Consider these strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension of assigned texts using the resources on TeachingBooks. Design the literary experience before, during, and after reading a book.
Pre Reading
- Build anticipation with Meet-the-Author movies.
- Bridge understanding with vocabulary lists.
- Customize book selection with the Text Complexity Toolkit.
- Hook readers and foreshadow content with book trailers.
For Example You Might…
Introduce a lesson with Christopher Paul Curtis’ Meet-the-Author Movie to build interest and create a purpose for reading.
During Reading
- Increase access to the text with audio excerpts.
- Promote critical reading with book guides, activities, and lessons.
- Model text interpretation strategies with reader’s theater scripts.
- Hear authors reflect on their writing process with Meet-the-Author Recordings.
For Example You Might…
Create a jigsaw activity using Kate DiCamillo‘s interviews to compare and contrast voice and content.
Post Reading
- Model summarizing and analysis using annotations.
- Springboard student-led discussions with book guides and lessons.
- Demonstrate understanding through student-crafted mock interviews informed by existing author interviews.
- Extend writing by adapting graphic novels into written narratives.
For Example You Might…
Have students demonstrate characterization of a chosen text using the book trailer for All the Bright Places as a model.
What’s working for you?
How are you using TeachingBooks to scaffold your literacy instruction? Leave your ideas in a comment below!
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