Our class Book Flood
Last year I learned about the Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod. On Christmas Eve, Icelanders give one another books and spend the entire night reading as they sip hot chocolate. On episode 31 of The Life Life podcast , Stephanie Affinito shared Emily Kilgore’s beautiful picture book, The Christmas Book Flood describing the tradition. As soon as I finished listening to this episode, I ordered the book and made plans to bring the tradition to my family. This year, I decided to bring the tradition to my fifth grade classroom.
Planning our classroom book flood
I read Kilgore’s book to my class and suggested we hold our own book flood on the last day of school before winter break. The Christmas Book Flood emphasizes the importance of findings the perfect book. Afterall, it has to hold your attention for the entire night, or in our case, about an hour. I stressed that students must choose wisely because my one rule was that we read the entire time. I did not want anyone to realize that they did not like their book and need to select a new one. These stakes made for a great opportunity to revisit ways to choose books! My students and I gave book talks, made recommendations and created TBR (to be read) lists.
Our book flood helped jump start planning our vacation reading. Students completed vacation reading plans (as they did before our last break- read more here) and listed books they hoped to read. I believe that starting one of these books before break will increase the likelihood that students continue reading during the break. Stay tuned!
Our book flood
Students requested that we dim the lights and helped me put a fireplace scene complete with the crackling noise on our Promethean board. They wore pajamas to school and brought a small blanket and stuffed animal. It took a few minutes to get settled but once they selected a spot under desks or on the rug, they became absorbed in their books. After making hot chocolate in the crock pot and passing out Hershey kisses, I sat and read alongside them. It was wonderful!
Family traditions
Books and chocolate sit under my tree waiting for my daughters to unwrap for our Jolabokaflod. As I eagerly await that moment, I think of my students. We talk a lot about the idea of “found family” when discussing characters in the books we read. We discuss how this type of family is composed of individuals not related by blood but bound by compassion and care. This time of year can be difficult for some students. It is my hope that bringing Jolabokaflod to our classroom reminds them that we are a family. For this tradition not only reinforces the joy of reading, but also gives students a sense of belonging.
Books and chocolate! This year’s selection for my daughters.
