What do YOU want to read this summer?
This lesson introduces students to a variety of different literature genres as well as encouraging them to think about what kind of books they would like to read over summer vacation and where to find them.
1. Upon entering library, students will see a closed suitcase and bookbag at the front of the room.
2. Remind students that summer vacation is almost here and they will not have the opportunity to borrow books from the school library until next fall.
3. Ask students, "So that means you shouldn't pick up a book to read all summer, right?" When they (hopefully) shout, "NO!", tell them that you would like to talk to them today about what kinds of books they might choose to read over vacation and where they can find materials to read.
4. Tell students that there are many different types of books that they can choose to read. "Does anyone know the word we use to describe the different types of book? The name we use to describe the type of a book is called its 'genre'." write down the word "genre" on the whiteboard.
5." We are going to make a list together of some different book genres. To do this we are going to play a game. In this suitcase there are some items that will help us guess some of the many book genres."
6. Say you will choose the first item to show how the game works. Ask students if they can figure out what genre it represents. Ask for volunteers to continue the game. Some suggested genre/representative items are:
magnifying glass = mystery
magician hat=fantasy
Lincoln picture=biography
spaceship=science fiction
feather pen=poetry
ladle=cook book
football=sports story
dinosaur=nonfiction
rubber chicken=joke book
binocular=field guide
7. After students determine the genre that the item represents, write the genre on the whiteboard list. Briefly discuss what kinds of books are included in that genre while pulling a sample book(s) out of the bookbag. Set the item and the book together on a table that can be seen by the students. Continue this until all items have been chosen. You should end up with an impressive display of books and their matching icon and a list of genres on the whiteboard.
8. The second part of the lesson is a brainstorming session with the students about where they can find materials to read over the summer. Try to get them to come up with public libraries, friends and family, or garage sales. Avoid suggesting that they spend a lot of money at book stores (which many cannot afford to do.) write answers on whiteboard.
9. For the third and final part of the lesson, hand out the genre bookmarks and art supplies to the students. Ask the students to write down on the bookmark the 3 genres they plan to read this summer (they can decorate it with the genre themes if there is time.) Tell them they can use this bookmark when they read some of their summer books.
10. Ask students to share what genres they have chosen to write on their bookmarks. Talk about what books they might choose for that genre. (Students may have a favorite author or series that they plan to read but be unsure what genre it falls under. Talk about this.)
11. Emphasize that YOU WANT TO HEAR about their reading experiences when they return in the fall and maybe they can make more bookmarks or a list for you to see.
