Give the traditional method of sorting students into reading groups a creative twist by using book speed dating— a fun and interactive activity that introduces students to a variety of texts in a short amount of time. This unique approach not only makes the process of selecting books exciting, but also allows students to engage with multiple genres or themes, sparking their interest in reading.
Even if you’re not currently using reading groups, book speed dating is a versatile activity that can still be a valuable tool. It’s perfect for helping students discover new books for independent reading or literature circles. Plus, you can collaborate with your media specialist or local librarian to expand the selection of books available to your students, making it an even more enriching experience.
Curious about how to organize this fun and engaging activity? Keep reading for tips and ideas on how to host a successful book speed dating event in your classroom.
What is book speed dating?
Book speed dating is inspired by the concept of traditional speed dating, where participants have brief, timed interactions with potential matches. In this case, books are set up at tables or stations around the classroom, each ready to be “met” by students. During the activity, students have a set amount of time to spend with each book, much like a quick, one-on-one introduction.
This is a chance for students to explore the first few pages, read the back cover or summary, and get a sense of whether the book sparks their interest. It’s a fun, pressure-free way to allow students to “sample” a variety of books in a short period, giving them the opportunity to quickly decide which titles they might want to dive into further. Whether it’s for independent reading, literature circles, or just exploring new genres, book speed dating offers an exciting and dynamic approach to book selection.
How does it work?
To get started with book speed dating, begin by selecting the novels you’d like to offer as options for your students. Choose a variety of genres or themes to ensure there’s something for everyone. Then, decide how many groups you’d like to create, keeping in mind the number of books and students. Prepare a notes page for each student where they can jot down their thoughts about each book they “meet.” This will help them reflect on their initial impressions and make informed choices later.
Once everything is set up, assign students to their first book station. Give each group a few minutes to explore their assigned book— 5 minutes usually works well. Be sure to set a timer that’s visible to all students so they can manage their time effectively.
Before they begin, model the activity for your class. Walk them through the process by thinking aloud as you flip through the pages of a book, sharing how you evaluate whether or not it’s something you’d want to read. This helps students understand how to approach the activity thoughtfully.
At the end of the speed dating session, have students turn in their notes or use an exit slip to summarize their thoughts. This will provide you with valuable feedback to help match each student with a book they’re excited to read. You can then assign novels to students based on their preferences, ensuring they get started with a book that resonates with their interests.
Why use book speed dating?
The main reason to incorporate book speed dating into your classroom is simple: it’s incredibly fun and offers a unique twist on book selection. This activity engages students in a way that traditional methods simply can’t. It shifts the responsibility of choosing a book onto the students, giving them a sense of ownership over their reading choices. Instead of passively looking at a list of book titles or reading a brief synopsis from a slideshow, the speed dating activity encourages students to actively engage with each book.
By physically holding the books, flipping through the pages, and getting a real feel for them, students can form a much more genuine first impression. It gives them the freedom to quickly explore a variety of books, without the pressure of committing to one they’re unsure about. If a book doesn’t click, they can move on to the next one with no strings attached, making the experience low-pressure and more enjoyable. This hands-on approach allows them to explore new genres and titles they might not have considered otherwise.
The mobility of the activity—students moving from one book station to the next—also breaks up the monotony of sitting in one place and adds an element of excitement to the process. By the end of the activity, students are often much more confident in their choices, having experienced the books firsthand. This makes it a powerful way to spark interest in new readings while allowing students to have fun in the process.
Save Time with My Done-For-You Book Speed Dating Resource!
My Book Speed Dating resource takes the guesswork out of organizing this fun and interactive activity. It includes a comprehensive checklist that guides students through the process, ensuring they engage with each book meaningfully. As they “meet” each novel, students will assess their first impressions, read the front and back covers, and spend a few minutes exploring the first few pages. They’ll then rank each book based on their initial thoughts before moving on to the next one.
What I love most about this resource is that it empowers students to take ownership of their reading choices. Instead of being handed a book list or a random recommendation, they’re actively deciding what sparks their interest and aligns with their reading goals. This gives them the autonomy to explore new genres and titles they might not have considered otherwise.
For added flexibility, I’ve also included a virtual Book Speed Dating option—perfect when you need to adapt the activity to a digital format. Whether in the classroom or virtually, this resource is designed to make book selection engaging, efficient, and fun for all students. Ready to spark your students’ love for reading? Click here to check out the resource!
Need help choosing the right books?
Grab my list of 100 YA Novels to add to your curriculum or classroom library. Any of these titles would be perfect for speed dating.
I’d love to hear how the book speed dating activity goes in your classroom! If you give it a try, be sure to share your experience in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what your students think. And if you’re looking for more inspiration or want to chat about your favorite books to introduce to your students, feel free to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue sharing ideas to get our students excited about reading!
Happy teaching!
