Step 1: Preparation

Tell the students to bring their favourite book or a book that they like (or a book that contains stories that they liked in their childhood). Ask them to consider in which language this book is written and books in which other languages they and their family own and read.

Step 2: Introduction

The students take out their books and each shows their book briefly to the class and explains why they have chosen this book. 

Step 3: Translation

Each on their own, the students can now write a short summary of 5 to 7 sentences of the book in [the minority language]. Alternatively, depending on the pupils’ language proficiency in writing, they can translate the text on the back cover of the book into [the minority language] using an online dictionary, or they can summarise the content of the book in a few key words only in [the minority language]. Each student adds a sentence as a conclusion on why the classmates should read that book.

Step 4: Sharing the summaries and recommendations

Depending on the class size, each student can read their text out loud to the other students; alternatively, all the summaries can be posted to a classroom wall for the others to read. The teacher discusses any unclear terminology in [the minority language] with the students.

Based on the recommendations of their classmates, each student chooses the book they find most interesting and would like to read.

Step 5: Library research

Option 1: The teacher tells the students that they will now research a (preferably local) library catalogue online for the book that they have chosen. Together, the teacher familiarises the class with the layout and functioning of the website. The students then try to find the book by themselves. They should take notes on the following questions:

• Did you find your book?
• In how many languages is this book available? 
• Is it available in [the minority language]? Is it available in any other language (which you speak)?
• Which number does this book have? Where can you find it in the library?
• Is it possible to borrow this book from the library?

Option 2: The class visits a local library together. Together, they familiarise themselves with the organisation of the library, the catalogue and the shelves. Maybe an employee can assist the teacher with explanations. Depending on the local system, the students can now try to find the book that they have chosen. In the process, they should take notes on the questions above.

The teacher is advised to have a few book options ready to research for those students who chose books of their classmates that are not available in the (local) library (catalogue).

Step 6: Closing the lesson

The teacher asks which difficulties the students encountered during their research. How did they try to come up with solutions? What would they like to improve about the (local) library (catalogue) in order to avoid such difficulties?