Sipping, Sampling, and Selecting: Inside My Classroom’s Literary Café

Being creative and putting in extra effort (without breaking the bank) is a surefire way to get students engaged – whether they are small or tall! Here’s how I brought the book tasting experience to life in my Grade 12 French class. 

I had seen many educators put their own spin on book tastings and had always wanted to try it myself. As a French high school teacher, I often struggle to get students excited about the novel unit. Since I teach in a francophone school where French class is the only mandatory class in grade 12, many students don’t see the value in the course. They question why they have to do the work, take the class, and insist they won’t “use” it in the future. 

This ongoing challenge pushes me to think outside the box to make learning meaningful for them. But sometimes, even my best efforts aren’t enough. That’s why I make my students a promise: I will always try to make things as fun and engaging as possible! 

One key factor in student engagement is choice. Giving students ownership over their learning makes a huge difference in motivation. So, even though I had just returned from maternity leave (with two beautifully crafted novel units ready to go), I decided to switch things up. I gave students a choice between four novels. This meant potential extra work for me, but if it got them excited about reading, it was worth it! 

For my class, the goal was to let students have a say in which novel we would study together. However, this activity is incredibly flexible. It could be used for independent novel studies, helping students explore different genres, or even just guiding them to pick a book from the library. No matter the goal, a book tasting is an easy and engaging way to spark interest in reading! 

What that looked like in my classroom  

When students walked in, their faces said it all – surprise, confusion, but most of all, curiosity. The classroom had completely transformed. Gone were the typical high school rows of desks. Instead, they found cozy groups of four, each table elegantly covered with a tablecloth, set with cups, menus, and, of course, a selection of books at the center. 

On the whiteboard, a welcoming sign read: “Welcome to The Hungry Quill.” (Because why not go all in on the theme?) 

Quick aside – one of my favorite teacher reads is Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess (highly recommend!). One of his best tips is to fully immerse yourself in the experience. It might feel a little over the top, but trust me – students eat it up (pun intended). So, in true Burgess style, I committed. 

I greeted them as the server for the day and guided them to their seats at our literary café. As they sipped on tea or hot chocolate, they tasted a variety of book samples from the menu. 

Yes, they laughed. But more importantly? They worked. Hard. 

I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Was it perfect? Of course not. Was it great? Absolutely. And now, I know exactly what to tweak for next time. 

P.S. If you’re letting students choose a class novel, double-check that they haven’t already read it in a previous course. Lesson learned – haha! 

How You Can Do It Too 

A creative and engaging activity doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. A little effort can go a long way in transforming a simple task into a memorable experience for your students. 

Step 1: Choose Your Books 

The heart of a book tasting (or literary café) is, of course, the books. Start by selecting your novels based on your objective: 

• Do you want students to vote on a novel for a whole-class study? 

• Are you hoping they’ll explore different genres to discover their personal preferences? 

• Will they choose an independent study novel from the selection? 

  
  

Whatever your goal, variety is key. Aim for a mix of genres, themes, and reading levels to accommodate all students. And, of course, make sure there are enough copies at each table! 

Step 2: Set the Scene 

To make this an immersive experience, create a café-like atmosphere. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top or expensive – just a few small touches can make all the difference. 

• Tablecloths or printed placemats for an inviting look 

• Cups and spoons for a cozy café feel 

• Optional centerpieces for extra ambiance 

  
  

I spent around $10 at the dollar store for tablecloths, cups, and spoons. I happened to have a jar of hot chocolate at home, but adding tea and hot chocolate would cost another $5 or so. Even with a small budget, the experience feels special! 

Step 3: Guide the Experience with a Worksheet 

For the book tasting to be meaningful, students need a clear task. A simple worksheet can help them stay focused while exploring each book. 

There are plenty of pre-made book tasting worksheets available on TPT, but I decided to create my own for a fully immersive experience. I even printed them on 11x17 paper to resemble real restaurant menus! 

In my resource, students: 

•  Explore the title, cover, summary, and read a few pages 

• Consider the difficulty of the language (a key factor in motivation) 

• Rate each book and select their top choice 

  
  

This approach not only makes book selection more engaging, but also helps students make informed decisions about their reading. 

Final Thoughts: A Small Effort for a Big Impact 

At the end of the day, activities like a book tasting aren’t just about choosing a novel – they’re about creating an experience that makes learning exciting and meaningful. It doesn’t take much to transform a routine task into something students will remember, and the effort is always worth it. 

Did my book tasting go perfectly? Nope. Did it engage my students and spark conversations about books? Absolutely. And that’s what matters most. 

So, if you’ve ever thought about trying something new in your classroom, go for it! A little creativity, a few dollars, and a willingness to have fun can make all the difference. 

What’s one simple way you’ve made learning more engaging in your classroom? I’d love to hear your ideas! 😊