Booktalking: Genre Bingo & Genrefication

As a school librarian, I’ve had the pleasure of working in various libraries across K-12 levels. One of the most impactful changes I’ve implemented is genrefying the fiction section. The results have been staggering, with significant increases in both browsability and checkout statistics. Check out my labels here.  There is definitely room for improvement but my library helpers called iStaff helped with the process and in the end it was perfect for them.  Voice and choice is key!

Why Genrefy?

• Easier recommendations: It simplifies the process of suggesting books to students.
• Improved student experience: Students can quickly find what they’re looking for.
• Collection familiarity: As a new librarian, it’s an excellent way to learn the collection thoroughly.

The Process

While time-consuming, I’ve found summer breaks to be the ideal time for genrefication. It allows for uninterrupted focus, as my priority during the school year is always building relationships with students and staff – the cornerstone of a successful library program.

Creating Custom Genre Labels

I prefer creating custom genre labels using Canva Education, as I’ve found vendor options lacking. These custom labels serve a dual purpose: organizing the library and enhancing genre-based activities. Here’s my process:

1. Design labels in Canva Education
2. Print on Avery 5160 labels
3. Cut out and apply to books
4. Add clear spine label covers for durability

Genre Bingo: A Deep Dive into the Activity

The Genre Bingo activity is a versatile and engaging way to combine booktalks with genre education. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to implement this activity in your library:

Preparation:

• Create Bingo Cards: Design about 20 different variations of bingo cards with various genres. Each card should have a 5×5 grid with genre names in the squares.
• Printing: Print the cards single-sided. This is crucial as it allows students to use both sides simultaneously – one side for the bingo board and the other for noting book titles and their corresponding genres.
• Book Selection: Choose a diverse range of books that represent multiple genres. Aim for books that could potentially fit into more than one genre to spark discussion.
• Materials: Prepare markers for the bingo boards (small candies work well) and have pens or pencils available for students to make notes.

Activity Implementation:

1. Introduction: Prior to this lesson there have been a few lessons on genres and it has been worked on during English classes.
2. Distribute Materials:
   • Multiple variations of Bingo Cards (I create about 20 different versions)
   • Markers for the board (candy works well)
   • A diverse selection of books
     1. Pro Tip: For popular books with multiple copies, I sometimes place them in different genre sections to increase discoverability.
3. Booktalk Section: Present each book, discussing its plot, themes, and notable features without explicitly stating its genre.
4. Student Engagement: After each booktalk, students should:
   • Decide which genre(s) the book fits into
   • Mark the appropriate genre(s) on their bingo board
   • On the blank side of the card, note down the book title and the genre(s) they’ve assigned to it
5. Discussion: After every few books, pause for a brief discussion. Encourage students to share their genre choices and reasoning, fostering critical thinking about genre characteristics.
6. Multiple Genres: Emphasize that many books can fit into multiple genres. This complexity adds depth to the activity and reflects real-world categorization challenges.
7. Booktasting Section: Put a variety of books on each table that will fit in a multitude of genres for students to select during the Booktasting portion
8. Bingo: When a student completes a line on their bingo card, they can call out “Bingo!”
   • Consider having small prizes for winners, but continue the activity to allow for multiple winners and more learning opportunities.
9. Wrap-up: Conclude with a group discussion about the books presented, surprising genre placements, and any new interests sparked by the activity.

Follow-up:

1. Genre Challenge: Introduce the year-long genre tracker, encouraging students to read books from various genres throughout the school year.
2. Display: Create a display featuring the books from the bingo activity, organized by genre to reinforce the learning experience.

Below you can see a version of a slidedeck I have used for Booktalk/Book Tasting Bingo.  Grab a copy of the bingo boards of which I believe I did around 20 different variations. I would print them double sided.