Thursday, May 2, 2013

Book Commercials and Farley's Currently


Book Commercials
Have you ever done them? Do you know what they are? I swear by them! 

Just like commercials on t.v., a book commercial is a short book advertisement, done by a teacher (or by a student). The purpose of a book commercial is to get students excited about a book by giving a quick synopsis and to give them a peek inside. These literally could take about 30 seconds. 

So, what would a book commercial include? How can you plan for one? 
First, gather a book (or a few). Last week, we brought our Fly Guy books out for a book commercial since interest in them has been dwindling. With my student on the carpet, I held up the first book and said the title, author and I discussed how this is part of a series of books. I did read this entire book to my class (but you don't have to read the whole thing to do a commercial). After reading, I held up each of the other Fly Guy books we have. I read the title, took a quick book walk with the students and read 2-3 pages. After the commercial, I then recommended the book to a student or two who I thought would enjoy them. They then go into (or back into) our class library. 

I know it seems like such a simple idea, but I truly believe that simple and effective is the best! The proof is in the picture...

I have a class of 21 students. Five of them couldn't check out books because they have books that are overdue. Of the 17 who could check out books, 7 chose a Fly Guy book, and 2 chose a Shel Silverstein book (they were recently advertised too). I did not encourage them to choose those books. I couldn't even if I wanted to....I was too busy "shushing" them (reminding them the library is NOT recess).




Every time we go to Library class, the students are after books that were advertised in a book commercial. Last week, I finally remembered to take a picture.

Do you do book commercials too? How do you do them? 


And, onto Farley's Currently for May:

I'm jealous of my husband because he knows how to relax, and I'm still working on it. 

We still have 26 more days till summer break, but it's getting closer. Time to start cleaning out the classroom/closet.

How can I make my children get along? They are at that magical age where they love each other one minute, then fight horribly the next. I want a nice, quiet weekend (I'll keep dreaming).

This weekend is our neighborhood yard sale. My kids have a TON of junk toys, and they don't want to part with any of it. Too bad, I'm cleaning house. 

Little did I know, ten years ago, that I'd dream of time to do things like garden and paint. But, after having 3 children, I long for that time. My garden looks like a weed experiment at the moment.

This summer, I want to drop the "work ball" as my former superintendent used to say. We are always trying to keep all of these balls balanced in the air (family, work, home, etc.). It will feel glorious to drop the big old work ball for a few weeks.



7 comments:

  1. I love your idea of a "book commercial" I think my firsties would get a kick out of that too! I will have to give it a try next week! Thanks for sharing a simple idea that i never thought of and can implement immediately!

    Amanda
    Learning to the Core

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  2. Hello,
    I'm your newest follower, I came over from Currently! I ♥ Myrtle Beach! Have fun!
    ~Fern
    Fern Smith’s Classroom Ideas!
    Fern Smith’s Pinterest Boards!

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  3. I love the idea of book commercials! What a fun way to get them interested! I'm your newest follower!

    Ms. Cranfill's Class

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  4. My hubby knows how to relax, too. Sure wish I did! And, hope you sell a TON at your yard sale! :)
    Smiles - Lisa
    Growing Firsties

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  5. I love the idea of book commercials too! I read a chapter at the end of every day, usually either Junie B. or Magic Tree House and those always become favorites of some of the kids! I think doing a commercial though, on other books that we don't have time to read, would be a great way to call attention to so many other wonderful books and series! Thank you for sharing the idea!
    :)Kim

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  6. I love book commercials! I used them as a classroom teacher all the time. Now, we amped them up a bit and one of the rewards for completing the summer reading challenge is to be video taped giving a book commercial. These commercials will be played throughout the year on the morning announcements - television broadcast. Good luck with the sale (and trying to drop the 'work ball' for the summer!

    Wendy
    Read With Me ABC

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    Replies
    1. Wendy-That's great! That sure does take the book commercial up a notch!

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