As you head back to school and think about teaching literature this year, here are some ideas you could incorporate into your plans:

1. Set Up a Reading Routine

• Encourage students to dedicate a specific time each day for reading, whether it's during class or at home.
• Create a cozy reading corner in the classroom to make reading feel special and inviting.

2. Start with Fun Icebreakers

• Use book-themed icebreakers like "What’s your favorite book and why?" or "If you could be any book character, who would you be?"
• Play a game where students guess book titles based on emojis or short descriptions.

3. Create a Reading Challenge

• Set up a class-wide reading challenge with goals like "Read 5 books by the end of the month" or "Explore 3 different genres."
• Offer small rewards like bookmarks, stickers, or a "Reader of the Week" certificate.

4. Incorporate Technology

• Use apps or websites like Epic, Audible, or Book Creator to make reading interactive.
• Encourage students to create digital book reviews or trailers for their favorite books.

5. Build a Diverse Classroom Library

• Stock your library with books that reflect different cultures, experiences, and genres to appeal to all students.
• Include graphic novels, poetry, and audiobooks to cater to different reading preferences.

6. Teach Active Reading Strategies

• Show students how to annotate, highlight, and take notes while reading.
• Introduce tools like sticky notes for jotting down thoughts or questions.

7. Host Book Talks

• Dedicate time for students to share their favorite books with the class.
• Model a book talk yourself to show them how to summarize and recommend a book.

8. Pair Reading with Writing

• Have students write alternate endings, character diaries, or letters to the author.
• Encourage creative projects like drawing scenes or creating comic strips based on the book.

9. Foster a Growth Mindset

• Remind students that reading skills improve with practice and effort.
• Celebrate progress, no matter how small, to build confidence.

10. Make Reading Social

• Organize book clubs or reading buddies where students can discuss books together.
• Plan themed days like "Mystery Monday" or "Fantasy Friday" to explore specific genres as a group.

11. Involve Families

• Send home reading tips and book recommendations for parents to support reading at home.
• Host a family reading night where students and their families can enjoy books together.

12. Celebrate Reading Milestones

• Recognize achievements like finishing a book, trying a new genre, or improving reading fluency.
• Host a "Book Party" at the end of the semester to celebrate the class's reading journey.