What if time travel were possible? What if magic and science collided? What if we lived in a world where artificial intelligence developed emotions—or where humanity had to fight for survival in a distant galaxy? These “what if” questions are the foundation of speculative fiction, a genre that invites readers to imagine worlds beyond our own. Highlights:
Today, we’re unpacking the world of poetry and its powerful potential to hook even the most reluctant readers. Joining me is an incredible educator, Lesa Smith. With a Master’s degree in English and Film Studies, Lesa is a master at blending literature, poetry, pop culture, and creativity to make her lessons unforgettable. In this episode, Lesa shares her love for poetry and her favorite strategies to connect students with poems in meaningful, approachable ways. Whether it’s tapping into their emotions, using pop culture references, or finding those perfect “aha!” moments, Lesa has a wealth of tips to help you transform poetry from intimidating to inspiring. Tune in and let these tips show you how poetry can help to create joyful
Verse novels—a format that’s as beautiful as it is powerful. Whether you’re new to the genre or already a fan, you’ll leave with practical tips and recommendations to bring verse novels to life in your classroom. Highlights: Benefits of Teaching Verse Novels Verse Novel Activities Best YA Verse Novels
Let’s talk about 5 contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.
Fresh assessment ideas, coming right up! Today we are wrapping up our exploration of the historical fiction genre with five assessment ideas you can use in your genre-based literature unit. These are creative projects that highlight all of the key knowledge students should gain from a unit like this while helping them hone those important 21st century skills.
Setting is your hook when we’re talking about historical fiction. I know it might not sound like the most thrilling lesson idea in the world, but stick with me because I have a few ideas that are going to be both fun and educational. Working through these activities always had students laughing and learning, so I know your students are going to love them, too.
I know it often feels like you just don’t have time to do all the things in your classroom. And it’s true, you don’t! But you do have plenty of time to choose a few things to do well. Today we’re going to talk about a few supplementary activities to include in your mystery unit and which skills are targeted through these purposeful additions. Hope you’re ready for some fresh ideas today, joyful readers, because I’m here to deliver.
What if time travel were possible? What if magic and science collided? What if we lived in a world where artificial intelligence developed emotions—or where humanity had to fight for survival in a distant galaxy? These “what if” questions are the foundation of speculative fiction, a genre that invites readers to imagine worlds beyond our own. Highlights:
Today, we’re unpacking the world of poetry and its powerful potential to hook even the most reluctant readers. Joining me is an incredible educator, Lesa Smith. With a Master’s degree in English and Film Studies, Lesa is a master at blending literature, poetry, pop culture, and creativity to make her lessons unforgettable. In this episode, Lesa shares her love for poetry and her favorite strategies to connect students with poems in meaningful, approachable ways. Whether it’s tapping into their emotions, using pop culture references, or finding those perfect “aha!” moments, Lesa has a wealth of tips to help you transform poetry from intimidating to inspiring. Tune in and let these tips show you how poetry can help to create joyful
Verse novels—a format that’s as beautiful as it is powerful. Whether you’re new to the genre or already a fan, you’ll leave with practical tips and recommendations to bring verse novels to life in your classroom. Highlights: Benefits of Teaching Verse Novels Verse Novel Activities Best YA Verse Novels
Let’s talk about 5 contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.
Fresh assessment ideas, coming right up! Today we are wrapping up our exploration of the historical fiction genre with five assessment ideas you can use in your genre-based literature unit. These are creative projects that highlight all of the key knowledge students should gain from a unit like this while helping them hone those important 21st century skills.
Setting is your hook when we’re talking about historical fiction. I know it might not sound like the most thrilling lesson idea in the world, but stick with me because I have a few ideas that are going to be both fun and educational. Working through these activities always had students laughing and learning, so I know your students are going to love them, too.
I know it often feels like you just don’t have time to do all the things in your classroom. And it’s true, you don’t! But you do have plenty of time to choose a few things to do well. Today we’re going to talk about a few supplementary activities to include in your mystery unit and which skills are targeted through these purposeful additions. Hope you’re ready for some fresh ideas today, joyful readers, because I’m here to deliver.
Looking for the BEST books to add to your ELA curriculum, classroom library, or let’s be real, your bedside table? Get my teacher-curated, student-approved list of 100 YA novels to add to your classroom by subscribing to my email list below!
