12 Ways to Build Literacy in the Secondary Classroom: secondary teachers share ideas for literacy in high school! I love books. Love, love reading. I collect books and decorate with…
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Increase Classroom Library Engagement
Secondary teachers: how can you increase classroom library engagement? You can change student reading habits with an engaged classroom library. I returned to teaching in 2015. For six years, I…
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. Improve classroom management and relationships with students with these First Chapter Friday, high school ideas. Many people ask me…
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. Plus, I love literature lessons. Infographics are a modern approach to outlines, memes, and other “clickable” content. My students…
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. Research changes and evolves with all components of education. When I attend professional development,…