Edpuzzle Blog

Illustration by Edpuzzle Staff

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free. —Frederick Douglass

One of the greatest gifts a teacher can give to their students is helping them to fall in love with reading.

While it can be tricky to get certain students interested in the written word, you can try sparking their interest with some engaging, interactive videos!

We’ve put together a collection of video lessons for Book Lovers Day filled with poetry and plays to satisfy readers of all kinds! Take a look to see how you can use them to celebrate Book Lovers Day on August 9th and all year long.

Poetry video lessons

The poems included in the video lessons below celebrate books, poetry, and the love of language.

Your students will learn various literary techniques through these engaging video lessons featuring gorgeous animation and interactive pause points with questions for comprehension and reflection.

Finally, the video lesson on “What is poetry?” ties makes a great intro to students exploring the medium for the first time!

"There is no Frigate like a Book" by Emily Dickinson (Metaphor, Diction, Theme)

Copy video.

"I Am Offering This Poem" by Jimmy Santiago Baca (Repetition, Figurative Language)

Copy video.

“Yet Do I Marvel” by Countee Cullen (Allusion, Alliteration)

Copy video.

What is Poetry?

Copy video.

Drama video lessons

From William Shakespeare to Lorraine Hansberry, these plays bring words to life.

With video lessons that give an introduction and historical context to the plays plus close readings, your students will gain everything they need to cultivate an appreciation and love of theater!

Romeo and Juliet: Introduction and Historical Background

Copy video.

Romeo and Juliet: Act 1, Scenes 1-4 Summary and Close Reading

Copy video.

The Crucible: Act 1, Part 1 Summary and Close Reading

Copy video.

A Raisin in the Sun: Introduction and Historical Background

Copy video.

A Raisin in the Sun: Act 1, Scene 1 Summary and Close Reading

Copy video.

Let us know how you’re using these video lessons to help students fall in love with reading with a shoutout on Twitter! Happy Book Lovers Day!

Explore video lessons for book lovers