Today’s class is all about student book presentations—a chance for everyone to share what they’ve been reading, demonstrate their comprehension, and practice public speaking skills. This is the culmination of the reading unit, and it’s one of my favorite days because it highlights how different books spark different ideas, interests, and perspectives in the classroom.
Encourage students to listen actively and ask thoughtful questions of their peers. This promotes both accountability and respect for others’ efforts, while also building critical thinking and speaking confidence.
Resource Section
Lesson Flow
1. Introduction (5–10 minutes)
Welcome the class and explain that today’s focus is on celebrating their reading and communication skills. Go over the presentation order (either pre-assigned or random) and remind students of the expectations listed on their marking sheet.
Reiterate a few key presentation tips:
Make eye contact with the audience.
Speak clearly and with enthusiasm.
Use visuals that support your ideas, not distract from them.
Keep slides simple: short text, high contrast, and relevant images.
2. Student Presentations (remainder of class)
Students deliver their book presentations. Encourage them to take ownership—this is their opportunity to be the “expert” on their chosen book.
As each student presents, use your marking sheet to note strengths and areas for growth. You might also jot quick feedback to share afterward.
Teacher Tips: What to Look for During Presentations
Here are a few things to observe and assess while students present:
Content Knowledge: Does the student clearly understand the book’s plot, characters, and themes?
Critical Thinking: Does the student offer original insights or meaningful interpretations?
Organization: Is the presentation structured logically (introduction, key points, conclusion)?
Speaking Skills: Are they engaging, audible, and confident?
Visual Support: Are slides readable, relevant, and visually appealing?
Audience Engagement: Does the student maintain attention and respond well to questions?
If you’re using a rubric, these categories align nicely with content, slideshow quality, and speaking marks.
Generic Questions to Ask About Each Book
Having a few universal questions ready helps guide discussion and keeps everyone involved. You can use these to prompt students after their presentation or to encourage audience participation.
What message or theme do you think the author wanted readers to take away?
How does the main character change throughout the story?
Was there a part of the book that surprised or moved you?
How would you describe the author’s writing style?
What connections can you make between this book and your own life or another story you’ve read?
If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?
Who would you recommend this book to and why?
How do the images or visuals (if any) support the story?
What was your favorite line or moment in the book?
If you could change one part of the book, what would it be and why?
Closure
Wrap up by acknowledging the effort and courage it takes to present in front of peers. You might even invite students to vote on a few fun categories, such as:
Most Creative Presentation
Best Visuals
Most Enthusiastic Presenter
A round of applause or a small certificate for each student helps end the unit on a positive note.