4 Fun Ways Teachers Can Use BookTok in the Classroom

I’m sure you know the saying, “If you can’t beat’em, join’em,” and when it comes to your students’ obsession with TikTok, you should definitely jump on the bandwagon. You can increase student engagement and make reading relevant by using “BookTok,” a subcommunity on TikTok. Read on to discover four fun ways to include BookTok in your classroom!

1. Book Recommendations

You could give your students book recommendations in person during class, but they might be more receptive if you use a social media platform they enjoy. Take advantage of the trending #BookTok to deliver your endorsements in a fun and creative way. For example, you could dress up as a character from the book or give your recommendations by way of playing songs that carry the same theme.

2. Compare and Contrast

Have students make their own TikToks (or just short videos if posting isn’t an option, especially with younger students) where they compare and contrast books based on theme, setting, characters, etc. Creating these videos isn’t just engaging for students, it requires them to use their higher-order thinking skills. Another idea is to have students compare and contrast books with their movie or TV versions.

3. Read an Excerpt

Want to get students interested in a book you’re about to read as a class? Post a teaser on BookTok to pique their curiosity. Check out some examples of what other teachers and students have created to spark ideas. You’ll be amazed at the creativity—and you might even hear about some books you want to add to your own to-read list.

4. Author Interviews

Even if you can’t conduct a real interview with a famous author, have students come up with a list of questions that they would like to ask if they could. Then, either you or a very kind colleague can dress up as the author and answer them. Additionally, you could do the same with characters from the book.

By Kelli Drummer-Avendano

Also read:

BookTok, the Literary Community on TikTok—Italian edition
4 High-Interest Elements to Use in the Language Classroom