Transforming Independent Reading: Books on Deck Activity
- kusiclassroomcorne
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 5
As teachers, we’ve all heard students say, “I don’t know what book to read.” For some, this phrase is just part of the routine during independent reading time. They wander around the classroom library, flipping through a couple of books. By the time they finally decide on one (if they decide at all), the independent reading block is over! Sometimes, that’s exactly what they wanted!
This scenario started happening regularly during our independent reading blocks, and I knew something needed to change. I wanted to ensure that students, especially my reluctant readers, always had options ready whenever they needed a new book.
That’s when I created my Books on Deck activity: a way to help students spend more time reading and less time searching for books.
The Problem: Too Much Time Searching, Not Enough Reading
Students saying “I don’t know what to read” every time they finish a book.
Wasted independent reading blocks spent browsing the library.
Reluctant readers using the “search” for a book as a way to avoid reading.
The Solution: Books on Deck
Books on Deck is a beginning-of-the-year activity that helps students build a personalized list of books they’re genuinely excited about and interested in reading.
Genre Stations
To kick off this activity, I set up stations filled with books around the classroom by genre/type. These genres include realistic fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, historical fiction, traditional literature, and more. Each station features high-interest books at a range of reading levels.
Preview Checklist
Students rotate through the stations with a laminated checklist and an expo marker. For every book they pick up, they:
Look at the cover and title.
Flip through the pages (noticing things like font size, spacing, white space, and any pictures).
Read the book blurb on the back or inside jacket.
Read the first page (for chapter books) or a couple of pages (for picture books).
The checklist is an essential part of the activity. It helps students slow down and consider each book more thoughtfully than they would without it.
Building the Digital Bookshelf
If a book seems like a good fit, students add the cover image to their digital bookshelf in Google Slides. Each shelf has room for nine books, but they can add another bookshelf page if needed. Their bookshelf is always accessible to students in Google Classroom. I’ve used the digital Books on Deck most recently, but I started off with a paper copy of Books on Deck (shown below). The pros of digital? It won't get lost!
How This Activity Helped
Students no longer waste time searching for a book during independent reading time.
The "I don’t know what to read” problem disappears.
They always have a list of books ready for when they finish one.
Independent reading time is actually spent… well, reading!
Teacher Tips for Success
Take the time to model how to preview a book using the checklist before students try it on their own. It’s more effective than just explaining it!
To make this a truly purposeful activity, give students ample time at each station to really explore books. I provided two 45-50 minute blocks to complete the activity. If students aren't given enough time, they likely won't have many books on their bookshelf. The time you spend now will make a difference later.
For the final 20-minute rotation, I let students choose any station they wanted to revisit for more time.
Allow time for students to update their Books on Deck shelf periodically throughout the year.
Wrapping It Up
Books on Deck has become one of my favorite beginning-of-the-year activities! It truly solved the “I don’t know what to read” problem and is a fantastic way to get students to explore a wide variety of books available in your library. Now my students always have books ready and waiting — which is great because I know they’re getting the most out of their independent reading time.
Want to try this out in your classroom? Grab the free Books on Deck digital bookshelf, paper shelf, and checklist (in Google Slides) by clicking the button below.
I’d love to know how this activity went in your classroom! Share your experience in the comments below! :)
Additional Ideas for Enhancing Independent Reading
Creating a Reading Culture
To further enhance the independent reading experience, consider creating a reading culture in your classroom. This can be done through:
Reading Challenges: Set up monthly reading challenges to motivate students. They can earn badges or rewards for completing different genres or reading a certain number of books.
Book Talks: Encourage students to share their favorite books with the class. This not only promotes discussion but also helps students discover new titles they might enjoy.
Reading Buddies: Pair students up to read together. This can be especially beneficial for reluctant readers, as they may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts with a peer.
Incorporating Technology
In today’s digital age, incorporating technology can make reading even more engaging. Here are a few ideas:
E-Books and Audiobooks: Introduce students to e-books and audiobooks. Platforms like Epic! and Audible offer a wide range of titles that can cater to different interests.
Reading Apps: Utilize reading apps that gamify the reading experience, making it more interactive and fun.
Encouraging Family Involvement
Engaging families in the reading process can also be beneficial. Here are some suggestions:
Family Reading Nights: Host events where families can come together to read and share books. This fosters a love for reading at home.
Reading Logs: Encourage families to keep reading logs at home. This can help track what students are reading and spark conversations about books.
By implementing these strategies, you can create an even more vibrant and engaging reading environment in your classroom. Happy reading!
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