Reading slumps are totally real. I’ve experienced it firsthand; I do really well for a period of time, consuming book after book. I bring stacks home from school and devour them while watching tv with my kids. Then, on the flipside, life gets too busy sometimes and I can’t even imagine having the time toContinue reading “Are you in a Reading Slump??”
Category Archives: novels
If you like….
I love sharing book recommendations with students. I get so excited when I find a new book and I think about which particular would connect best with it. Sometimes they’re not excited as I am, but I do think they appreciate the idea that I thought of them specifically for it. I’ve started putting togetherContinue reading “If you like….”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.“ -Martin Luther King Jr. In the past, I always took this day for granted; I never resonated with the importance and sanctity of it. As a kid, I ignorantly appreciated it because it was aContinue reading “Martin Luther King Jr.”
5 Books I’m Thankful For…
Every once in a while I read a book that stays with me long after I finish it. The characters’ journeys stay with me and I feel thankful to that author for writing such an incredibly powerful story. As we’re all giving thanks this season, I’m especially thankful for these 5 books. They’ve all stayedContinue reading “5 Books I’m Thankful For…”
Keep Those Books Out!
The other day we celebrated Indigenous People Day, formally Columbus Day. I think rebranding that day is a small step in the direction we need to be heading: honoring and respecting people from all backgrounds. Back when I was in the classroom, I was one of those teachers that has bins and bins of pictureContinue reading “Keep Those Books Out!”
Spooky Middle Grade Novels
Middle grade novels are my favorite! I’ve blogged about this before so it’s not a surprise. The length is perfect and they’re always so well written. One of my favorite things though, is just how many different genres there are for our intermediate readers! My favorite is historical fiction, but every once in a while,Continue reading “Spooky Middle Grade Novels”
Book Report Alternatives
Is there anything more terrible than a traditional book report?! Forcing kids to write a summary and/or reflection about their book seems so boring…the only thing a traditional book report does, is kill a love of reading. There are so many alternatives out there that are engaging and would provide excitement for students. Any ofContinue reading “Book Report Alternatives”
Remembering 9/11
I was in the high school commons laughing about something stupid at a table with my friends. We didn’t have a care in the world and we were just waiting until the last possible second before we had to get to our next class. All of a sudden, we heard our principal over the intercomContinue reading “Remembering 9/11”
Launching Book Clubs….Remotely
My love for student-led book clubs has grown tremendously over the past few years. We’ve worked so hard on getting our students to become independent readers and thinkers, and seeing it all come together in a book club, is one of the best feelings. My district made the decision to go full remote, and sinceContinue reading “Launching Book Clubs….Remotely”
Cover Annotations
So often I think we as teachers are quick to skip past the cover art of a new book. We’re usually so excited to get into the story with our students that we just dive right in. Unfortunately, by doing that we’re missing an amazing opportunity to allow students to interact with the text beforeContinue reading “Cover Annotations”
Windy City Literacy 