Preparing a Book Talk:
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with lots of activities and options as you prepare your next book talk.
Some questions and thoughts to consider as I prepare my next book talk.
•    What three specific things do I want my listener’s to take away after my talk? •    How many art forms can introduce as I explore this topic? •    What stories do I know that directly relate to this culture or focus? What stories
may I use that reflect an aspect of this lesson? Do consider audience participation, even with older students, it gives the children something to take away without your having to do an art activity.
•    What specific moments, ideas, and facts can I focus on so that children can continue to explore?
•    Consider a costume. Something simple. You might make the presentation as a character or a member of that culture.
•    What simple, strange facts can I pull out of the encyclopedia or almanac? Boys, especially, love strange facts.
•    What poems might I share? What themes might I offer them as a starting place for the writing of a poem or two.
•    What prompt(s) can I offer them for their daily journal entry •    The most challenging question: How many senses can I stimulate during my
lesson? Taste? Smell? Sight? Touch? Hearing? Is there anything in the media
collection that I can call on? •    How have I helped them to continue their own explorations of the library?
Assigning a Favorite Reader
A principal in Florida shared this with me. Children love to read to people. You might generate a list of volunteers at your school, people who are willing to set aside a few minutes and listen to a child read. You might enlist the principal or the janitor, or a kitchen lady. Ask them if they would be willing to listen occasionally. If one of your struggling readers has mastered a book, make an arrangement for them to go for a visit and read their book to this fellow friend and reader. It only takes a minute and it can have a fabulous impact.