TL;DR: Book bans pose challenges for teachers, requiring them to navigate policies and laws while balancing their responsibilities to students. Teachers should familiarize themselves with school policies and relevant laws to understand their options and responsibilities when facing a book ban. Staying informed about current events and book ban developments, preparing alternative materials, advocating for students, and using book bans … Read More
Activating Agency to Grow Readers
Why do so many teenagers hate reading? Renowned author and Literacy advocate Penny Kittle believes it has everything to do with a lack of “book love” and that teachers have the capacity to ignite it. On the episode, she connects with Natalie to discuss how to expose students to a wide variety of books, conference to unlock the reading life, … Read More
Reading Mastery Grid Tips & Tricks
TL;DR: When creating a reading grid, consider how the reading will be done: independently, whole class, etc. Focus on standards, not stories. Consider multiple resources/texts. Provide a pathway forward. Increase complexity while students read. Making a Grid Just in case you’re not familiar, The Grid Method is a self-paced mastery framework where the teacher creates a learning pathway in the … Read More
Episode #27: Danny Brassell
Affectionately known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Dr. Danny Brassell (www.DannyBrassell.com) has held a variety of titles and worked with leaders from a variety of fields and disciplines, but he has always considered himself first and foremost a teacher. He is a best-selling author of 16 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and The Reading Makeover, based on his … Read More
What Are Book Deserts?
TL;DR: A book desert is defined as a “geographic area with limited access to age-appropriate books, print materials and reading culture.” Reading requires time and access to materials. Students have a right to quality, diverse, and robust selections of books. Consider representation in reading materials. Readers who can see themselves in books are more likely to pick up more books. What is … Read More
