Talking About Books With Your Students

Did you know that talking with your students before, during, and after you read together is an important part of their learning?

As you and your students discuss a book you...

Encourage them to make connections between the text and something in their own lives. Making connections like these is an essential part of learning.

Provide an environment which makes reading a natural part of your pleasant social interaction. Don’t underestimate the power of your positive relationship to encourage and enhance your students’ learning. Research suggests that we learn best when we like the person who is teaching us.

Facilitate their comprehension of the book in a natural, enjoyable way.

Remember that we are referring to talking with your students--not just talking at them. We want students to be active, not passive participants in their learning.

We encourage you to visit Talking About Books from "The Reading Connection," a literacy outreach program in Virginia, for some excellent tips.