Have you avoided poetry as a teacher as much as possible? Does your class groan when you say it's the next unit? Does poetry make you or your students feel uncomfortable or less confident? Poetry can be really fun! I hope at least one of these 10 ideas helps you embrace it!
What I Read in 2021 and What I’m Reading in 2022
Here are my Top 8 books I read in 2021 along with my Top 8 priorities for 2022. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. If you have year-end recommendations or goals for 2022, I'd love to hear them!
10 Reasons to Let Readers Reach
When 5th grade students are reading at a primary level or a 7th grader is still at a 3rd or 4th grade level, it can be hard to make sure they're engaged in what they're reading and don't feel embarrassed by the books they hold in class. I'm sharing why I believe you should let students reach for texts that are out of their instructional level. There are benefits to this for them, books you can use that will be less of a stretch, and other strategies you can use to support them in their reading growth and identity as a reader.
Hi-Lo Books for Struggling Middle School Readers
Do you struggle finding age appropriate books that are still accessible based on the reading level of your struggling readers? These recommendations should give you lots of ideas for which books to press into your students' hands!
15 Nonfiction Graphic Novel Recommendations
I took awhile to get on the graphic novel train, but I'm on it now! I had no idea there were many quality, nonfiction graphic novels out there, so I want to share 15 I've enjoyed - both informational and biographical. I'll take more recommendations!
7 Ideas for Using Google Slides for Collaborative Work
Google Slides are great for Collaborative Work! Think about collaborative story writing, number sense routine discussions, jigsaw reading, and more! See my periodic table project for one such idea.
5 Reasons I use Digital Readers’ Notebooks
I love having kids reflect in journals on paper and take notes in notebooks; however, I've enjoyed using Google Slides as digital reader's notebooks. Read here to get a set of slides you can adapt and use for free.
18 Go-To Book Recommendations for Adults
Are you looking for a new book for yourself?! I always am! I love to read. Here are some of my go-to recommendations if I get chatting about books.
Books and Snow Days
1. Snow Day Community Builder Bingo I was recently at a professional development day for teacher leaders where we participated in a bingo card as a community builder. Many of the squares were more specific to adults, so I adjusted it a tiny bit and made one for my class. Here it is! 2.... Continue Reading →