5 ways to get your kids excited about #shelfchallenge

Why a challenge?

Kids love challenges, and this is one of my favorite ways to see even my best readers step outside their comfort zone. When I taught I challenged my kids to read 40 books in my class, and I was always impressed with the grit and tenacity required to complete such a daunting challenge. And it, well, forces them to read a book outside of their normal genre choice. Seeing a die-hard fantasy reader get super-excited about a historical fiction they would not have picked for their next read.

5 ways to get your kids excited about #shelfchallenge

1.Make it visible and decorate for the occasion.

Have a display of bookmarks and plastic shelfmarkers out in a visible spot. Think about ways to make it interactive and fun for your kiddos to join the challenge.

2. Can you say shelfie? 

If your students can, have the take pictures of themselves with their shelf and then share it with others. Or you could post pictures of students and their shelves and add it to your #shelfchallenge display.  Have students take pics of their favorite books from their shelf and share it with the #shelfchallenge PLN on Twitter or Pin it to our SLM Shelf Challenge Board on Pinterest.

3. Share your reading journey with your students.

Talk about what books you are reading with students. Make announcements about the #shelfchallenge and share your "gems" with the entire school. Invite others to reread books that didn't thrill you as a reader.

4. Become their reading cheerleader.

Give high-fives or fist bumps to your successful shelf readers and check in on their progress as often as you can. A thank you for finding a "gem" can make a kiddos day.

5. Reward participants and finishers.

A certificate would be nice, but ultimately I love to reward readers with more books. Or even bookmarks to commemorate the occasion. And if your budgets allow, pizza is always an option!

How do you get your kiddos excited about #shelfchallenge?