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April 1, 2025 13 mins

In this episode, we're talking all about student-led book talks—one of my favorite ways to keep students engaged in reading during the final stretch of the school year. With state testing behind us and summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to give students more choice and ownership in their learning.

I’ll walk you through what student-led book talks look like in my classroom, how they differ from traditional book talks and book clubs, and why they’re so effective at this time of year. We’ll also tackle some common concerns—like what to do if students don’t read, pick the wrong book, or fall behind—and I’ll share the simple systems I use to keep the experience low-stress and successful for everyone.

Whether you’ve tried book talks before or are just getting started, this episode will give you the confidence and tools to make them work in your classroom.

Join me this summer at 1 (or more) online ELA PD events: Annotated ELA, MSELA, and Joyful Reading Summits. Practical strategies for grades 6–10 teachers.  Click the link below for all the details!

Summer PD Your Way! 


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