Utilize a reading center in your classroom to keep students involved in learning activities while you work with small groups. Many schools require small group reading instruction, and having educational activities for students to complete during these times will help to reinforce your instructional time with each group. Consider some of these activities.
Puppet Show
Create a center or a folder for students to keep at their desks, with a selection of reading activities that they can complete each day. One idea is to have students create and perform a puppet show about the story. Provide paper bags, markers and yarn for students to create their puppets. Allow a few minutes of class time for the student to perform their puppet show, using two chairs and a sheet to create a simple puppet stage. If you want to make puppet shows a regular occurrence in the classroom, you can purchase PVC piping and build a simple puppet stand.
Student Interview
Students can also interview someone else in the class who has already read the book. Keeping a list of books, and having students write their name beside each book after reading it, can provide options for the students who choose to do the interview. The students should come up with a variety of questions relating to the story or book, and take a few minutes to quietly interview the student, writing down each answer.
You can also have the students write a paper comparing and contrasting their thoughts about the book with the other student’s thoughts about the same book. If the students need more guidance for this activity, you can provide a sheet of questions that students must include in their interview. For example, asking favorite part, least favorite part, most interesting word, what would you title the book, what is the most important lesson you learned from this book, etc.
Write to the Author
Students can choose to write a letter to the author of the book. They should think of something that they liked about the book, something that they wish they could change about the book, and one question for the author to include in their letter. If possible, you can even mail the letters to the author and see if they get a response.
As you give your students enrichment assignments for reading class, consider options that help to reinforce vocabulary development and reading comprehension. These activities will also effectively help to improve student writing skills.
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