Tag: Books

Empowering Classrooms with Thoughtful Text Selection: Honoring John Steinbeck’s Legacy

Author: Erin Mulvany-Mankowski | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
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John Steinbeck is one of America’s greatest authors. His books expertly depict his time’s social and economic hardships and injustices, using compassionate writing to help readers develop empathy. Steinbeck is known for highlighting the fringes of society and forcing his readers to confront realities they would rather hide from. This is one reason he won … read more »

Cozy Up With a New Book in December!

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
Categories: To Be Read | Tags: , , , 1 Comment

December is Read A New Book Month! Teacher self-care in December is important. What better time to cozy up with a new book? Reading isn’t just enjoyable—it’s beneficial for your wellbeing. Studies show it reduces stress, promotes relaxation, provides an escape, enhances focus, and improves brain function. While finding your next great read can feel … read more »

What Can Your Public Library Do for You?

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
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What can your public library do for you as a teacher or school librarian? Schools and public libraries working together is a winning combination! Public libraries offer a wide variety of services as well as learning, programming, and collaboration opportunities for teachers and school librarians. Finding your closest public library is a breeze with the … read more »

Students and Nonfiction: A Winning Combination!

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , 1 Comment

Nonfiction reading has something for everyone! Even your most reluctant readers will find a nonfiction book about a topic they are interested in. Reading nonfiction can help students learn about and make connections to their world and history, think critically about topics, learn new vocabulary, increase comprehension, motivate further reading about their own interests, and … read more »

Celebrate Navajo Code Talkers!

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
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August 14th was National Navajo Code Talkers day! Celebrate the Navajo Code Talkers in your classroom this month or prepare lessons ahead of Native American Heritage Month in November. The Navajo Code Talkers are an interesting and engaging topic for students of all ages. Books and primary sources are a great way to hook students … read more »

Reading and Winter Break

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , ,
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Winter break, a time for rest, relaxation, and reading! Students may not think of reading as their favorite use of time over break, but you can change that. Helping students formulate a plan and get excited about their reading choices will go a long way. Student reading choice is an important factor in encouraging students … read more »

Classic Children’s Literature and Classroom Reading Lists

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
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Modernizing traditional reading lists for diverse learners is an issue that many educators are currently debating. This post is not intended to rehash the “choice versus canon” debate but to give you resources to inform your decision-making process in this area. Classics in the classroom have been a staple for many years. Rethinking reading lists … read more »

Engage with Award-Winning Books in Your Classroom!

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
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The American Library Association recently announced the 2021 winners of the youth media award. In addition, many other book awards for K-12 books were recently announced. Award-winning books are always an excellent addition to school libraries and classrooms! It’s like having a ready-made, vetted buying list.  Every year, the American Library Association honors outstanding books, … read more »

Strategies for Boosting Reading Engagement Through Your School Library

Author: Darshell Silva | Posted:
Categories: Library Media | Tags: , , 4 Comments

Providing reading materials for classrooms and students is a mainstay for school libraries. There are many strategies available to school librarians to boost reading throughout their schools, which in turn increases circulation – always a good thing for the school library program. The impact of school libraries and school librarians on reading and literacy in … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Learning First, Technology Second

Author: Ruth Okoye | Posted:
Categories: Let's Talk About | Tags: , , ,
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This week we started the TeachersFirst®️ summer book study. Our text this year is Learning First, Technology Second (ISTE, 2017) by Liz Kolb.  I first learned of Dr. Kolb and her work with instructional technology through my work with the ISTE Edtech Coaches PLN.  Dr. Kolb was the featured author in a session hosted by … read more »