Book Talks and Getting Ready for 3rd Grade

Sonilda practices her book talk.

My second graders started new units this week. In Ms. DaRosa's Class we are working together to write and videotape Book Talks. The goal of a Book Talk is to encourage more reading by having peers recommend books they have read. Creating a Book Talk is my preferred method for students to share their love of reading because their talks demonstrate understanding and excitement over a text. Book Talks are different than book reviews that are basically a critique of a book or a book reports that are more formal. Our Book Talks follow a basic format; the student introduces the book with a "hook" statement and then tell three interesting facts about the book without giving the story away and then challenges their peers to read their book. I videotape their Book Talks and it's a fun way to end the year in library. Join us for our May 26th Art Show and see some of the wonderful completed Book Talks!

In Ms. Rigueur's Class we are reading How To Be Cool in the Third Grade. As an introduction we talk about moving up to a new grade and how to be successful. The main character of the book, Robbie York, just wants to be cool and makes a list of those things he must change about his life to accomplish his goal. It's a fun read and leads to great discussions. (Note: I am not doing Book Talks with Ms. Rigueur's Class because it is the last period of the day and it is too short!)