World Book Day is celebrated annually on the first Thursday of March and it is an excellent opportunity for all teachers (whether drama teachers or not) to encourage a love of reading and storytelling in their students. This day allows you to combine the magic of books with the creativity of drama and in 2025, you can celebrate it on Thursday 6th March. So here are some World Book Day ideas for teachers of all subjects because who can’t inject a little drama into their lessons? There are some practical and engaging ideas for lessons, follow-up tasks and some whole-school ideas too. You’ll find a list of suitable books for different key stages at the end of the article too.
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Happy World Book Day 2025!
1. Book-themed performances
Encourage students to select their favourite book or a scene from a book and adapt it into a short play or skit. This allows students to delve deep into the characters and storyline, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the text. You can organise a performance day where students showcase their adaptations to their classmates, their year group or the whole school.
Follow-up ideas: Ask students to create a costume for the characters they are playing but set in a different time or society.
2. Character monologues
Ask students to choose a character from a book they love and write a monologue from that character’s perspective. They can then perform these monologues in class, giving them a chance to explore character development and emotional expression. This activity also helps improve their public speaking skills.
Follow-up ideas: Put students into small groups or pairs and ask them to develop a scene where their characters meet and have a discussion.
3. Create a living library
Transform your classroom into a “living library” where students dress up as their favourite book characters and share stories about their adventures. Other students can “borrow” these characters to listen to their stories. This interactive activity brings literature to life and encourages students to engage with books in a fun and imaginative way.
Follow-up ideas: Ask the students to create 3 different hashtags for each story and then get them to compare what these say about the similarities and differences between the stories. For example, Romeo and Juliet could have the hashtags: #love, #death, #familyfeud.
4. Drama-based book reviews
Instead of traditional book reports, have students create and perform book reviews. They can act out key scenes, highlight the main themes, and share their opinions about the book through dramatic presentations. This approach makes book reviews more dynamic and engaging.
Follow-up ideas: Task the students with writing a review of their book for 2 different age groups or sectors of society, for example, one for teenagers, and one for investors.
5. Storytelling workshops
Invite a local author, storyteller, or drama professional to conduct a storytelling workshop. This can include activities such as improvisation, voice modulation, and body language, all of which are essential skills for both drama and storytelling. Students can then apply these techniques to their performances.
Follow-up ideas: Ask the students to create a film storyboard of their story and get them to explain the main elements in only 6 pictures.
6. Create a new ending
Ask students to create a new ending for their favourite book. This can be done as a practical drama exercise or as a script-writing or story-writing exercise. Ask the students to explain why they have chosen the ending they have and hold a fan vote to see whether other students agree.
Follow-up ideas: Ask the students to imagine what the future holds for the characters as a result of their new ending. Get them to write a diary entry for the characters after 5 or 10 years from the revised ending.
7. Dramatic book clubs
Start a book club that focuses on drama-related books, books with strong dramatic elements or plays. Students can read and discuss these books, and then create performances based on their discussions. This combines literary analysis with creative expression and collaboration. Choose plays from different eras, non-fiction theatrical books and plays from different countries.
Follow-up ideas: Ask the students to create a dramatised TV debate show discussing the book. Make sure that some characters adopt opposing views of the books to spark debate.
8. Costume parade
Host a costume parade where students dress up as their favourite book characters. They can then participate in a parade around the school, sharing stories about their characters with other students. This is a fun and festive way to celebrate World Book Day and promote a love of reading but is perhaps best suited for younger KS2 students.
Follow-up ideas: Costumes for World Book Day are often limited to parent/carer’s budgets so ask the students to design a costume on paper or using mixed media, which they would like to be able to wear.
9. Book-themed improvisation games
Organise improvisation games based on book themes or characters. Students can draw prompts from a hat, such as “A day in the life of Harry Potter” or “An unexpected journey with Alice in Wonderland.” They then have to create and perform a short, improvised scene based on these prompts. This activity enhances creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork. Mix up the characters and ideas to see what original scenes the students can create.
Follow-up ideas: Ask the students to choose a character from one book and a situation or scene from another, such as Harry Potter in Charles Dickens’ Victorian England, or Macbeth in Wonderland. Get them to write a story or scene about what might happen.
10. Book adaptation workshops
Hold workshops where students learn how to adapt a book into a play or screenplay. They can work in groups to transform a short story or chapter from a book into a dramatic script, complete with dialogue and stage directions. This hands-on activity teaches students the fundamentals of scriptwriting and stagecraft.
Follow-up ideas: Get them to think about production elements for the scene they create such as the venue, set design, costumes and sound and lighting elements.
School-wide activities
In addition to drama-specific activities, here are some ideas for school-wide celebrations that can involve the entire student body:
Book swaps: Organise a book swap event where students can bring in books they’ve already read and exchange them for new ones. This encourages reading and allows students to discover new authors and genres.
Reading marathon: Host a reading marathon where students, teachers, and staff take turns reading aloud from a book or a selection of books throughout the day. This can be done in a central location, such as the school library, with participants taking short shifts to keep the reading going non-stop. You could even make this a sponsored event to raise money for books or LRC resources.
Author visits: Invite local authors or illustrators to visit the school and talk about their work. They can give readings, conduct workshops, and answer questions from students. This provides students with insight into the creative process and inspires them to explore their own storytelling abilities.
Costume parade: Have a school-wide costume parade where students and staff dress up as their favourite book characters. The parade can be followed by a competition or awards ceremony for the best costumes if you want to give out prizes. If you do this, you can create different categories such as:
Best costume made of recycled materials
Best homemade costume
Best sci-fi costume
Best historical costume
Literary treasure hunt: Organise a treasure hunt based on clues related to books and authors. Students can work in teams to solve riddles and find hidden treasures around the school. This activity promotes teamwork and a love of literature and works for books related to all different subjects. For example, use a chemistry or physics book to direct students around the science department, or use ordinance survey clues in the Humanities department.
Book fair: Set up a book fair where students can browse and purchase books. Partner with local bookstores or online retailers to provide a wide selection of titles. This not only promotes reading but also supports literacy initiatives.
Decorate classroom doors: Encourage each class to decorate their classroom door based on a favourite book. This can be a fun, collaborative project that showcases students’ creativity and love of reading.
Mr/Miss/Mrs ?? is reading: Put notices on classroom doors for teachers to write in the title of the books they are reading personally.
World Book Day offers drama teachers and other subject teachers alike a fantastic opportunity to merge literature, performance and learning. By incorporating these practical ideas into your celebrations, you can inspire a love of reading and drama in your students, making learning both enjoyable and meaningful. Let the magic of books and drama ignite the imagination of your students on this special day!
World Book Day Ideas For Teachers – Books for different key stages
Key Stage 1 (KS1) – Ages 5-7
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
Elmer by David McKee
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
Key Stage 2 (KS2) – Ages 7-11
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Matilda by Roald Dahl
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Holes by Louis Sachar
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Key Stage 3 (KS3) – Ages 11-14
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Key Stage 4 (KS4) – Ages 14-16
1984 by George Orwell
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Key Stage 5 (KS5) – Ages 16-18
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
1984 by George Orwell
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Beloved by Toni Morrison
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
These books should provide a wide range of reading experiences suitable for each educational stage. Happy reading!
World Book Day is such a fantastic opportunity to engage students with literature in creative ways, and I appreciate how this article presents ideas tailored for drama teachers. One thing that stood out to me was the emphasis on interactive activities – bringing books to life through performance is a brilliant way to deepen students’ understanding of storytelling. Have you found that certain genres work better than others when adapting books into drama-based lessons? I imagine fantasy and classic literature might lend themselves well to theatrical interpretations, but I’d love to hear if more contemporary works have been just as effective. Also, how do you handle students who may be hesitant to participate in performance-based activities? It would be great to hear strategies for making these experiences accessible and enjoyable for all learners.
Author
Hi Slavisa. Thanks for reading the article and offering your thoughts. In my experience, there is very little that cannot be used to inspire drama students. I’ve used drama to teach about states of matter (solid, liquid gas) before! Stories of all genres can be used for drama activities because they basically deal with the human condition, but I think that some genres lean more towards different aspects than others. Sci-fi will stimulate imagination and creativity; historical books tend to touch on social issues and human struggles; and more contemporary books give students a voice and confidence that there is always someone out there who feels like they do.
To answer your question about students who are hesitant to perform, there are many of these, but that doesn’t mean they can’t engage and join in. There does not always need to be a performance or showcase of the work done in class. Teachers can circulate as students are rehearsing to see how their students are getting on. I have also offered these students a more directorial role, or a creative designer role such as designing costumes, set, sound or lights. There are many options in GCSE drama for non-performers as the theatre is a multi-faceted industry and does not just rely on actors.
I hope you will let me know how you intend to celebrate World Book Day. Thanks for visiting and come back soon. Gail
I didn’t even know there was a World Book Day, and I consider myself somewhat of an avid reader. But this initiative geared towards developing the love of reading is awesome. As a kid I can see how cool it would be to re-enact characters from a favourite book. Character monologues, drama based reviews, creating new ends are just a few of your suggesions and I think they are all hits! Imagine I’m excited about the ideas and I’m neither a teacher nor a student at this time.
Nevertheless, my sister is a teacher and I’ll definitely be sharing this post with her and her colleagues. I’m sure these ideas will drum up some drama in the classroom and ultimately create a path to develop a life-long love for reading in students.
Author
Hi Roberta. Thanks for your comments and I’m glad we’ve been able to enlighten you about World Book Day. Here in the UK, most schools mark the day in some way and as you drive to work on that morning, you often see streams of primary children dressed up in their favourite characters. My girls used to love it, making costumes for Fantastic Mr Fox, Mrs Trunchball, Ballet Shoes and The Queen of Hearts to name but a few.
I hope your sister and her colleagues will find something useful and be inspired to add a little drama to their lessons.
Happy reading!
-Great post about World Book Day!
-I think that it’s a clever idea to try to get kids dressed up into costumes and even swap positions in each other’s stories and such; really makes you focus on the context of each character and storyline.
-The list that you created at the end of the article along with all the ages for the appropriate stories seems like a good list, as well.
-Character monologues are a good exercise along with creating a perfect ending; very critical type of learning method.
-Finally, any and all kinds of all-school activities- including bookshops- are appropriate for the entire student body to engage in altogether, as a whole.
-Best,
ALEJANDRO G.
Author
Hi Alejandro. Thanks for your comments here. I’m glad you liked some of the ideas and found them useful. World Book Day is a great time to dress up and indulge your imagination with a bit of fun and revelry. We drama teachers like a bit of dressing up after all. I hope you have a fun time whatever you do. Gail
World Book Day is such a fantastic opportunity to engage students with literature in creative ways, and I appreciate how this article presents ideas tailored for drama teachers. One thing that stood out to me was the emphasis on interactive activities – bringing books to life through performance is a brilliant way to deepen students’ understanding of storytelling. Have you found that certain genres work better than others when adapting books into drama-based lessons? I imagine fantasy and classic literature might lend themselves well to theatrical interpretations, but I’d love to hear if more contemporary works have been just as effective. Also, how do you handle students who may be hesitant to participate in performance-based activities? It would be great to hear strategies for making these experiences accessible and enjoyable for all learners.
Hi Slavisa. Thanks for reading the article and offering your thoughts. In my experience, there is very little that cannot be used to inspire drama students. I’ve used drama to teach about states of matter (solid, liquid gas) before! Stories of all genres can be used for drama activities because they basically deal with the human condition, but I think that some genres lean more towards different aspects than others. Sci-fi will stimulate imagination and creativity; historical books tend to touch on social issues and human struggles; and more contemporary books give students a voice and confidence that there is always someone out there who feels like they do.
To answer your question about students who are hesitant to perform, there are many of these, but that doesn’t mean they can’t engage and join in. There does not always need to be a performance or showcase of the work done in class. Teachers can circulate as students are rehearsing to see how their students are getting on. I have also offered these students a more directorial role, or a creative designer role such as designing costumes, set, sound or lights. There are many options in GCSE drama for non-performers as the theatre is a multi-faceted industry and does not just rely on actors.
I hope you will let me know how you intend to celebrate World Book Day. Thanks for visiting and come back soon. Gail
I didn’t even know there was a World Book Day, and I consider myself somewhat of an avid reader. But this initiative geared towards developing the love of reading is awesome. As a kid I can see how cool it would be to re-enact characters from a favourite book. Character monologues, drama based reviews, creating new ends are just a few of your suggesions and I think they are all hits! Imagine I’m excited about the ideas and I’m neither a teacher nor a student at this time.
Nevertheless, my sister is a teacher and I’ll definitely be sharing this post with her and her colleagues. I’m sure these ideas will drum up some drama in the classroom and ultimately create a path to develop a life-long love for reading in students.
Hi Roberta. Thanks for your comments and I’m glad we’ve been able to enlighten you about World Book Day. Here in the UK, most schools mark the day in some way and as you drive to work on that morning, you often see streams of primary children dressed up in their favourite characters. My girls used to love it, making costumes for Fantastic Mr Fox, Mrs Trunchball, Ballet Shoes and The Queen of Hearts to name but a few.
I hope your sister and her colleagues will find something useful and be inspired to add a little drama to their lessons.
Happy reading!
-Great post about World Book Day!
-I think that it’s a clever idea to try to get kids dressed up into costumes and even swap positions in each other’s stories and such; really makes you focus on the context of each character and storyline.
-The list that you created at the end of the article along with all the ages for the appropriate stories seems like a good list, as well.
-Character monologues are a good exercise along with creating a perfect ending; very critical type of learning method.
-Finally, any and all kinds of all-school activities- including bookshops- are appropriate for the entire student body to engage in altogether, as a whole.
-Best,
ALEJANDRO G.
Hi Alejandro. Thanks for your comments here. I’m glad you liked some of the ideas and found them useful. World Book Day is a great time to dress up and indulge your imagination with a bit of fun and revelry. We drama teachers like a bit of dressing up after all. I hope you have a fun time whatever you do. Gail