Why I'm Obsessed with This Simple Reading Activity (And Your Students Will Be Too!)

Last week in my Teachers Pay Teachers note to followers, I resurrected my creativity with a free resource for grammar instruction. After life threw me a curveall in the form of a new job teaching high school courses, my best intentions to stay connected met reality. Oops!

But like I mentioned in last week's post, summer is a great time for a fresh start. And while you're (hopefully) taking some well-deserved time to recharge, read that book that's been gathering dust on your night stand, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee while it's still hot, I'm over here plotting and planning to bring you the consistent encouragement, communication, and resources that Story Trekker has always been about. So today I'm here on my couch trying to keep the momentum going with practical resources that make your teaching life easier. Like my title suggestions, I've got a good one!

The Beauty of Simple Solutions

Let me paint you a picture: It's Monday morning, you're introducing a new novel unit, and you need something to get students engaged without adding to your already overflowing prep list. Enter the (free!!!!) "Benefits of Reading" hold-up game – a no-prep activity that requires literally zero setup but delivers maximum impact.

The concept couldn't be simpler. Students either stand up or hold up cards marked "true" or "false" as you read fascinating facts about the benefits of reading. But here's where it gets interesting – these aren't just fluffy feel-good statements. We're talking real, research-backed benefits that will genuinely surprise your students (and maybe even you!).

What Makes This Activity Work

It's Kinesthetic Without the Chaos We all know our students need to move, but sometimes elaborate kinesthetic activities can feel overwhelming to plan and manage. This activity gives students that physical engagement they crave while keeping things beautifully simple. Stand up for true, sit down for false – even your most reluctant participants can handle that.

It Sparks Authentic Conversations Here's what I love most: the discussions that naturally emerge. When students learn that reading fiction can actually increase empathy or that regular readers tend to live longer, suddenly they're asking questions, sharing their own reading experiences, and – dare I say it – getting excited about the novel you're about to start.

It Builds Real-World Connections Too often, we teach reading as if it only matters within our classroom walls. This activity flips that script by showing students how reading impacts their lives, their relationships, and their futures. It's not just about passing the next test – it's about becoming better humans.

Perfect for Multiple Purposes

I've used this activity in so many different ways:

• As a novel unit opener to generate excitement

• As a quick brain break that's actually educational

• For parent night presentations to show the importance of home reading

The versatility is incredible, and because it's completely no-prep, you can pull it out whenever you need it.

The Conversation Starter You've Been Looking For

What I didn't expect when I first created this resource was how it would open up conversations about reading habits and attitudes. Students start sharing their favorite books, talking about reading challenges they face, and even asking for book recommendations. It creates this beautiful moment where reading becomes personal rather than just academic.

Ready to Try It?

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most powerful ones. This activity proves that you don't need fancy technology or elaborate setups to create meaningful learning experiences. You just need facts that fascinate, a way to get students moving, and the confidence to let authentic conversations unfold.

I truly believe that nurturing a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our students. This little activity is just one small way to plant those seeds, and I can't wait to hear how it works in your classroom.

Happy Summer my teaching friends! 📖✨