Spreading research- based practices and the joy of reading.
As secondary teachers, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our classrooms, and one wonderful way to do so is by embracing Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual observance, which runs from September 15th to October 15th, provides an excellent occasion to explore the rich tapestry of …
One common question in teacher facebook groups is “what are some must have books to have in my classroom” and my standard response is always the same: Start with the students in your classroom and ensure that they are represented by including diverse books. As Dr. Bishop noted, “[W]hen children …
Read MoreDiverse Books for Middle and High School Classrooms
Building a reader’s community in your classroom is a way to motivate middle and high school readers. Many middle and high school students struggle to read much less have a desire to read for pleasure. Yet, reading can help students develop critical thinking skills, learn new information, and expand their …
Read MoreBuilding a Reader’s Community to Motivate Middle and High School Readers
Time to blog about my two favorite things: books and travel as I recap my weekend at the American Library Association (ALA) conference in Chicago. This was my first time attending ALA and even though it is geared towards those in the librarian world, I thought, “well, I do have …
A few common questions I often see in teacher social media spaces are “What books do you read with your students?” or “What’s your favorite book to read with your students and why?” While these are valid questions, they don’t always help teachers who are just starting out or who …
Read MoreBook Selection Strategies: How to Choose Books to Read for Your Classroom
Why Black Characters Matter Simple. Children including all shades of black children deserve to have their experiences named. This is why it is important to assign books with black characters and books that have black characters as protagonists, role models, heroes, etc. In his 2014 op-ed, “Where Are the People …