Secondary teachers: how can you increase classroom library engagement? I returned to teaching in 2015. For six years, I had worked part-time and blogged. When I left my full-time job…
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Art in English Class
Putting art in English class. Last year, my husband and I purchased a picture from a local art show. It’s a color image of a typewriter on wood. Guests ask…
Teacher’s Guide to Organizing First Chapter Friday
As you asked: the Teacher’s Guide to Organizing First Chapter Friday. Many people ask me questions about grammar. The second most requested bits of information are about First Chapter Friday.…
Picture Books in the Secondary Classroom
Do you use picture books in the secondary classroom? My librarian calls these books “everybody books” and with good reason. After I read The Book Whisperer, I knew that I…
Spice Up Literature Lessons with Infographics
Recently, I’ve spiced up literature lessons with infographics. I love infographics. They are a modern approach to outlines, memes, and other “clickable” content. My students are familiar with infographics, and…
10 Books for First Chapter Friday
Books for First Chapter Friday? These ten books worked well because their first chapters are awesome. Teachers ask me about how I manage First Chapter Friday, and I’ve written extensively…
Teaching Graphic Novels
Teaching graphic novels? I have taught graphic novels and have them in my classroom library. The picture below illustrates how I feel about graphic novels: colorful, with appealing pictures and…
What is First Chapter Friday?
What is First Chapter Friday? About two months ago, I published a post about my success with First Chapter Friday. I began using the hashtag #FirstChapterFriday on Instagram. Teachers asked…
Independent Reading and Class Novels
Teachers are currently experimenting with independent reading and class novels for high schoolers. I do both. I define independent reading as a student choosing a book and reading that book.…
Activities for Literature Lessons
Extension or review ideas for literature lessons? Sometimes, we teachers need a list to get ideas flowing, a starting point. I am currently brainstorming ways to make literature come alive…