Book Selection Activity

1. Book Pass
A Fun Way to Introduce Studentsto Your Classroom Library
Objective: Students will be able to familiarize themselves with the books in their class
library in order to choose independent reading books that match their levels and
interests.
Materials:
 High interest books – fiction and nonfiction
 1 copy of the Book Pass Log for each student
 Time Needed: 25 minutes (for three passes)
Directions: Students will be sampling several books during the Book Pass activity. If
possible the desks/chairs should be arranged in a circle in groups of 4-6 with a different
book at every seat.
Teacher acts as the timekeeper.
When the timekeeper signals the start of the activity, students should pick up the book
at their seat and preview it by looking at the cover and reading the blurb on the back
cover. Then students should begin reading on the first page. Students read for 4
minutes.
After 4 minutes have passed, the timekeeper will say, “Stop.” Students will then write
the title and author of their book, list the pages they read, and then write a few
comments about the book and whether or not they would like to read it at some point.
Students write for 4 minutes.
After 4 minutes have passed, the timekeeper will say, “Book pass,” and all students will
pass their book to the right. Students should then repeat the whole process again:
Preview the book, read for 4 minutes, then stop and write for 4 minutes.
Once students have previewed three books, they will each pick one of their own
comments and share with their group.