finish reading the book. Learn more HERE. Set it to music -- Have your students capture a pivotal scene from the book in a song set to familiar music. It can be a ballad, a pop song, a rap – whatever speaks to them or best works with the scene. Encourage students who select this option to put on a concert. For students who are shy to perform, give them the option of recording their song privately, so you can play it without them having to get up in front of the class. Doodle it --- This is my FAVORITE type of book project! That's because it combines reflection, thinking and DOODLING! You can instantly take book reports and book projects to a whole new level with a Doodle Book Review! First, students complete a planning guide. Then, they design a Doodle Book Review! Check it out HERE! There's even this cinema-themed version that your students are sure to love. Find it HERE. Create a File Folder --- I first developed this book project idea many years ago as a summer reading project. Then, I altered it slightly so that it could be completed during anytime of the school year with any book. With this project, students compile critical information from the book they read including the plot, characters, setting, and a reflection in a manila file folder. The file folder book report includes detailed instructions so that students can complete it all independently. The end result is a compact project that students love! Oh, and you can store the file folders by your classroom library for students to reference when picking out a book! Find more details HERE. Blog about it -- If you have a classroom webpage, it can be fairly simple to create a live (and private) blog that students can use to discuss and debate the merits of their favorite books. This option might work best for students who have read the same book. Make sure you establish expectations for a civil online conversation. You can get in on the convo, too! Focusing on nonfiction in your classroom? Try one of these book report alternatives: Ø Create a scrapbook with images and facts about the book topic. Ø Write interview questions for the main character (if reading a biography, for example). Extend this assignment by allowing students to dress up as the character and record their responses to the interview questions. Ø Write a diary that one of the story’s main characters might have kept before, during, or after the book’s events. Make sure students emphasize what the character is thinking and feeling to give it an authentic feel. Ø Write a news story about the main event in the book (for example, the sinking of the Titanic). This is a good opportunity to practice this very specific form of writing. You’ll want to review inverted pyramid style and how to use quotes if you go this route. BONUS: Wait! I have one more idea. Here's a new spin on the classic book report mobile! Why not have students report out on the plot, setting, characters, and theme on fun pieces of paper clothing? Then students can hang their work from a hanger that says, "Try this book on for size!" This project includes a set of first draft materials and final copy elements so that students can create a high quality project! Here's some links for some of the project ideas above: ➧ File Folder Book Project (any book!) ➧ Doodle and Do Book Review (doodle book project) ➧ This or That Reading Response Prompts ➧ Book Talk (freebie) ➧ Letter to the Author Stationary Templates (FREE!) ➧ Clothes Hanger Book Report I hope that you've found some fun book project ideas to try in your classroom! Happy reading! Mary Beth
Book clubs for children are a great way to get children reading new books. It can be hard to choose books that are appropriate for the tween years though. I put together a list of perfect homeschool book club books. They inspire conversation and even include a related craft idea.
Genius ways to get your kids reading this summer. Includes access to our free printable Summer Reading Kit with challenge checklist, reading log, reward incentives + more!
Book clubs for children are a great way to get children reading new books. It can be hard to choose books that are appropriate for the tween years though. I put together a list of perfect homeschool book club books. They inspire conversation and even include a related craft idea.
The best book club books for 2024 - these 2024 new release books are perfect for book club discussions.
Make reading fun and engaging for your preschool or elementary student with these free, printable reading passports.
Make sure your book club is fun, fair and engaging using these top rules for book club. Get 10 tips that will help you and your group have the best possible discussions.
Whether you're a homeschool mom looking for a great book for your 5th grader or a classroom teacher trying to build a great library, finding texts that are engaging and a great fit for your readers can be tough. I've compiled this list of the best books for 5th graders to help save you time and give you a
Haven't tried a book tasting with your students yet? This fun reading activity is an awesome way to introduce genres in your elementary classroom or library!
Bring books to life with your family or a group of friends. The planning is done for you. This is such a great way to have fun with reading!
Thank you to Diane for submitting this fun book report poster. It’s legal size (paper) worksheet and is great for lower grades (or as an easy project for upper grades). Great end of the year …
Flashlight Friday made it to my kinder room this year! Why? Students need to read every day. Reading should be fun. Flashlights are always fun. So it is simple..... Reading + Flashlights = FUN It really is that easy. We did this week one! #kindersCAN All you need: -Flashlights
Ready to plan a book club for kids? Find everything you need to know from getting started, who to invite, how often to meet, and more!
Hosting a summer book club for your kids and their friends is a great way to encourage summer reading! This post is part of an ongoing Summer Reading for Kids series. Click HERE to find ideas for reading activities, reading lists, and reading incentives…and keep checking back for more! We started hosting summer book clubs...
Thinking of a name for your book club can be tricky. Here's 40 ideas to get you inspired when naming your awesome book club!
Must Read books for everyone ~ You Should Read These Even if You Aren’t Into Reading
Roald Dahl Day activities and lesson plans for Roald Dahl birthday is a great time to introduce kids to the list Roald Dahl books like The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory lessons, The BFG and more! Celebrate with a costume party with fun crafts ideas and theme food!
No more boring book reports! Check out 26+ FUN, creative and unique book report ideas and free printable projects too!
Are you looking for empowering reads that center on female characters? Dive into Reese's Book Club picks! Discover inspiring stories and stay up-to-date with the latest selections.
A multiple choice quiz after reading is a quick and easy way to check student comprehension, but it doesn't allow you to assess deeper understanding and it certainly isn't fun or creative. If you are looking for more meaningful and engaging activities to use with students during literature circles or a novel unit, here's twelve ideas that are favorites in my classroom and the Common Core standards they align with.
The Gruffalo book activities unit with literacy printables, reading companion worksheets, lesson ideas for Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade
Check out these 7 activities to use with the novel Charlotte's Web including spider web synonyms, how to draw a pig, spider web art, and more.
Looking for some Pippi Longstocking activities to go along with your favorite book? We've gathered 10 MUST-TRY activities to take you on your own adventure!
These BFG activities are the perfect accompaniment to the book or the movie. Read/watch the story and then your kids can have fun with these easy activities.
Here are tips on how to prepare for a readathon, whether you're planning one with friends or want to cozy up for a read-a-thon on your own!
Want activities for teaching The Odyssey? Check out these pre-reading, while reading, and after reading activities for teaching The Odyssey.
Simon and I recently finished reading Charlotte’s Web together (meaning I read a bit of it to him every night before bed). We both really enjoyed it. My older
We love connecting projects to books, and we're always inspired by the amazing group of bloggers who participate in the Virtual Book Club for Kids (you can also check the club out on Facebook) as the group comes up with some great extension activities each month. This month's author was Leo Lionni. We chose to read and do a project using a book we've really been enjoying lately, A Color of His Own. This is the sweet tale of a little chameleon who is looking for one color to stay all the time, but keeps running into that challenge that chameleons change color. In the end, he winds up finding a friend to always be with so they can at least always be the same color together. I've used this book in the past as a primary teacher. It's a great way to talk about friendship and also about what makes us each unique. My boys have been loving the simple tale and the colorful illustrations this spring. For our activity extension we decided to use cray-pas and watercolors. I love how colorful this art technique can be. I sketched several chameleon outlines onto white drawing paper using permanent marker. (I'm including a printable copy here in case you just want to print one out, or use the printable to trace onto thicker paper.) Afterwards the boys and I each colored in a chameleon using the cray-pas. Big Brother and I thought about ways to create different patterns. Little Brother focused on just coloring his in, using mostly one color. After we were done coloring, we watercolored on top of the cray-pas. The watercolor doesn't stick to the cray-pas, and fills all the white spaces around it. We all had different strategies for painting. When they were done I cut the three chameleons out and we hung them in our play room. I love how they are a set but each one unique. That's part of what can also make this project a great classroom activity, especially for the start of a school year. Or turn it into a fun family project, with each family member creating a chameleon to represent themselves. What Leo Lionni books does your family enjoy? Have you read this one yet? This post may also have been shared at some of these terrific link parties.
One of the first and most fun tasks when starting a book club is the naming. We gathered a list of the best book club names we’ve come across.
This fifth grade reading unit novel study curriculum bundle includes 12 different reading units or novels studies for a total of 180+ lesson plans. Your literature reading and informational reading (and writing) lessons plans can be done for the year, and they are 100% aligned to the 5th grade CCSS Reading Literature, CCSS Reading Informational, and CCSS Writing Main standards. These are exactly what you need to teach your sixth grade learners in an engaging Socratic Seminar, discussion-based, and reading response focused format with a variety of genres. Download the HUGE new preview to see what's included. Want just the novel reading units? Fifth Grade Reading Unit Growing Bundle Why buy the growing bundle? This HUGE bundle of reading units will increase in price each time I add a unit. The sooner you buy, the more you save! You will have access to EVERY unit I add to this growing bundle as they become available. Right now you are purchasing 10 reading units for 20% savings. These resources have gotten HUGE updates (August 2020) since creation in 2015: Update: Digital Interactive Google Slides Literature Notebooks Lessons Update: Teacher suggested answers for comprehension questions Update: Teacher suggested vocabulary words and definitions Update: PowerPoint and PDF Display slides for all Guiding and Interpretive Questions (JPEG images included to upload to Google Slides as well) Update: Digital Student Reading Response Notebooks Update: Editable PowerPoint Reading Response Rubrics Update: Editable Google Slides Reading Response Rubrics Update: Small group and individual conference teacher forms Update: Lesson plans and the Common Core standard alignments are their own file now so teachers can easily and quickly access the novel lessons. Now included in a separate file for teachers: The Socratic Seminar: research base and strategy in practice Using this resource in your classroom Different reading workshop set-ups Scripted lesson examples Reading response notebook examples from my classroom Included in this bundle: Literature Interactive Notebook Unit (25 Lessons) Updated 2020 Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick (13 lessons) Updated 2020 The Giver by Lois Lowry (12 lessons) Updated 2020 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (28 lessons) Updated 2020 Holes by Louis Sachar (21 lessons) Updated 2020 Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson (5 Lessons) Updated 2021 Love That Dog by Sharon Creech (5 Lessons) Updated 2021 Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (13 lessons) Updated 2020 Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz (16 lessons) Updated 2021 Smile by Raina Telgemeier (5 lessons) Updated 2021 Informational Interactive Notebook Unit (15 Lessons) Updated 2020 Titanic-Voices from the Disaster (14 Lessons) Updated 2021 In each reading unit you will find: Lesson Plans Reading Unit (teacher suggested answers and vocabulary now included) 40+ page Implementation Teachers Guide: Socratic Seminar, Tips and Tricks, Pacing, Student Examples, FAQs, scripted lesson examples, etc. PowerPoint and PDF Display slides for all Guiding and Interpretive Questions (JPEG images included to upload to Google Slides as well) Digital Student Reading Response Notebooks Editable PowerPoint Reading Response Rubrics Editable Google Slides Reading Response Rubrics Small group and individual conference teacher forms Bonus in some units: Classroom decorations, activities, and engagement ideas Bonus in some units: Book Quote Posters Literature Lessons Included: Reading Complex Texts Quoting and Citing Accurately Inferences Lesson 1 Inferences Lesson 2 Theme Lesson 1 Theme Lesson 2 Summarizing Character Traits Lesson 1 Character Traits Lesson 2 Plot Vocabulary/Context Clues Figurative Language Lesson 1 Figurative Language Lesson 2 Tone and Mood Poem Structures Drama Structures Text Structures Point of View Point of View Influence Visual Multimedia Elements Audio and Multimedia Elements Different Genres of Texts Different Forms of Texts Traditional Literature Greek Mythology Nonfiction Lessons Included: Reading Complex Texts (same lesson as literature) Quoting and Citing Accurately (same lesson as literature) Inferences Lesson 1 (same lesson as literature) Inferences Lesson 2 (same lesson as literature) Central Idea/Main Idea and Details Summarizing Nonfiction Texts Explain and Analyze: Individual, interactions, relationships, events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a text). Vocabulary/Context Clues (same lesson as literature) Nonfiction Text Structures: Cause and Effect Nonfiction Text Structures: Comparison Nonfiction Text Structures: Chronology Nonfiction Text Structures: Problem and Solution Author's Purpose Firsthand and Secondhand Accounts Charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, interactive elements Argumentative and Persuasion Techniques Analyzing Text Features Integrating Information How are these reading units different? This unit digs deep into EVERY SINGLE common core reading literature and main writing standard. The backbone of these units is The Socratic Seminar, which pushes students to have discussions with their peers, about the novels (by using the guiding and interpretive questions provided) while using text-based evidence and critical thinking. Their thinking and discussion build a strong foundation of understanding for their reading responses (which will blow you away because of how much they grow throughout the year). This was designed when I had no reading or writing curriculum: I didn't want to just “hit” the standards. I wanted to dig deep into every single standard multiple times throughout the year. This unit teaches your students about every single fifth grade CCSS literature standard in an engaging, though-provoking, and fun unit and all the work is done for you. I still do guided reading, book clubs, literature circles, and Daily 5 in my classroom, so I know this can work with any type of reading program that you already have in place. In this unit, your students will get tons of support and conversations from their peers, will be exposed to literature and vocabulary at or above their grade level, and become part of a reading community. Yet it still gives you the flexibility to work with groups of students at their particular reading levels. What is the difference between the curriculum bundles and the growing bundles? The growing bundle only has the novel reading units. It does contain all my 5th grade reading units (14 of them) or my 5th grade reading units (10 of them). Anytime I make a new reading unit, it will be added to the growing bundle. The curriculum has 10 pre-selected reading units (all genres) but also 40 lessons to teach literature terms and informational terms as well. Some people get the growing bundle (to have more options for reading units) and then purchase the literature and informational units separately! The curriculum does not get additional units added (it does get updates though!) If you are looking for your reading lessons and materials done for the year, then the curriculum. If you want more flexibility, get the growing bundle and then get the informational and literature units later if you need them.
