Have you heard of a book tasting?
As teachers to elementary students, we know the importance of instilling a love of reading in our students. Not only does reading help improve their literacy skills, but it also provides them with the opportunity to explore new worlds, learn about different cultures, and develop their imaginations.
However, with so many books available, it can be challenging for students to know where to start or what to read next. This is where book tastings come in!
What is a book tasting?
Book tastings are a fun and interactive way for students to sample a variety of books and discover new titles that they might not have otherwise considered. By giving students a taste of different genres, authors, and styles, book tastings help them find books they will enjoy and foster a love of reading.
These events also provide a great opportunity for students to share their thoughts and opinions with one another, and to hear about books others have enjoyed.
What does a book tasting look like?
When setting up a book tasting for elementary students, it’s fun to set it up like a restaurant and the books are on the menu for students to review.
To make this activity easy and stress free for you, I created the perfect resource! It combines the fun of both a tasting AND an escape room!
Use these step-by-step instructions to guarantee student engagement while they learn about how to work as a team to help a store owner, discover new book genres and escape the classroom!
With a little prep, your students will work as a team to break into a box, which breaks them out of the classroom as they beat the clock! You can use any books you want with this activity.
What’s inside this download?
Cover
Table of Contents
Directions (with video link)
Materials Needed to Set Up
Checklist for Set-Up
Help the Restaurant Open (Motivational Paragraph)
Book Tasting – Read after pg.6 and the video)
Menu for 4 Book Reviews
Place Setting
Signs and Vocabulary Posters (Students will learn about fiction, non-fiction, biographies, poetry, and federal funds.)
Paper Keys (You can use real locks if you prefer.)
Help Cards
Homework Passes (optional prize)
Bookmarkers (optional prize)
Letter from Store Owner (Place in the Box)
Certificates for Completion (optional)
Pictures of Set Up
Photo Booth Signs (OPTIONAL)
Banner Pennants
Credits
This engaging activity takes about 30 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to complete the activity.
They don’t read all the books… just a “taste.”
There is a PDF file with step-by-step instructions, a link to incorporate a YouTube Video to hook your students into accepting a mission to help a store owner have his Grand Opening. It can only be solved by working through some “tastings” and using teamwork. Opening the box, (no locks needed) leads them to escape the classroom to enjoy recess or a library break outside of the classroom. Ideas are included.
Have you done a book tasting before? How did it go? Let me know in the comments!
For more reading activities, check out my post here!