Biblionasium

I began the year with with the intention of really pushing student book reviews and recommendations for the 5th and 6th graders. While some students seek book recommendations from me and other librarians, there are students that would rather hear one from a friend. I can't say that I blame them. I'm always asking friends what they read recently that was really good, so I wanted to give the kids the resources and knowledge necessary to share their favorites with one another.

I began by doing book talks and showing the kids some book trailers I had made. We talked about how reviewing books can not only help you think more in depth about the book you just finished, but that it's also a good way to exchange recommendations.  Next, the students wrote short reviews on "book tickets" that were posted on the circulation desk. There was a drawing from the entered book tickets and four students won gift cards to the school store.  

Last week we moved on to the next phase of the book review roll out,  Biblionasium. I wasn't sure what the kids would think about the site since I hadn't used it with a group before, but they loved it! It's a safe site for kids, because educators or parents must set up their accounts and there is no personal information required. I set up all of the students' log-ins beforehand in 5th and 6th grade groups, so they were already connected to their peers.

The site is easy to move around with a navigation bar to the left.  They also have the ability to recommend books to their classmates. When they log in the home page let's them know what books their classmates have added and recommended.

Students can add books that they have finished, are currently reading, and want to read.

  

They were really excited about the awards they can earn by reaching certain milestones; like completing their first book, reading for a certain amount of time, or meeting a challenge. Challenges can be set by the teacher or the student. So, one challenge could be for them to complete a book by a certain date and if that challenge is met they would be rewarded. 

I told the students that this is a great way for them to continue to share books with one another over the breaks and that they now have a go-to place when they don't know what to read next. I'm assigning my first challenge in a few days after I have seen all of the classes. I'm excited to see how well they do!