Category: Author Visits
-
What Reading Programs Show Measurable Impact on Student Engagement?
PISA and PIRLS data consistently show that students who enjoy reading outperform those who do not, across every country measured. Yet a 2024 review in Language and Education found that only 29% of students in England reported liking reading, against an international median of 46%, and the number of students reading for enjoyment has declined…
-
What Are the Best Tools for a School-Wide Reading Challenge?
A school-wide reading challenge is one of the highest-impact things a librarian or principal can put on the calendar. According to Joyful Reading’s own engagement data, challenges with two to six reward benchmarks generate 51% average reader participation and 21 minutes of daily reading logged. And John Hattie’s Visible Learning meta-analysis (2023) identifies engaging, community-driven…
-
How Can I Help Elementary Students Talk About Books?
Building reading stamina and comprehension in elementary school is deeply rooted in motivation. Research from the reading engagement model explains that when students set goals, value reading, and believe in themselves as readers, they more willingly engage in reading activities. Simply tracking minutes is rarely enough. To help students truly engage, educators should focus on…
-
Behind the Scenes: How We Build an Engaging Virtual Author Visit
BookBreak may look effortless, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes of every virtual author visit. Our hosts make each session feel like a natural conversation, and students often experience it as a simple, engaging exchange with an author. However, that ease comes from thoughtful planning, intentional design, and a deep commitment…
-
How Can I Support Reading Engagement for High Schoolers?
High school marks a critical juncture where academic demands intensify while recreational reading often declines. Research indicates that students who engage in regular reading are significantly more likely to graduate on time. The ALA highlights that robust school library programs do more than house books; they are proven engines for academic success. Research shows students…
-
What Helps High School Students Fall in Love with Reading?
Reigniting a passion for literacy in high school students requires moving beyond basic decoding toward sustained engagement with complex texts. This shift is more urgent than ever: NAEP’s 2024 Grade 12 Reading results show a significant decline in performance, with only 35% of seniors reaching reading levels associated with college readiness. When students are not…
-
What Helps Middle School Students Fall in Love with Reading?
The transition from learning to read to reading to learn is a critical juncture for middle schoolers. Research from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that students who read for fun daily score significantly higher on standardized tests than those who do not. However, engagement often dips during the middle school years. According to…
-
What Helps Elementary School Students Fall in Love with Reading?
Cultivating a reading habit for elementary students requires emotional connection. Scholarly studies prove that reading fiction increases empathy by allowing children to experience diverse perspectives. When students see diverse stories, they develop a sense of belonging. This is essential during formative years as kids encounter social differences. Educators who prioritize empathy often create an environment…
-
How Can I Bring Bestselling Authors Into Classrooms Virtually?
Connecting students with their favorite creators is a transformative experience. According to research from the International Literacy Association, effective engagement is the critical component of literacy instruction. The ILA highlights that bringing the outside in through digital tools like video conferencing allows students to use literacy in meaningful ways and experience a true community of…
-
What Are the Best Tools for School Librarians to Integrate Virtual Author Visits?
School librarians are one of the most important architects of reading culture. Bringing a published author into the library can transform a student’s relationship with books, yet the logistical hurdles of travel and budget often make in-person visits difficult to sustain. A Comparative Toolkit for Virtual Author Visits Skype a Scientist (and Authors) – Best…