Increasing Student Engagement with Book Tasting

As middle school teachers, one of the most challenging tasks is fostering a love of reading in our students. Almost all of my Grade 8 students last year told me they hated reading, but I’ve heard that if kids don’t like reading, they just haven’t found the right book yet. Enter the concept of "book tasting"—a creative, engaging way to introduce students to a variety of books and genres, all while making the experience fun and memorable.

What is a Book Tasting?
A book tasting is an event designed to give students a “taste” of different books. Think of it as a literary buffet where students sample a variety of genres and authors in a short period. The goal is to spark interest in reading by allowing students to explore books they might not normally pick up.

Typically, a book tasting is set up in a classroom or library, with tables arranged to resemble a café or restaurant. Each table features a selection of books—these could be themed around a genre, topic, or author. Students rotate between tables, spending a few minutes with each book, reading the first chapter or a specific section, and then noting down their impressions and whether they’d like to read more.

Why Use a Book Tasting in Your Classroom?
1. Increases Exposure to Different Genres:

• Many students tend to stick to the same genre or type of book because it's familiar. A book tasting encourages them to step out of their comfort zone and explore new genres. Whether it's historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, or non-fiction, students get a chance to discover something new that might ignite a passion they didn’t know they had.

2. Encourages Choice and Autonomy:

• One of the key factors in fostering a love for reading is allowing students to choose their own books. A book tasting gives them a sense of autonomy in selecting what they want to read, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement. When students feel they have a say in their reading, they are more likely to invest time and effort into it.

3. Reduces Reading Anxiety:

• For some students, the thought of committing to an entire book can be overwhelming, especially if they don’t consider themselves strong readers. A book tasting lowers the stakes by allowing them to sample books without the pressure of finishing them. This approach can help reduce reading anxiety and make the process of choosing a book more enjoyable.

4. Promotes Discussion and Social Interaction:

• Book tastings are social events. As students rotate through the tables, they have opportunities to discuss their thoughts with peers, share recommendations, and build a sense of community around reading. This social aspect can make reading feel more like a shared, enjoyable experience rather than a solitary task.

5. Helps Teachers Curate Better Reading Lists:

• A book tasting provides valuable insight into students' interests. By observing which books are most popular, teachers can better curate reading lists, recommend books to individual students, and tailor classroom libraries to better meet the needs and preferences of their students.

How to Host a Book Tasting in Your Classroom
1. Setting the Scene:

• Transform your classroom into a cozy café or restaurant. Use tablecloths, place settings, and even “menus” listing the books on offer. Soft background music can add to the ambiance. Consider creating themed tables based on genre or topic, like “Mystery Manor,” “Fantasy Forest,” or “Real-Life Reads.” I highly suggest connecting with your school librarian to help you set up the book tasting. From my experience, school librarians are some of the most underutilised supports that classroom teachers have in schools and they would be excited to help!

2. Curating the Menu:

• Select a variety of books for students to sample. Aim for a mix of genres, reading levels, and themes. Make sure to include a few high-interest, popular titles as well as some lesser-known gems. Again, involve your school librarian in curating the selection—they’re a treasure trove of knowledge about what’s new and exciting in the literary world.

3. Designing the Experience:

• Give students a “menu” or a tasting sheet where they can jot down the title, genre, and their thoughts about each book. Encourage them to rate how interested they are in reading more and why. Set a timer for each rotation (5-10 minutes is usually enough), and have students move from table to table, sampling books along the way.

4. Facilitating Discussion:

• After the tasting, gather students for a group discussion about their experience. What books stood out to them? Which genres surprised them? Use this time to allow students to share their “orders” and discuss which books they’re excited to read. This conversation helps solidify their interest and can inspire others to try books they hadn’t considered.

5. Following Up:

• After the event, make sure the books students expressed interest in are accessible—either in your classroom library, the school library, or through borrowing programs. You might also consider creating a follow-up activity, like a book review project or a reading challenge, to keep the momentum going.

Book tasting is more than just a one-time event; it’s a powerful tool for creating a reading culture in your classroom. By making the process of discovering new books fun, social, and low-pressure, you’re helping students associate reading with enjoyment rather than obligation. While this won't reach every reluctant reader, with a little creativity and planning, you can turn your classroom into a space where most students find a book they’re excited to devour. So what do you think? Have you done a book tasting before? Would this work in your classroom? Let me know in the comments below.