Creating Book Awards

Ask your class to brainstorm a list describing the characteristic of quality children's literature. Following a discussion of the processes of awarding the Caldecott and Newberry awards, your students could create personal book award criteria and apply these criteria to recognize their favorite books.

Book Recommendations

Establish classroom procedures for recommending favorite books to fellow readers. This may take the form of recommended book lists, book talks, a monthly newsletter of "good reads," or book invitations.

Survey of Reading Habits

Have your students conduct an investigation into the reading habits of fellow classmates and/or school and community leaders. Ask such questions as: Where is your favorite place to read? What time of day do you enjoy reading for pleasure? How does reading contribute to your work? Be sure to talk about your own reading practices with your students!

What Makes a Classic a Classic?

Students might investigate the qualities of children's books that are enduring favorites. They could survey local bookshops to identify books with older copyright dates that have undergone a series of reprints. Obtain copies of these books from a local library and hold a class discussion focusing on the qualities of these books that have ensured their continued popularity. What makes a children's book a "classic?"