Let's READ! Promoting Reading @bravesread

How do you get students excited about books and reading? Hmmm... Three things: Talk to them and ask them about their favorite book. Take a picture of them reading their favorite book. Help them record a book trailer about their favorite book for the morning news show on a digital device. 
With Mass Communications as my base major, I've always know that visual elements enhance the story, the product, the book. Look at the vibrant colors on a book jacket. Notice the cool green screen backgrounds on the network news shows. 
Most students -- not all, but most students -- like to have their pictures made holding or reading a book. The pictures are made into small labels and 5x7 table-toppers for Shelf Managers. I add in special effects (they like the cross process, comic and sketch) with Picassa. I save the photos to a slideshow on our Weebly website and let them loop on the display TV in the media center.
So, now... I'm finding myself doing more "technical writing." With all the new technology (Chromebooks, TouchCast...) I'm adding "How-To Videos" for checking out digital books and making video book trailers.
Yes. They like the still photos, but they are really liking the video stuff. I've just set up an iPad for students to record 60 second book trailers at the circ desk. They won't need the Green Screen (like we have near the teepee for the main announcements). This time, they're going to use the "whiteboard" within the app and fill out a Google form to help with their short script. 
Stay tuned. This is going to be FUN! #bravesread #Touchcast #BookTrailers #Let'sRead!