In the realm of education, the battle against censorship and book banning is an age-old challenge. Yet, in today’s climate, it’s hard not to feel disheartened due to the state of affairs. That’s precisely why now, more than ever, we must stand firm against those who seek to banish books from our classrooms and libraries by celebrating Banned Books Week. The 2025 Banned Books Week theme is “Censorship is so 1984. Read for Your Rights.”
As educators, our mission extends beyond teaching standards; it’s about equipping our students with the essential tools to become critical thinkers. That’s why I wholeheartedly embrace Banned Books Week with my students every year.
Banned Books Week: Fostering Critical Thinking
Banned Books Week, which is typically celebrated in late September or early October, provides us with an excellent opportunity to engage in vital discussions about censorship and the act of banning books. It’s not just a week to celebrate literature but also a chance to celebrate intellectual freedom.
The conversations that arise during this week are truly profound. I find myself amazed, listening to my students’ perspectives. It is during Banned Books Week that we, as educators, witness the power of literature to stimulate critical thinking and foster open dialogue.
When we explore banned books and discuss the reasons behind their censorship, our students are challenged to question imposed norms and form their own ideas. Equally important, this week allows us to reflect on the significance of freedom of expression and access to diverse perspectives.
In the classroom, we seize this moment to read excerpts from books that were once deemed inappropriate, offensive, or dangerous. We analyze their content, discuss controversial themes, and delve into the historical context in which they were written. These conversations lead us to reflect on our past, present, and future as a society.
As we explore stories that were once prohibited, students discover the importance of literary diversity. They understand that literature challenges us, inspires us, and can even unleash social change. Banned Books Week reminds us that the freedom to read, write, and think is a fundamental right that we must defend and cherish.
Resources to Empower Your Instruction During Banned Books Week
With pacing guides and curriculum standards to follow, it may seem difficult to figure out a plan to implement Banned Books Week activities into your classroom. I promise that there are simple yet effective ways to foster critical thinking and encourage student discussions.
To empower you in celebrating Banned Books Week and facilitating these crucial discussions with your students, I’m thrilled to provide you with two invaluable FREE resources that I’ve utilized year after year.
Both of these resources have been tried and tested in my own classroom. I can vouch for their effectiveness in sparking thoughtful discussions and promoting a love for literature.
Bell Ringers
These engaging bell ringers are designed to kickstart meaningful conversations in your classroom. They are tailored to the themes of Banned Books Week and will get your students thinking critically about censorship, intellectual freedom, and the importance of diverse perspectives.
Students will read a quote from either a banned book or from the author of a banned book. They are required to answer a short text-based question. These discussion starters are the PERFECT tool to get students to practice critical thinking skills and meaningful collaboration with their classmates.
Interactive Bulletin Board
Create an eye-catching bulletin board that showcases banned books and the reasons they were challenged or banned. This interactive display not only sparks curiosity but also encourages students to explore these books on their own.
This FREE bulletin board contains 12 posters that can be used in a variety of activities during Banned Books Week. You can create a traditional bulletin board or Quote of the Day. Looking for a way to add some movement into your classroom? Create a gallery walk activity that students can view and leave their thoughts on sticky notes. The possibilities are endless.
Practice Research Skills and Hit Multiple ELA Standards with a NO PREP Project
If you are looking for something more to incorporate into your lessons during Banned Books Week, I have the PERFECT project for you! This NO PREP print and digital research project requires students to conduct online research about censorship and book banning. Students will then select a banned book and create an informative banner to educate their classmates.
This is one of my students’ FAVORITE activities to complete during the school year. Students are amazed to discover some of the reasons that books have been challenged. Furthermore, these banners can be used to create purposeful classroom decor, oral presentations and discussions, and more.
In addition, the Banned Books Banners include opportunities to hit the following ELA skills and CCSS standards:
- Conducting Online Research (Identifying Credible Online Sources) W.6-8.7
- Self-Generating Research Questions W.6-8.7
- Pulling Evidence/Information from Multiple Sources W.6-8.8
- Identifying Relevant Text Evidence from Online Sources W.6-8.7
- Citing Text Evidence (Quoting, Paraphrasing, or Summarizing) W.6-8.8
- Presenting Research Information on Banned Books (Oral Presentations) SL.6-8.4
Check out what other educators are saying about this resource!
Why Banned Books Week Needs to Be Included in the ELA Classroom
Banned Books Week is not just an event; it’s a movement that empowers educators and students alike. We should defend intellectual freedom and champion the right to read.
So, as we approach Banned Books Week, let us prepare to embark on this enlightening journey with our students. Let us celebrate the books that have been challenged and the enduring spirit of intellectual freedom. In addition, it’s a week that reminds us that literature is a powerful agent of change. As educators, we have the privilege and responsibility to nurture critical thinking and open dialogue in our students. We can help them to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom and empathy.
Join me in this important journey, and together, we can inspire the next generation of critical thinkers and lifelong readers.
