Book browsing is a multi-leveled reading activity in which learners at different stages of development can look at books, approximate reading behaviours, or read books independently.

Book Browsing

Students will develop emerging:

• interest and enjoyment in reading a variety of print materials
• select and read materials appropriate to their interests and needs.

• · Browsing Boxes (boxes covered attractively and labeled appropriately and/or plastic bins) containing a variety of:
  • storybooks
  • nonfiction books with lots of pictures (particularly those related to a current topic)
  • books that have been read to children previously
  • children's magazines
  • copies of National Geographic¹⁹ or other interesting materials that combine intriguing pictures with text.
• Library corner with a variety of books attractively displayed with comfortable furniture including lots of cushions.

1. This is a simple strategy that works well with emerging learners. Simply set aside a short time each day for children to interact with books or other reading material of their choice, each other, and you.
2. Set out the Browsing Boxes or invite the children to the library corner to choose a book or magazine.
3. Show your own enthusiasm by choosing a book or magazine yourself.
4. At times, make yourself and any other adults in the room available to talk with children about their book discoveries.
5. Remind children about the careful handling of books/magazines and to return them to the same place when they finish with them.
6. Choose one child each day to talk to the class about one book or magazine s/he chose, why s/he chose it, something s/he found interesting in it, etc. Keep the atmosphere for these book discussions comfortable and informal. Do not press children to volunteer or elaborate on their ideas if they appear reluctant.