Sharing the books we love alongside the people we care about is a powerful practice. Join us in an interactive summer reading experience! Record a short video booktalk and share it to #FamilyBookTalk. After you've posted your short booktalk video you can tag a friend, extended family member, colleague, or author to share their favorite book & family with others!
Feel free to connect with any of the educators in the podcast if you have questions. This is a collaborative effort co-created by people who really inspire me to be a better literacy leader and father. Allow me to introduce you to the rest of the team (in order of appearance in the video).
Julie Kirchner is the Media Specialist at Meadow Ridge Elementary. She's also a former 4th grade teacher in our school who continues to have a big impact on us all. Julie (and Linda who I'll introduce next) is among the best in the business.
Linda Gibbons is the Media Specialist at Greenwood Elementary...the same school where I serve as principal. She's always learning, and her pedagogy is jam-packed with 21st century practice. Linda is also a key-player on our school's MakerSpace team.
Our video also features the voices, families, and books of several of our favorite authors...but you'll have to watch the short (3 minute) video to find out who they all are. (Special thanks to the incredible writers for sharing the stories and creativity!)
As an added bonus, Scholastic Books will be randomly donating books to participants who share to the hashtag (#FamilyBookTalk) on various social media channels. The goal of this project is to celebrate reading with people who are important to you. It's also a great way to model using social media to connect, learn, and grow as readers.
Julie Kirchner, Linda Gibbons, and myself will be compiling a list of "Booktalk Basics" to assist you in creating your first #FamilyBookTalk video. The starter list of tips & tricks is below.
Happy Reading and Sharing!
Booktalk Basics:
Tip: Do not start your booktalk by introducing yourself.
Trick: Instead, try using an unexpected hook, quote, or question first.
Tip: Keep it short and on point.
Trick: Try keeping your booktalk video between 20-40 seconds.
Tip: If you are a bore the people will snore; try creating a compelling booktalk video.
Trick: Try speaking with added enthusiasm or incorporating a prop that is relevant to your book's plot.
Tip: Sound matters. Ensure your audio is worthy of a listen.
Trick: Try speaking with your "outside voice" and make sure there is not a lot of background noise or wind.
Tip: Leave viewers longing for more, and don't give away the ending of your book.
Trick: Highlight themes from the book that resonate with you, and share a short story or connection that others might appreciate. Stay away from simply retelling the entire story.
