Do you ever feel like your students are stuck in a reading rut? That they only want to read certain types of books or only books that have been made into movies? If so, then First Chapter Friday (or any day that works in your schedule) is the perfect solution! First Chapter Friday is a way to introduce your students to novels that they may not otherwise pick up. Plus, it’s super easy to do! Keep reading to find out how.
Why First Chapter Friday?
It’s simple – because it connects books to readers! By featuring a different book each week, First Chapter Friday broadens students’ knowledge of the wide range of available books, different genres to try, and types of books (audiobooks, graphic novels, ebooks, paper books, etc..). Plus, it’s a great way to get students excited about reading!
How Does First Chapter Friday Work?
First Chapter Friday is super easy to do! Simply choose a book and read the first chapter aloud to your class. You could read the book yourself, ask a student to read the book, or even play the audio version of the chapter. The goal is to get your students so intrigued by the first chapter, that they want to read more!
Every Friday (or whatever day of the week you choose) read one chapter of a book to your students. Be sure to end on a cliffhanger or suspenseful moment in order to leave everyone wanting more. After the chapter is read, pass the book around, giving students access to the book so they can continue reading it independently. Many teachers like to hold a lottery to see who gets the book first!
First Chapter Fridays are flexible and fit into wherever it makes sense for your schedule allowing you to choose what works best for your class!
What are students doing during the read-aloud?
Because the goal is to introduce students to new books, keep First Chapter Fridays light and fun. Sometimes have students sit and listen to you read, and other times have them draw a picture or sketch notes. No matter what you choose, the goal is simply to get students excited about reading.
To make the experience even more engaging, you can ask your students to brainstorm questions about the book or lead a discussion about what they think might happen next. You can also use this time to talk about things like character development, setting, and plot.
How does First Chapter Friday fit in with my curriculum?
First Chapter Friday can be an invaluable supplement to your curriculum as it provides a way to introduce new books and stories each month. This allows students to gain access to diverse voices and perspectives that they would not normally have access to in the classroom.
With First Chapter Friday, you can expose students to different authors and genres, helping them become more inspired readers and critical thinkers. Additionally, it helps keep the material fresh and engaging for students, reducing the chances of them becoming bored or disengaged.
First Chapter Fridays offer teachers the opportunity to bring in supplemental material without having to make any major changes to the curriculum or spend money on materials. This is great for teachers who are limited in their book budgets but still want to provide quality literature for their students.
What books should I choose?
When selecting books for First Chapter Friday, the possibilities are endless. Look to best-seller lists and book awards to find popular titles that students might enjoy reading. You can also look for books with interesting premises or stories that have been adapted for the screen.
Another great option is to choose books by diverse authors – this will help ensure that your students are exposed to different cultures, languages, and experiences. You can even look for books that relate to topics that are being discussed in the classroom or those that have themes that align with current events.
And…don’t forget to ask your students for recommendations! A First Chapter Friday where some of the students have already read (and loved) the book can create an atmosphere of excitement and curiosity that the teacher alone simply can’t create! Hearing students encourage peers to read a book is an incredible moment for any ELA teacher.
Ultimately, choose whatever book you think your class will enjoy and get excited about reading more!
First Chapter Friday is a simple and fun way to engage students in reading. It encourages students to explore different authors, genres, and types of books, while also providing teachers with supplemental material without having to make costly changes or purchases. By ending each chapter on a cliffhanger or suspenseful moment, it helps get students excited about the book and encourages them to read more. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students to engage in discussion and critical thinking about the text.
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your reading instruction or get your students excited about reading, look no further than First Chapter Friday! It’s a fun, easy way to introduce them to new books and get them engaged in the text. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
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