I would like to teach and engage attendees in practical ways to heighten student engagement surrounding books and encourage a love for reading in the school library. Through strategies and activities like dynamic shelving, book scavenger hunt bingo, and an activity using the Post-it Note app to highlight the importance of reading, I’ll share methods that encourage students to connect with books on a higher level. Additionally, attendees will learn how to use pixelated book covers to spark critical thinking before I give book talks and will gain insight into how students can become creators by designing their own "book teaser" slides for their very own book talks with their peers. In conjunction with this, I will demonstrate the effectiveness of "First Chapter Highlights," where students craft one-pagers that introduce and promote books they are reading. These engaging activities not only boost book awareness, but also create an interactive, student-centered library environment. My hope is that librarians in attendance will leave with practical and ready-to-use activities and strategies to take back to their school libraries!
