Seasonal Book Reviews Your Students Will Love

SEASONAL BOOK REVIEWS 

YOUR STUDENTS WILL LOVE

Way back when I was teaching first grade, I always included one or two "book commercials" in our opening and closing class circle times.  These were short previews of new stories that I had added to our classroom library book bins that included a peek at one of my favorite illustrations, a summary of the plot, and a description of my favorite character.  My purpose in conducting these "book commercials" was to build excitement and interest in my young readers, and encourage them to try new genres or types of books. Once I had modeled the practice, I would ask for volunteers to come up to our "share chair" to talk about the books they were reading and tell the rest of the group if they should read them too. 

Fast forward to now when the idea of combining writing practice with student reading choices came to me, and my newest resource was born!  My SEASONAL BOOK REVIEW TEMPLATES are designed to provide elementary and middle grade students with a variety of ways to share their likes and dislikes about the books they are reading with their peers.  Each set includes seven decorative posters, a pennant banner, and seven of book review templates so that you can set up a monthly writing station and display.  A bonus file of gnome peek-over pages is also included in each set so that students can showcase their work colorfully and creatively!  Cover pages for a class binder and tray labels are also provided.

1. SEPTEMBER BOOK REVIEWS

Gnomes holding acorns, apples, and pumpkins are all featured on the reading posters included in this resource, along with inspirational reading quotes.  They provide the perfect fall decor accents for the positive and negative book reviews written by your students.   

2. OCTOBER BOOK REVIEWS

Very "punny" reading slogans and gnomes dressed in costumes are featured on the reading posters included in this resource.  Display the bat-tastic book reviews your students have created about their favorite holiday picture or chapter books around your classroom or school library in 8.5 x 11 or 5 x 7

acrylic frames!

Be sure to SCOOP up this FREEBIE!  It is always good to "try before you buy!"

3.  NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEWS

Get ready to host a taste-test of great books for your readers and writers with this Thanksgiving-themed set of posters and book review templates!  Students can gather around a table of books they are grateful to have read and share the reviews they've written aloud with their peers.  What a great way to encourage your students to read and write more!

4.  DECEMBER BOOK REVIEWS

Make reading and writing about books a jolly experience during the holidays with the materials included in this resource!  The poster slogans are patterned after familiar carols and the gnomes are fun and festive!  The variety of book review sheets included help students rate and share their opinions about the books they've read.

The great aspect of these four resources is that they can be prepped once and used from year-to-year as either a literacy station, a fast-finisher choice, or as a whole group activity.  Just set up a counter, tabletop, or bookshelf with the materials and let your readers write, write, write!

The decorative accents and pennant banner letters included in each set are made for display on a classroom or library door, bulletin board, or wall.  Printing them on cardstock and laminating the pieces are recommended to promote longevity.

My hope is that once your students have completed their written book reviews they'll share recommendations with their peers.  Their published reports will also look great as a hallway or classroom display through the holidays!

Happy reading and happy writing!  Keep a song in your heart and a book in your hand!