Student Led Book Talks: How to Boost Engagement and Thinking [Ep. 18] Artwork

Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers

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Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers

Student Led Book Talks: How to Boost Engagement and Thinking [Ep. 18]

March 14, 2023 • Carolyn Wahl - Middle School ELA • Episode 18

0:00 | 10:37

Looking for a meaningful way to get students talking about books—and really thinking about what they’ve read? In this episode, I’m diving into how student-led book talks can promote deeper engagement, build speaking confidence, and create space for authentic peer-to-peer conversations in your secondary ELA classroom.

Book talks give students ownership over their reading and discussion process, helping them move beyond surface-level Q&A. I walk you through how to implement these discussions—from building reading into your routine to prepping students for discussion day and stepping back as the teacher so students can take the lead. If you’re ready to create a student-centered reading culture that supports critical thinking and communication skills, this episode is for you.