First Chapter Friday: What You Need to Know to Get Started

First Chapter Friday is a first chapter preview of books to hook the readers into wanting to read the rest! It's pretty simple: find a good book and then read aloud just the first chapter! The goal is to get good books in the hands of readers!

The best books have great first chapters! You want to leave your classroom wanting more. Once their interest is piqued, even the most reluctant readers are willing to give a book a chance!

One of my favorite FCF's was Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen! Obviously a room full of sixth-graders were hooked with a name like Buttman. That book flew of the shelf after each class! It's so important that there is a chance to immediately get the book in their hands.

Here are some more places you can look for good books: 

• the first book in a series
• new releases
• award winners
• student recommendations

When you're choosing books, be sure to include a range of genres and topics! Keep in mind the author and main character so that you are including diverse books that represent all students and cultures. 

Hopefully, you'll be able to engage your reluctant readers in meaningful experiences and maybe even hook them into reading!

A pro tip: be sure to have either multiple copies of the books you choose OR have a back-up. Most of the books I've previewed FLY off the shelf by the end of first hour! 

If you want to provide space for students to keep track of interesting books and something to do while they listen, check-out my First Chapter Friday Printables Bundle! 

Are you ready to implement First Chapter Fridays in your classroom? Follow my Pinterest page for book recommendations and our Instagram page for even more!