No More Either/Or: How to Integrate Choice Reading with Your Curriculum

Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics- independent reading. And more specifically, how to make it work alongside your full-class novels. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to lit circles or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone Highlights: Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellringer Try a Genre-Based Literature Circle Connect Your Novels Through Literary Elements Compare and Contrast in Key Assignments Show That Independent Reading Matters

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Lesa Smith on Using Poetry to Create Joyful Readers

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

continue reading

Press Play: How Audiobooks Inspire Joyful Readers

Are audiobooks really reading? Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Whether you’re reading with your eyes or your ears, the heart of reading is comprehension, connection, and storytelling. In this episode, I’ll break down why listening to audiobooks counts as reading, backed by research and classroom experience. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite YA audiobooks that will have you—and your students—hitting play again and again. Highlights: Why Audiobooks Count Ways to Use Audiobooks in the Classroom Some of My Favorite YA Audiobooks

continue reading

Why Graphic Novels Matter: A Talk with Librarian Amanda Hunt

I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who is truly shaping the future of school libraries—Amanda Hunt. She’s here to talk with us about the importance of graphic novels in education, how they can transform classroom engagement, and her top recommendations for building an incredible graphic novel collection. If you’ve ever wondered how graphic novels can support literacy and empower students, this episode is for you.

continue reading

The Only Close Reading Routine You’ll Ever Need

You’re in for a treat today! I’m sharing something I’ve developed and refined over my 15 years in the classroom: my tried-and-true process for close reading. If you’re an ELA teacher looking for a practical, step-by-step method to help your students tackle complex texts with confidence, you’re in the right place. Close reading can feel daunting for students, but I’m here to tell you—it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the process I’ve used successfully for years, and by the end, you’ll have a system you can take straight to your classroom. Highlights:

continue reading

Why You Need a Strong Close Reading Routine

Reading isn’t joyful when it’s hard, right? We all want to share amazing books and do fun, engaging activities to get kids excited about reading, but we also can’t forget the importance of those foundational skills. So today, we’re diving into some research about why having a strong, predictable close reading routine can be a total game-changer in your classroom. Highlights:

continue reading

Best Practices for Independent Reading: 3 Strategies to Enhance Any System

Hi there, joyful readers! When you start thinking about implementing independent reading, inevitably you’re going to have a lot of questions. I’m gathering 3 of my most frequently asked questions and addressing them in today’s episode to help you get started with implementing your own system. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the practice or a seasoned veteran, this episode has helpful strategies no matter where you are on your journey. Let’s get to it.

continue reading

No More Either/Or: How to Integrate Choice Reading with Your Curriculum

Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics- independent reading. And more specifically, how to make it work alongside your full-class novels. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to lit circles or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone Highlights: Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellringer Try a Genre-Based Literature Circle Connect Your Novels Through Literary Elements Compare and Contrast in Key Assignments Show That Independent Reading Matters

continue reading

Lesa Smith on Using Poetry to Create Joyful Readers

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

continue reading

Press Play: How Audiobooks Inspire Joyful Readers

Are audiobooks really reading? Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Whether you’re reading with your eyes or your ears, the heart of reading is comprehension, connection, and storytelling. In this episode, I’ll break down why listening to audiobooks counts as reading, backed by research and classroom experience. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite YA audiobooks that will have you—and your students—hitting play again and again. Highlights: Why Audiobooks Count Ways to Use Audiobooks in the Classroom Some of My Favorite YA Audiobooks

continue reading

Why Graphic Novels Matter: A Talk with Librarian Amanda Hunt

I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who is truly shaping the future of school libraries—Amanda Hunt. She’s here to talk with us about the importance of graphic novels in education, how they can transform classroom engagement, and her top recommendations for building an incredible graphic novel collection. If you’ve ever wondered how graphic novels can support literacy and empower students, this episode is for you.

continue reading

The Only Close Reading Routine You’ll Ever Need

You’re in for a treat today! I’m sharing something I’ve developed and refined over my 15 years in the classroom: my tried-and-true process for close reading. If you’re an ELA teacher looking for a practical, step-by-step method to help your students tackle complex texts with confidence, you’re in the right place. Close reading can feel daunting for students, but I’m here to tell you—it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the process I’ve used successfully for years, and by the end, you’ll have a system you can take straight to your classroom. Highlights:

continue reading

Why You Need a Strong Close Reading Routine

Reading isn’t joyful when it’s hard, right? We all want to share amazing books and do fun, engaging activities to get kids excited about reading, but we also can’t forget the importance of those foundational skills. So today, we’re diving into some research about why having a strong, predictable close reading routine can be a total game-changer in your classroom. Highlights:

continue reading

Best Practices for Independent Reading: 3 Strategies to Enhance Any System

Hi there, joyful readers! When you start thinking about implementing independent reading, inevitably you’re going to have a lot of questions. I’m gathering 3 of my most frequently asked questions and addressing them in today’s episode to help you get started with implementing your own system. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the practice or a seasoned veteran, this episode has helpful strategies no matter where you are on your journey. Let’s get to it.

continue reading

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