If your puzzled about how to excite patrons about reading, then try this themed reading motivator.

Select a theme and books that you would like your patrons to read. Then purchase a puzzle that reflects that theme. For example, books about the ocean and sea life may relate to a dolphin puzzle.

Put the puzzle together on a large piece of bulletin board paper. Using a thin, permanent marker outline the puzzle, then remove each piece one-by-one, tracing around its shape. Number the piece and the blank space on the paper.

Display the bulletin board paper with the puzzle shape on a wall or bulletin board. Each time studnets finish books related to the theme, they may apply one puzzle piece to the paper. Use rubber cement on the back of the puzzle piece only. While the rubber cement is still wet, attach the piece to the corresponding space.

Be certain the patrons spread the glue evenly in a thin layer. Be careful not to spread the glue too close to the edges. It will overlap onto the other pieces. One nice thing about rubber cement is that if glue does spread in an area where it's not wanted, it is easy to rub the glue off when it dries. This not only applies to surfaces such as paper, but the glue will also rub off of skin. Rubbing the rubber cement may take the picutre off the puzzle piece. To obtain the removable bond, brush the rubber cement on one surface and immediately join the two pieces being glued together. If the piece is to be removed, gently peel from the outer edge to separate the two pieces.

Related Books

How to Hide an Octopus, by Ruth Heller.
Describes, using rhyming text, how various sea animals change color to blend in with their surroundings.

The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor, by Joanna Cole
On another special field trip on the magic school bus, Ms. Frizzle's class learns about the ocean and the different creatures that live there.

Dolphin Talk: Whistles, Clicks, and Clapping Jaws, by Wendy Pfeffer
Describes how dolphins communicate with each other in squeaks, whistles, and pops.

Dolphins and Sharks: A Nonfiction Companion to Dolphins at Daybreak, by Mary Pope Osborne
Discusses dolphins and sharks, their ocean habitats, and general information about oceans and oceanography.