It's a Commercial FOR a BOOK!!!

"A trailer is like a commercial - you are trying to "sell" this book to someone." - Larry Ferlazzo

What is a Book Trailer?
A book trailer is a short digital video that combines the characteristics of a movie trailer with a book advertisement.

Purpose of a Book Trailer:
Books trailers can be used as a fun alternative to a book report or a book advertisement. Students present the central characters, themes, conflict or issues of the book visually with written and/or voiceover narration. Students have the creative freedom to incorporate music, graphics and transitions.

Resources/Online Platforms Used to create Book Trailers:
Screencast-o-matic, Voicethread, Animoto, iMovie (MAC), Powtoon, Photostory 3  can be used to create a Book Trailer. Check out the Book Trailer below that I created using Animoto to showcase the children's book "I Feel a Foot!"

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The process of creating a book trailer was an enlightening and interesting experience. One thing I have learned is that a Book Trailer can be used in a variety of ways. Not only can it be used in content areas like science, but Book Trailers can be used to represent a variety of contents. They are an excellent way to communicate the excitement of reading, science, math, etc. while promoting new or favorite books. 

In addition to this, Book Trailers not only examples of 21st-century information skills but it is also an approach to reaching a variety of learners. As a teacher candidate,  I have learned that the learners within my classroom will all approach learning and school in a variety of different ways. The goal of an educator is to reach these students, meet their needs and help them excel in the classroom. Book Trailers have the potential to reach these students and engage them in a way that traditional assignments do not. Having students create Book Trailers as opposed to giving traditional presentations or discussions opens up the modes and media students use to communicate what they know. 

Creating a Book Trailer is a unique way to promote reading and a valuable tool for engagement. Specifically, it can be a creative way to integrate science content and literacy. Research has shown that this integration of literacy effectively supports the development of science content; click here to view the research article.