Sparking an Interest in Books!

I've been back at school for nearly three weeks! What?! I know I can't believe it myself! My new fifth graders are excited about and books but I noticed some bouncing around habits within the first few weeks of school already. So, today, I'm linking up the fabulous Joanne at Head Over Heels for Teaching to share some motivational tips for those indecisive readers!

After noticing so much flip-flopping over books, I knew I had to do something to get students IN TO books... They were so excited that they couldn't find a book and stick with it! I purposely wanted to see their habits so I didn't do a lot of recommendations and we don't start book clubs right away either. After thinking about how to get my students excited, I was struck with an idea... SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR VIDEOS! My students are always SO excited to see the new books coming out - so why not show it without the book fair? Luckily, our librarin saves previous year book fair DVDs but I also found the videos on You Tube and the current year is on Scholastic's website.

I showed the Spring 2014 knowing these books are current and able to found in a library or book store.... 

As we watched the Book Talks, my students jotted down books they might want to read or author's that sounded interesting to them so I could help them find those books!

I took a trip to Half Price after reading my interest surveys and then took the stack to school. I pointed out "new" books I'd be adding to our library. I had a line after class asking when the books would be "ready" since the students knew I needed to scan them into the library and label them. The interest and buzz spread throughout nearly the entire room. Some students even offered to share the book with a friend...

We're using the 40 Book Challenge again this year! This year, I'm also completing the challenge along with my students. I've hung up the books I'm reading and the genre so my students are are reading right along with me. Catherine from the The Brown Bag teacher has a great free 40 Book Challenge that I've used for several years. This year, I'm actually using Lauren from the The Sweet Thing's Just Read: Reading Management System. I loved that everything was EDITABLE {bonus} and that she had other handouts like a books I want to read list and other important reading resources along with with her challenge.

Building the community also helps students stay engaged with books! I know many students want to read books that their friends are reading or that I'm reading! I've really tried to do a lot of showing off my reading in these first 2 1/2 weeks... Students definitely learn to value what teachers value. So I'm trying to show a range of diversity in my own reading to get kids excited about all different books!

Here's a few snapshots from several of my reading emergencies this summer... 

Need to get out the house Starbucks emergency...

Early to yoga reading emergency... 

My reading wishlist after watching the Scholastic Book Fair video... Showed my planner and note to my students!

Students have also been showing off their reading to each other with my {free} Currently Reading Locker Tags! 

Don't forget to check out all the other amazing ideas over at Joanne's blog! Can't wait to see all the wonderful back to school motivational tips!

Happy Saturday,