Motivating Readers with Book Trailers, Book Talks, and Speed Dating. . . A Book

Book Trailers are like movie trailers, but, wait for it, are you ready for this?  Books!  Book trailers are a fantastic way to motivate readers to read books.  You Tube has a lot of book trailers that you can watch with your child to learn more about a book he/she may want to read.  One particular channel I like is RandomBooks.  This is the publishing house Random Books and they offer book trailers, author interviews, animated features, and other book-related videos on their channel.  It’s a fantastic place to begin if you are looking for ways to motivate your child to read.  Classroom teachers (and even parents), consider having your children make their own book trailers of favorite books!

Book Talks are a less technological version of a Book Trailer.  Book Talks are an opportunity to “talk up” a book.  Of course, you should be familiar with it already (so read it before hand), but talk up funny points or memorable events.  Read just enough to entice the prospective reader.  Leave him/her hanging on the edge of his/her seat. . .

And finally, speed dating?  With a book?  What exactly is this?  Choose five different books for your child.  Consider choosing books from various genres.  Provide your child with one book at a time.  Depending on your child’s age, provide one minute (approximately ages 8 and up) to a minute and a half (approximately ages 5-7) for your child to read a part of the chosen book.  He can pick anywhere within the book to read.  Use a timer to time your child.  After reading each book, provide your child a quick opportunity to jot down a few thoughts about the book (what was liked/disliked, surprised him, made him laugh, provided information he may want to learn more about, etc.).  After all five books have been reviewed, ask your child which one stands out as one he may like to read.

Do you have innovative ways to motivate kids (specifically reluctant readers) to read?  I would love to hear them!

Dawn Little (aka Links to Literacy) also blogs at www.teachingwithpicturebooks.wordpress.com where she provides educators with picture book lessons based on comprehension strategies and the Six Traits of Writing.  In addition, she blogs at www.literacytoolbox.wordpress.com where she provides educators and parents with tips and tools to enhance the literacy lives of children.  She is the founder and owner of Links to Literacy, a company dedicated to providing interactive literacy experiences for children and families.  Find out more at www.linkstoliteracy.com