By introducing students to grammatical concepts using mentor texts, we can help our classes see those concepts as tools for meaningful and effective writing that they can use for the rest of their lives. Educator Sean Ruday shares his own process.
So much to do! As teachers in grades 4-6 enter their first classrooms, Kathleen Palmieri offers keys to getting started. She includes accessing mentors, keeping track of planning, Google tools, engaging students, finding sources for class libraries and décor, and self-care.
Using their own experiences with classroom libraries and ideas from other professionals, Colby Sharp and Donalyn Miller provide insight, wisdom, and actionable practices for teachers in The Commonsense Guide to Your Classroom Library. Katie Durkin highly recommends it.
Whether you are a classroom veteran or a new teacher in your first room, Katie Durkin urges you to think about how you can repurpose, redesign, and rejuvenate your learning space so you feel fresh and ready to tackle the many opportunities for growth this coming school year.
After a year of having her classroom book collection in pandemic disarray, Katie Durkin was ready for a restart. “I’d been researching the benefits of promoting student voice and choice by having them assist in organizing an in-class library. Now I wanted to give it a try.”
Global Reading / International Mindedness / Wide Open Learning
by Megan Kelly · Published 10/20/2019 · Last modified 02/19/2025
When Megan Kelly asked her students to paste sticky notes on a world map to show the setting of YA novels they were reading for pleasure, she quickly saw she needed to diversify her classroom library. See her list of 19 recommended “adds” and share your own favorites!
Nonfiction Texts / Wide Open Learning
by Megan Kelly · Published 12/18/2018 · Last modified 02/19/2025
Students getting a bit bored with your classroom library? The return from winter break is a perfect time for a “refresh,” says teacher Megan Kelly. She stretches her dollars by purchasing nonfiction books with broad appeal. Here are a few of her cross-content favorites.
Could this be the year our students begin to discover their all-time favorite books? Jennifer Serravallo, literacy consultant and bestselling author of The Reading Strategies Book, shares 10 “back pocket” techniques that can help teachers match kids with great stories.
To reach the student who hasn’t made that essential positive connection with reading, you can do no better than apply the ideas detailed by Stephanie Harvey and Annie Ward in From Striving to Thriving. Reviewer Linda Biondi recommends having a box of tissues handy.
Self-check classroom and school “real estate” to make sure you’re organized to showcase, celebrate, and convey messages and content that invite all learners to joyfully learn more, writes author Regie Routman. In particular, critically examine your classroom libraries.
