What Are Book Deserts?

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

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

7 Strategies to Promote Reading. #3 is necessary.

Kari PitstickBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Consider how you promote reading in your classroom so that you are instilling a love of learning among your students. Promote reading in your classroom by sharing what you are reading and giving students time to share what they are reading. Allow the use of audiobooks and e-books. Give students time to read in class and read with them. … Read More

34. Leading Literate Lives with Dr. Stephanie Affinito

Michele Schmidt MooreDesign Lessons Podcast

Hey Designers, Are you ready to design a happy, healthy, and creative season, then you will love this episode with Dr. Stephanie Affinito, the author of Leading Literate Lives. Stephanie provides us with 3 tips that will help us to design a creative summer and beyond. She shares with us how reading and writing can have some of the same … Read More

Episode 20 | Featuring Alix Maffin-Pirie

Brad HughesGood News Brad News Podcast

Alix Maffin-Pirie is an enthusiastic English Language Arts teacher in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. She is a proud firefighter’s wife, rescue-dog mama, lover of the outdoors, board games, corny jokes, and a life long learner. Alix knew from a young age she wanted to be a teacher. Perhaps playing “classroom” in her basement was the first clue she’d found her calling! … Read More

Ten Books About Mental Health for Your Classroom

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Talking about mental health is important all year beyond Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Hearing people share their own voice about their personal experiences may be hard to find but there are sources out there. In this post, you will discover 10 books about mental health for your classroom. Consider content warnings and avoiding tropes and stereotypes. Consider … Read More