What happens when you want to offer teachers a book study experience, but you do not have the time to meet or the money to purchase books for everyone? You start a book relay!

I know, I know. How could I possibly say ‘text rendering’ and ‘set hearts on fire’ in the same title? Because it’s possible. 

I have a confession to make: I am a fast reader. And sometimes, too fast. I devour books in the moment and savor their lessons, but less than one month later might have difficulty recalling the title to share with a friend. Actually, if I’m completely honest, I tend to do everything too fast and rush through moments that I would enjoy much more fully if I were just a bit more present. But, I’m working on it, especially in my reading life.

I love reading. And I especially love sharing my reading with others. That’s why I love professional (and personal!) book clubs and book study groups so much: they invite me into a community of readers that always expands my thinking and furthers my learning. 

But here’s the thing: teachers are busy. Sure, we might want to take part in book clubs, but we might hesitate because of our busy schedules, wondering if we will REALLY get something out of participating that we wouldn't get reading the book alone. 

As a coach, we need to connect teachers to the right book, convince them the content is worth reading and ensure their time spent discussing the book will be worth it. In short, we need to show them the value of the book club. And we can do that with book bits. 

Let’s talk about sparks. No, I do not mean sparklers, fireworks or something igniting. I mean the opening moves, hooks, writing prompts, provocations or other ways to spark attention, motivation or engagement for both teachers and students. And specifically, let’s talk about sparks to launch book study conversations.

I love collecting bookmarks. My favorites are those that have been handmade by my children or have beautiful quotes and images on them to inspire my reading and thinking. I have one bookmark that I purchased at a craft fair in Boston that was made completely from recycled wrappers. Beautiful. While I love these bookmarks for the feelings they evoke as I slip them between the pages of a book, I have a particular love of another kind of bookmark when working with teachers in book clubs: the QR code bookmark. Let me explain.