First Chapter Friday
Samantha Behne
This year, I’m starting a new tradition in my classroom called First Chapter Friday. Every Friday, I’ll read the first chapter of a different book to my students. The idea is simple but powerful: to ignite excitement for reading and introduce them to books they might never have picked up on their own.
There’s something magical about the first chapter of a book. It’s where the journey begins—characters come to life, worlds unfold, and the promise of an adventure is laid out. But not every student gets to experience that magic. Some might always gravitate toward the same genres or authors, missing out on the diversity of stories available. Others might struggle with choosing books, unsure about what they’ll enjoy. That’s where First Chapter Fridays come in.
To make it even more exciting, I’m adding a special twist. A colleague of mine made me this fun, whimsical headband, and it’s going to be our First Chapter Friday signal. When my students see me put on the headband, they’ll instantly know it’s time to explore a new book. It will add an extra layer of fun and anticipation, turning our reading time into a mini-event they can look forward to every week.
By sharing a variety of books, I will expose my students to different genres, voices, and perspectives. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming tale, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a thought-provoking fantasy, each week will offer a new opportunity for discovery. My goal is to plant seeds of curiosity, to leave them wondering what happens next, and to inspire them to pick up that book and continue reading it on their own.
First Chapter Friday is more than a reading activity—it’s a way to build a community of readers in my classroom. It’s about showing my students that reading isn’t just an assignment; it’s an adventure waiting to be explored. I’m excited to see where these first chapters will take us and to watch as my students’ love for reading grows, one chapter at a time.
Watch this time lapse video of one of our team members making a headband using the template you can print below.
