Genre Study

After last year's genre book tasting activity (you can read about it HERE), this year's focus on genres also included a technology angle. Third, fourth, and fifth graders looked at realistic fiction, fantasy, and science fiction book trailers using QR codes.

First, students discussed characteristics of the different genres based on anchor charts like this one used with third graders examining realistic fiction:

Working in partner groups at tables, students then scanned QR codes to watch book trailers. All of the books shown are part of the library collection--which has made for some really long holds lists as students work through the activity!

Third graders started with realistic fiction.

Fourth graders started with fantasy.

Fifth graders started with science fiction.

The activity included a writing piece that asked students to record two books that seemed interesting to them after watching the trailers. Students will reuse the handout as they work through another genre in a following lesson.

Check out the students at work:

Choosing a Just Right Book

With our second graders, we recently talked about choosing "just right" books. Goldi Socks and the Three Libearians by Jackie Mims Hopkins is a great read aloud to start and guide the conversation!

As an exit slip/ticket out the door, students completed a quick sheet related to that day's check-out books or to a book they'd read earlier. Some of their responses appear below: