Each month I choose a picture book for my students to review.  As each student reads the book, they move a magnet with their name below the “Thumbs Up” sign or below the “Thumbs Down” sign according to their personal evaluation of the book.  I am careful to choose a book that is at most students’ independent reading level.  My students like to be able to move their magnet and show their own review of the book.

Have a dedicated space for questions.  Even if the question is off topic, it can be put on a post - it on the parking lot to be answered later.

I have a large map of the United States on a bulletin board near my classroom library.  Every time a student reads the name of a city, state, or famous landmark in their book, they pinpoint the geographic location on the map with a push pin.  Both fiction and nonfiction texts work perfectly for this activity.  It is also a great way to integrate reading with social studies. My students like to see how the map has filled with pushpins over the course of the year.