Minds On

What do you recommend?

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

Have you ever received a book recommendation from someone? Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:

  • What do you consider when choosing a book?
  • What makes a good book recommendation?
  • How do you create a recommendation for a book?
  • How might we use technology to share our thoughts and opinion about a book?
A group of people talking and sharing recommendations.

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Action

Organizing your thoughts

Now that you have thought about what makes a good book recommendation, plan your own! It can take the form of a podcast, vlog, or poster. It’s up to you!

Your first step is to select a book or audiobook that you have recently read or listened to.

You can use a planning method of your choice or the Book Recommendation Outline below.

Consider the following questions as you plan out your book recommendation:

  • What is the title of the book? Who is the author? Who is the illustrator?
  • What is the book about? (You can give a brief summary of the story, but stick to the main points and keep the ending a surprise!)
  • What was your favourite part? Why?
  • Do you recommend this book? What do you really think of it?
  • What would you rate this story out of 4? (One star is the lowest rating and four stars is the highest rating.)

Press ‘Tip’ to reveal ways to generate ideas.

To help you generate ideas, it may be helpful to explore examples of vlogs, podcasts, or posters. Inspiration is everywhere!

Complete the Book Recommendation Outline in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document.

Book Recommendation Outline
Title and author:
Brief summary:
My favourite part?
Do you recommend this book?
Rating out of 4:
Notes related to book recommendation format (e.g., vlog, podcast, or poster)

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Book Recommendation Outline.

Consolidation

Creating your podcast / vlog / poster

Use your book recommendation outline to create your vlog, podcast, or poster.

Then, use the following questions to reflect on your learning.

  • What is the purpose of a summary and how does it connect to the purpose of a book recommendation?
  • How does summarizing the main ideas in a text help you as a reader?

Record your responses using a method of your choice.

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel...

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.