Creative Book Activities for the Classroom

Teaching books to young students is about so much more than reading words on the page – it’s about immersing them in the world of the story. But how exactly do you make reading engaging for learners?

5 Book Activities for the Classroom:

Here are some ideas for reading lessons that will spark curiosity, creativity, and bring stories to life.

1. Analyse the Cover and Design Your Own

We all know the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ – but that doesn’t mean covers can’t be analysed! Introduce a new book by displaying its front cover, then ask questions like:

• What’s the first thing you notice?

• Can you identify the characters or setting?

• Do you think the story will be happy or sad? 

• Does the cover make you want to read the book?

  
  

Now take it a step further by challenging learners to design their own cover. They can reimagine the original or create a brand-new version based on their own interpretation. 

Teaching reading in the classroom

2. Interview a Character

What better way for students to understand a character than by embodying them? In pairs, one student plays the role of a reporter, while the other becomes a character from the book. The reporter can ask about key events, and character motivations:

• Why did you do that?

• What were you thinking at that moment?

• How did you feel when…?

  
  

This kind of roleplay allows learners to develop empathy and comprehension all at once. 

3. Create a Comic Strip

Comics are fantastic for getting students to retell a story in their own words (and pictures). Select a short extract from the book, and ask students to:

• Draw 4 to 8 frames to map out the scene

• Sketch out the main action – stick figures are totally fine!

• Add captions, speech bubbles and sound effects (Boom! Pow!)

  
  

This is an excellent tool for reinforcing sequencing and summarising in a fun, creative way. 

4. Make Up a Rap

Bring some rhythm into reading! Choose a character, event or theme from the book as inspiration for a classroom rap. Get the creative juices flowing, by instructing students to:

• Brainstorm words related to the chosen topic

• Find any rhyming or similar-sounding words

• Divide into small groups to create a unique rap

  
  

Encourage each group to perform their creation – humour, originality and catchy hooks are all welcome.

Add some drama and performance to reading lessons

5. Design an Advertisment

Now that your students are experts on the story, why not have them promote it? Ask learners to design an ad for the book, complete with:

• A snappy slogan and an eye-catching logo

• Bright, bold visuals

• A fun offer like ‘First chapter free!’

  
  

Display the ads around the school or library to encourage others to read the book.

These book activities for the classroom are sure to turn reading time into a buzzing hub of excitement. Mixing art, drama and creativity will ensure that your students won’t simply read the story, they will live it!

Why let the joy of reading stop at school? Check out these simple tips to motivate students and parents to incorporate reading into their daily lives.