First Chapter Fridays

When First Chapter Fridays first started, I was skeptical. The idea of reading just the first chapter of books sounded a little weird. But now, first chapter Fridays is one of my (and my students) favorite things about the week!  

First Chapter Fridays are an excellent opportunity to expose students to new books and authors that they may not have otherwise found on their own. And it’s also an excellent time for students in English classes to explore new genres and writing styles they may not have had a chance to before.  

If you’re looking to shake up your reading block, First Chapter Fridays are just what you need!

What is First Chapter Fridays?

First Chapter Fridays is a weekly event where the teacher reads the first chapter aloud to the students. It’s an opportunity to get students hooked on something new. I try to select books that I have multiple copies of and have a stellar first chapter. I want to read a chapter that will have the students begging to hear more. Next, I offer the students the opportunity to borrow one of my copies. There is usually a huge waitlist for people to check out First Chapter Friday books.

What Do Your Students Do?

Here is the kicker, I don’t make my students answer questions about the reading. Shocker, I know. I want First Chapter Friday to be an exciting time. My goal is to make sure that I’m fostering the love of reading; I don’t know about you, but answering questions every time I read something sure doesn’t make me fall in love.

However, I offer students a First Chapter Friday page to sketch or doodle on while I’m reading. They can capture quotes or sketch out what they visualize while I’m reading. If you want a copy of the sketch page my students use. Click here to download.

I know that some teachers prefer that while the teacher is reading aloud, the students usually complete some kind of worksheet or activity. This helps to keep them engaged and makes sure that they are actively listening to the story. To each his own! Do what works for your classroom.

How to Get The Most Out of First Chapter Fridays

Obviously, you want the first chapter of the book to be something that really grabs your student’s attention. So here are my top five First Chapter Friday books that I use in my middle school ELA classroom. 

1. Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park– Realistic Fiction

A tearjerking first chapter. I will ALWAYS use this as the first book of the year. 

2. Greystone Secrets #1: The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix -Mystery

I cheat on this one. This book has 3 different perspectives. So we read the first chapter of each perspective. Don’t worry; they are short. The third chapter leaves you on a massive cliffhanger, and my students are always begging me to keep reading; it’s the perfect stopping place for a First Chapter Friday.

3. New Kid by Jerry Craft – Realistic Fiction/Graphic Novel

I cheat on this one too; we watch the Youtube video of the first chapter. It’s a graphic novel, and I want my students to all to be able to see the pictures. Not just me walking around with it and them all squinting at it. 

4. Chains- Laurie Halse Anderson-Historical Fiction

I love this book! Ahh, it’s incredible. I spend at least 20 minutes rambling on and on about how excellent this book is. But, honestly, anything done by Laurie Halse Anderson will make you feel that way. 

5. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise– Dan Gemeinhart

My students are always so intrigued and interested in reading this one. Dan Gemeinhart weaves beautiful imagery throughout the first chapter and the entire book. My 6th graders always draw lots of pictures while reading this one. 

When it comes to First Chapter Fridays, there’s no wrong way to participate! The important part is reading something new and trying something different. So, grab your coffee (even if it’s cold), block out twenty minutes in your schedule, and crack open the first chapter!

Don’t forget to grab the FREE FIRST CHAPTER FRIDAY SKETCH PAGE HERE!