Once spring break passes and summer is looming on the horizon, it gets a little harder to rein in my elementary students. It can be helpful to incorporate some new lessons and activities to keep students engaged and busy, once summer fever hits.
Book Swap
This year I am trying an activity that I have wanted to do in the past and have never gotten around to doing. I will be inviting our Kindergarten through second grade students to participate in a Book Swap.
This will be an optional activity, but I expect our students to be fully onboard.
How it Works
The concept is simple. Participating students will bring in a book that they would like to swap. It can be used, but I request that it is in good condition and age appropriate for K-2 students. Hopefully, this will eliminate the ripped and torn books, as well as outgrown board books. I do have a few teachers who have offered to toss in a couple extra books they have in the event we need them.
Students will be gathered with their books and I will go through the expectations. Basically, on my go, students are free to approach others and ask to trade. They are allowed to turn down a trade if they do not want to make it. Students can trade as many or few times as they wish, until they have a book they would like to keep. The goal is for every child to depart with a book they’re eager to read.
Once they have made their final trade, students will check in with me and I will send them back to their classrooms. I expect to allow about fifteen minutes for the entire activity.
Getting Everyone on Board
I will be asking students to return a signed permission slip, just to be on the safe side. The signed slip will ensure students have permission to trade their book – and aren’t trading away a special Christmas gift they got from grandma last year.
I have already received a lot of excitement from both teachers and students for this activity and hope it is something I can continue to do in the future.
Literacy and Face to Face Communication
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and digital distractions, the simple joy of exchanging physical books is a powerful reminder of the enduring magic of storytelling. As educators, it’s our privilege to nurture that magic, creating spaces where young imaginations can flourish.
The Elementary Book Swap isn’t just about trading books; it’s about fostering a lifelong love of reading and building connections that extend beyond the pages. It’s a celebration of literacy and community – and for that, I couldn’t be more excited. Let the swapping begin!