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March 19, 2023

The Outsiders S.E. Hinton in the Classroom

The Outsiders S.E. Hinton novel study lessons, CLICK HERE to find on TpT.

Written in 1967, The Outsiders S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age novel tells the story of two rival gangs in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This classic book is still relevant today, and it continues to be a favorite among students and teachers alike. Teaching The Outsiders S.E. Hinton in the classroom can be a rewarding experience for both teachers and their students; let’s look at how to make it happen.


Creating an Engaging Environment
When teaching The Outsiders S.E. Hinton, it is important to create an engaging environment that encourages learning and understanding. To start off the lesson, consider having your students discuss the themes of family relationships, class divisions, and identity that are present in the novel. This will help them connect with the characters on a deeper level as they begin reading the book. Another great way to engage your students is by having them practice active reading strategies while they are reading the book. You could assign text markers for them to use so that they can easily reference back to moments in the novel when discussing different themes or characters. You could also assign small questions after each chapter that encourages critical thinking about what they just read. This will ensure that your students are actively engaged throughout their reading process and have a better understanding of the book overall.

The Power of Group Discussion
Once your students have finished reading The Outsiders S.E. Hinton, it’s time to get into some group discussion! Group discussions allow students to explore their thoughts more deeply and think critically about what they have read while also engaging with one another in meaningful dialogue. To facilitate this process, you could divide your class into small groups and have them discuss certain themes or characters from the novel before reconvening as a whole class for further discussion. During these discussions, make sure to encourage your students to think critically about why certain events transpired or how certain characters reacted in various situations—this will help them gain a better understanding of not only the story itself but also its underlying messages about society and human relationships.

Reading Comprehension Activities
Before diving into the main body of the text, have students do some pre-reading activities to get them engaged and prepared for reading The Outsiders S.E. Hinton. For example, have students create a profile for each major character or create a timeline of events in the book so far. These activities are great for helping students understand the narrative structure of the book and can serve as helpful reference points when they encounter challenging sections. Additionally, these activities allow students to get creative which can help them stay interested and engaged in the text.

Interactive Discussion Groups
Once students have read through some or all of The Outsiders S.E. Hinton, it’s time to start discussing! Split up your class into smaller groups and assign each group one theme or character from the book to focus on during their discussion session. This interactive approach allows students to share their insights while also listening and learning from their peers’ perspectives on different aspects of the novel. It’s also a great way to foster team building skills as well as critical thinking skills that will come in handy during future coursework or exams.

Project Assignments
Finally, consider assigning projects that expand upon elements from The Outsiders S.E. Hinton that were discussed during class discussions or lectures. Projects like writing an essay about how characters from The Outsiders might handle an issue relevant to today’s youth culture or creating a digital presentation about conflicts between two gangs in a modern day setting will challenge your students while giving them an opportunity to think outside the box and express themselves through creative means such as art or music.

CLICK HERE for the digital course above.

Incorporating Multiple Modalities
One great way to bring this text to life is by incorporating multiple modalities into your lesson plan. This means using a variety of different teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, writing assignments and creative projects. For example, you could ask your students to write an essay about how Ponyboy’s relationships with his brothers shape his identity or create a multimedia presentation about the themes of loyalty and family loyalty found throughout the novel. By engaging students in different ways, they will be more likely to stay interested and actively participate in class activities related to the book.

Encouraging Personal Connections
Another strategy you can use when teaching The Outsiders S.E. Hinton is encouraging your students to make personal connections with the characters and plot points within the story. Ask them open-ended questions that get them thinking about how they would respond if they were placed in similar situations as Ponyboy or Johnny Cade and how those choices would affect their own lives. Encouraging this kind of introspection helps young readers better understand how choices have consequences and can help them make more informed decisions when faced with difficult situations in their own lives.

Creating Contextual Background Knowledge
It’s also important that you provide your students with contextual background knowledge before diving into the text itself. Explain what was going on during this period in history—the tensions between working-class families living on either side of town—to give them context for why these characters act and respond the way they do throughout the novel. Discussing real-world implications related to class struggles or prejudice will help your students better appreciate and understand what they are reading about within this timeless tale of brotherhood and belonging.


Teaching The Outsiders S.E. Hinton can be a fulfilling experience for both teachers and students alike—but only if done properly! By creating an engaging environment through active reading strategies and group discussions, educators can ensure that their classes get the most out of this timeless classic by S.E Hinton. Whether you choose to explore its themes of family relationships or its commentary on social issues, teaching The Outsiders is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone!

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March 7, 2023

Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes in the Classroom

Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes novel study lessons, CLICK HERE to find on TpT.

Ghost Boys Jewell Parker Rhodes is a powerful novel about racism, police violence, and the importance of speaking up. The story follows the life of Twelve-year-old Jerome Rogers, a black boy who is shot by a police officer. As he transitions into the afterlife, he meets the ghosts of other black boys who have been killed by police violence. Together, they help Jerome come to terms with what happened to him and encourage him to speak up so that his story can help others. This novel is an important addition to any classroom discussion about race, policing, and social justice. Here are some tips on how to teach Ghost Boys in the classroom:

Establish a Safe and Inclusive Classroom Environment
Before diving into the novel, it’s important to create a safe and inclusive environment in your classroom. This means ensuring that all students feel comfortable participating in discussions about race and racism. One way to do this is to have a class discussion about why these topics can be difficult to talk about, but also why they are important. You can also provide resources for students who might need additional support, such as books or articles on the subject matter. Finally, make sure you emphasize that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to these discussions—everyone’s experiences and perspectives are valid.

Use Text-Based Evidence
When discussing the novel with your students, be sure to use text-based evidence to back up your points. This will not only help students engage with the material on a deeper level, but it will also prepare them for standardized tests and college-level coursework. Throughout the novel, there are many examples of police brutality and racism that can be used as evidence in class discussions. For instance, when Officer Danvers shoots Jerome in the back, this is a clear example of police violence against black boys.

Connect the Novel to Real-world Events
One of the best ways to get students engaged with Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes is to connect it to real-world events. There has been an increase in awareness of police violence against black boys in recent years thanks to movements like Black Lives Matter. As a result, there are many news articles, videos, and other resources that you can use to supplement your discussions about the novel. For instance, you could show students video footage of police shootings and discuss how these events relate to what happens in Ghost Boys.

Emphasize the Importance of Speaking Up
Throughout the novel, Jerome and the other ghost boys learn that their stories need to be told in order for change to happen. This is an important lesson for students as well—their voices matter and they have the power to make a difference in their communities. You can emphasize this point by having students write letters or create artwork inspired by Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes. These letters could be addressed to local politicians or law enforcement officials demanding change or they could be stories about personal experiences with racism or discrimination. Whatever form they take, these pieces should be created with the intention of starting a conversation about how we can make our world more just and equitable for everyone involved.

Emphasize Empathy One of the most important lessons that can be gleaned from Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes is the importance of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Throughout the novel, Jerome and Emmett learn to empathize with each other despite their different experiences. As a result, they are able to form a deep connection and friendship. By reading Ghost Boys, students can develop a greater understanding of how empathy can help us to connect with others, even when we seem different on the surface.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Look at Perspectives Perspective is another important lesson that can be learned from Ghost Boys. Perspective-taking is the ability to see things from another person’s point of view. In the novel, Jerome and Emmett are able to take each other’s perspectives into account in order to better understand each other’s experiences. This helps them to develop a deeper understanding and respect for each other. Students who read Ghost Boys can learn how important it is to take others’ perspectives into account in order to develop meaningful relationships built on mutual understanding and respect.

Critical Thinking Critical thinking is yet another skill that can be developed by reading Ghost Boys. Throughout the novel, Jerome is forced to grapple with some difficult questions about race, violence, and justice. There is no easy answer to these questions, but Jerome’s journey towards finding his own answers requires him to think critically about complex issues. By reading Ghost Boys, students can learn how to approach difficult questions with an open mind and a willingness to explore different perspectives.

Don’t Forget Before reading the novel, have students brainstorm what they know about racism and police violence. What are some examples of racism? What are some examples of police violence? How do these two things intersect? As you read the novel with your students, stop periodically to discuss what is happening in the story. What does this scene reveal about racism in America? What does this scene reveal about police violence? How do Jerome’s experiences compare to the experiences of other characters in the novel? After finishing the novel, have students write an essay or create a presentation about what they learned. They can discuss their own experiences with racism and/or police violence, or they can focus on what they think needs to be done to address these issues in America.

Ghost Boys is an important novel that can help spark discussion about race, policing, and social justice in any classroom setting. By establishing a safe and inclusive environment from the start, using text-based evidence throughout discussions, connecting the novel to real-world events, and emphasizing the importance of speaking up, educators can ensure that their students get the most out of this powerful story.

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    March 4, 2023

    Susan Hood’s Lifeboat 12 in the Classroom

    Susan Hood’s Lifeboat 12 novel study lessons, CLICK HERE to find them on Tpt.

    Susan Hood’s Lifeboat 12, is an incredible story of survival that is perfect for introducing your students to the power of literature. The novel follows twelve-year-old Eric as he embarks on a harrowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean during WWII after his ship is sunk by a Nazi U-Boat. In this blog post, we will discuss how to teach Lifeboat 12 in the classroom and how it can be used to encourage critical thinking and discussion.


    Engaging the Classroom with Literature
    One of the best ways to engage students in literature is by having them relate it to their own lives. When teaching Lifeboat 12, allow your students to think about what they would do if they were in Eric’s position. This can be done through journaling or classroom discussions. By encouraging your students to think more critically about the story and its themes, they will be more engaged in the text and have a deeper understanding of its content.

    Another great way to engage your class with Lifeboat 12 is through group work and projects. Assign each student or group of students a chapter from the novel and challenge them to come up with creative ways to present their findings. For example, you could ask them to create a timeline of events or design a poster illustrating important moments from their assigned chapters. This will help your students become even more immersed in the text while developing valuable communication and presentation skills that they can use throughout their academic career.

    Using Digital Tools for Engagement
    In addition to conventional teaching methods, there are also plenty of digital tools available that you can use to engage your classroom with Lifeboat 12. For example, you can have students create multimedia presentations using Powerpoint or Prezi which they can share with their peers as part of class discussions or presentations. You could also assign interactive quizzes using online platforms such as Kahoot! or Quizlet Live so that your students can test their knowledge on key concepts from the novel in an engaging way.

    Discuss Historical Context
    Lifeboat 12 is based on the real-life sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Use this as an opportunity to discuss history with your students and explore how far safety regulations have come since then. You can also discuss the impact that the incident had on maritime law, which still affects us today.

    Explore Real-Life Survival Tactics
    The characters in the book use common sense and ingenuity to survive in their dire situation. Have your students explore some real-life survival tactics from experts so that they understand what it takes to survive harsh conditions. This will help them better appreciate what the characters in Lifeboat 12 went through during their time on the lifeboat.

    Integrate STEM Concepts
    Lifeboat 12 is full of STEM concepts such as mathematics, physics, and engineering. Have your students explore these concepts further by having them build a model boat using everyday materials or by having them calculate how much food they would need if they were stuck on a lifeboat like those in the novel. These activities will enable them to gain a deeper understanding of what it would be like to be stuck in such a situation and may even spark their interest in STEM fields.

    CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

    Discussion Questions
    Lifeboat 12 is full of intense action and emotion, making it the perfect platform for discussing important issues related to war and survival. Discussion based questions can help draw out student’s perspectives on these topics as well as offering them an opportunity to practice active listening skills. Consider posing questions such as “why do you think the characters acted in certain ways?” or “what would you have done if you were in their situation?”

    Group Projects
    Group projects are a great way to get students involved with each other while also allowing them to create a project that highlights their understanding of the material. Consider having students create a timeline of events from Lifeboat 12 or having them design a webpage about one of the characters or setting locations featured in the book. Group projects promote collaboration, communication, and creative thinking – all important skills for success in any field!

    Writing Assignments
    Writing assignments are an excellent way to assess student comprehension of the material while also providing them with a platform to express themselves creatively. For example, teachers can ask students to write an essay about how one of the characters changed over time or they can give them writing prompts such as “If you were stranded at sea like Jack, what do you think your thoughts would be?” Writing assignments can also give students an opportunity to practice their grammar and spelling skills.

    Susan Hood’s novel Lifeboat 12 offers an exciting opportunity for educators looking for ways to bring literature alive in the classroom. By utilizing traditional teaching methods such as journaling and group work alongside digital tools like Powerpoint presentations and interactive quizzes, teachers can ensure that their students are actively engaged with this amazing story while learning valuable lessons about courage and resilience along the way. With these strategies in mind, teachers can bring Susan Hood’s masterpiece into life for their classes!

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    March 4, 2023

    Hoot Carl Hiaasen in the Classroom

    Hoot by Carl Hiaasen novel study unit, CLICK HERE to find on TpT.


    Hoot by Carl Hiaasen is a beloved children’s novel that teaches important lessons while keeping children engaged and entertained. This book follows Roy Eberhardt, a middle school student who moves to Florida and finds himself wrapped up in a mystery surrounding a burrowing owl habitat. The story contains elements of conflict resolution, environmental protection, and community engagement. Here are some tips on how to effectively teach this novel in the classroom.

    Introducing the Novel
    Before you dive into reading and discussing the novel, it’s important to introduce it to your class. Start off by showing them the movie trailer or clips from the movie adaptation so they have an idea of what they will be reading about. You can also use images from the book or excerpts from reviews to pique their interest. Once you’ve got their attention, give them a brief summary of the plot and its main characters. This will help provide context for your students as they read through the book.

    Analyzing Themes
    Hoot is full of themes related to friendship, family, and environmentalism that are easy to discuss with your students. Encourage them to think critically about these themes when reading through different chapters in order to develop a deeper understanding of them. For example, you can ask questions like “What does Roy’s relationship with his father teach us about family dynamics?” or “How do Beatrice and Roy’s friendship teach us about loyalty?” This will help spark meaningful conversations in class!

    Activities
    There are plenty of activities you can do in class related to Hoot that will keep your students engaged while they learn more about the novel. Have them create Instagram posts or vlogs pretending they are one of the characters in order to get inside their heads and explore their motivations behind certain decisions they make throughout their journey. Some other activities could include creating dioramas based on scenes from the book or writing songs inspired by its themes. These activities will help bring Hoot alive for your students!

    Discussion Questions Before you jump into reading this book with your class, it is helpful to ask questions that will get students thinking about key themes of the book such as friendship and justice. Providing discussion questions before starting can help students connect better with important concepts that are explored throughout the novel. Here are some good examples of topics for discussion questions: What does it mean to be an ally? What role does justice play in our society? How do we show care for our environment? These types of discussions provide a great platform for further exploration into the book’s themes.

    Fun Activities It is also important to have fun activities after each chapter or section of the book. These activities can be anything from writing prompts, art projects, or research assignments on local environmental initiatives. These activities should be designed not only to help students understand what they read but also make connections between their own experiences and those of the characters in the novel. This will help them engage more deeply with the material while honing their critical thinking skills.
    Interactive Projects: Finally, interactive projects should be used throughout the course of teaching this novel to give students an opportunity to apply what they have learned from it. Some ideas for these projects include creating a persuasive poster about protecting burrowing owls or presenting on different strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully. These types of assignments allow students to take ownership over their learning and gain valuable real-world skills like public speaking, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

    CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

    Pairing it with Other Content
    Hoot is a great addition to any lesson plan on ecology or conservation because it does such a great job of illustrating the importance of preserving nature. Pairing this book with other content can help students better understand why these topics are so important. For example, you could have students watch documentaries on deforestation or discuss current events related to conservation efforts. This will help them make connections between what they are reading and real-world applications.

    Exploring Characters and Motivations
    The characters in Hoot are all very different, but they each have their own motivations that drive the plot forward. Asking your students to explore each character’s motivations can be a great way to get them thinking critically about the text and how their choices may affect others. Additionally, having discussions about how each character exhibits courage throughout the story can be a helpful tool for teaching empathy and understanding different perspectives.

    Incorporating Activities
    Incorporating activities into your lessons is always a good idea when teaching any novel! Involving your students through interactive activities like debates, role-playing games, or even writing assignments can really help engage them in the material and make it more memorable for them. You could also have your students create posters that represent certain scenes or characters from the novel for added visual interest!

    Teaching books like Hoot by Carl Hiassen can be both rewarding and challenging for educators but also provides an incredible opportunity for growth for both teachers and students alike! By providing thought-provoking discussion questions, engaging activities, and interactive projects related to this novel’s themes, educators can create an inspiring learning experience that encourages everyone involved to think critically about issues like justice, environmental protection, and friendship–all while having fun!

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    March 4, 2023

    Greenglass House Kate Milford in the Classroom

    Greenglass House Kate Milford novel study lessons, CLICK HERE to find it on TpT.

    Greenglass House Kate Milford is a mystery novel full of puzzles and riddles that delight readers young and old alike. With its richly drawn characters, masterful writing, and fascinating plot, it’s no wonder the novel has become a favorite in classrooms across the country. But how can you best utilize this book in your teaching? Let’s take a look at some strategies for incorporating Greenglass House into your curriculum.

    Planning Ahead
    The first step to teaching any novel is to plan ahead. To make sure that you have enough time to cover all of the material, create an outline of what topics you want to cover and assign a timeline for each one. Be sure to consider things like character development, plot structure, and literary elements when creating your lesson plan. Additionally, come up with creative ways to engage your students throughout the book; activities such as group discussions and hands-on projects can be helpful in keeping your students focused while they learn about Greenglass House Kate Milford.

    Incorporating Different Learning Styles
    Another important factor to consider when teaching Greenglass House Kate Milford is to incorporate different learning styles into your lesson plans. For example, if you have visual learners in your class, consider using charts or diagrams when discussing key plot points or characters. If you have kinesthetic learners, provide them with opportunities for movement by asking them to act out scenes from the book or complete hands-on activities related to the story. By offering multiple learning paths for your students, they will be able to better understand and engage with the material.

    Differentiating Instruction
    Differentiating instruction is essential when teaching novels like Greenglass House Kate Milford because not all students will comprehend the material at the same pace or depth. To ensure that everyone is getting something out of the lesson, provide students with choices about how they will demonstrate their understanding of the material; this could be through written assignments such as essays or creative art projects or oral presentations such as group debates or skits. Differentiating instruction also allows teachers to meet each student’s individual needs more effectively and efficiently so that no one feels left behind during class discussions or activities about Greenglass House.

    Integrating Visual Media
    One of the best ways to fully engage students with this book is to incorporate visual media. Showing clips from movies or TV shows that have similar themes can help them begin to think critically about Greenglass House’s story elements. For example, a movie like The Goonies could be used to discuss themes of friendship and adventure. A television show like Scooby-Doo could be used to talk about mystery solving and teamwork. These are all important concepts found within Greenglass House that can be made more meaningful through visual media.

    CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

    Creating Puzzles & Riddles
    The puzzles and riddles contained in Greenglass House provide an excellent opportunity for students to create their own versions, either individually or as part of a group project. This will not only help them gain insight into the characters’ motivations but also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, this activity serves as an effective review tool; students can use their own puzzles and riddles to quiz each other on what they have learned from reading the novel.

    Fostering Discussion & Debate
    Greenglass House is full of intriguing moral questions that can serve as great discussion topics in class. Encourage your students to express their opinions on topics such as justice vs revenge, loyalty vs betrayal, honesty vs deception, etc., while providing ample opportunities for civil discourse with peers who may have different viewpoints than their own. This activity will promote empathy while developing critical thinking skills that will stick with them long after they’ve read the book!

    Utilize Discussion Questions to Enhance engagement To help draw readers into the story and foster meaningful discussions about the text, teachers can create discussion questions that relate the novel’s themes to real-world situations. These questions can be used to assess student understanding of the book while also inspiring conversation among peers. Additionally, they can be used as prompts for small group or individual writing assignments based on the novel’s content.

    Create an Interactive Reading Experience One way to make reading more enjoyable and engaging is by having students create interactive projects inspired by Greenglass House. For example, if they are struggling with a concept related to the story, they could research online resources or interview local experts in order to gain a better understanding of that concept. Alternatively, teachers could assign students tasks such as creating a timeline of events from the book or drawing out a map of locations mentioned throughout their reading journey.

    Introduce New Vocabulary Words Through Contextualization Teaching new vocabulary words in context is one of the most effective ways for students to retain information and have fun at the same time! Teachers can create activities based on Greenglass House Kate Miford which ask students to define unfamiliar words within proper context as well as explain why those terms are important for understanding its plot points and characters’ motivations. This will help them become more engaged with the text while also building their vocabulary skills!

    Greenglass House Kate Milford is an incredible novel perfect for teaching in any classroom setting—its gripping story full of puzzles and riddles will capture your students’ attention like no other! Utilizing visual media, creating puzzles/riddles, and fostering discussion are just a few ways you can bring Kate Milford’s masterpiece to life in your classroom. Teach this fantastic story today!

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      March 4, 2023

      Darius the Great is Not Okay in the Classroom

      Darius the Great is Not Okay novel study unit, CLICK HERE on TpT.

      Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram is a coming-of-age story about a half-Persian, half-American teenager who struggles with his identity. The novel has been praised for its honest and accurate portrayal of what it’s like to be a teenager today.

      If you’re looking for a way to teach this novel in the classroom, look no further! Here are some tips on how to get started. Start by having students read the book individually or in small groups. As they’re reading, encourage them to take notes on anything they find interesting, confusing, or challenging. Once everyone has finished reading, come together as a class and discuss the book. Ask students to share their thoughts and reactions and be sure to ask them about anything they found particularly confusing or challenging. Next, you might want to have students do some research on Persian culture and history. This will help them understand the context of the book and provide some background information that will enrich their reading of it.
      Finally, wrap up your unit with a writing assignment or project. Students could write an essay about their own experiences with identity, or they could create a multimedia project inspired by Darius’s story. Whatever you choose, make sure it allows students to express themselves creatively and engage with the material on a personal level.

      CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

      Additional Suggestions:

      1. Start by having students brainstorm what they already know about Persia/Iran. This will help you gauge their prior knowledge and give you a starting point for your lesson.
      2. Next, give students a brief overview of Persia/Iran’s history and culture. You could show them pictures, play music, or read poetry from Iran. There are also many great videos on YouTube that you could use (just be sure to preview them first to make sure they are appropriate for your students).
      3. As you introduce students to Persia/Iran, make sure to point out similarities and differences between Iranian culture and their own culture. This will help students see that there is more than one way to live and that everyone has their own unique customs and traditions.
      4. After students have had a chance to learn about Persia/Iran, assign them to read Darius the Great Is Not Okay. As they read, encourage them to pay attention to the things that Darius is learning about his heritage and how he is finding his place in the world.
      5. Once students have finished reading the book, hold a class discussion where they can share their thoughts and reflections. Some discussion questions you could ask include: What did you think of Darius? What did you learn about Persian culture? How do you think Darius’s experience compares to your own experience of learning about your heritage?
      6. Finally, wrap up your lesson by having students write an essay or create a presentation in which they compare and contrast Darius’s experience with their own experience of learning about their cultural heritage. Alternatively, you could have them write an essay or create a presentation in which they explore how Darius’s experience has changed their perspective on Iranian culture.
      7. Start by discussing the book’s themes with your students. Some possible themes include mental illness, family, friendship, and identity. Ask your students if they can think of any others. Then, have them choose one or two of these themes to focus on for the rest of the unit.
      8. Next, have your students read the book and take notes on their chosen themes. As they’re reading, they should be looking for examples of these themes in the text. They can write down quotes or passages that they think are significant, and they should also make note of any questions they have about the book.
      9. Once your students have finished reading, lead a class discussion where they share their thoughts on the book. Ask them to discuss their favorite parts, what they found challenging, and what they think the book is trying to say about their chosen themes. This is also a good time to answer any questions they may have about the text.
      10. Finally, wrap up the unit by having your students write an essay or create a project based on their chosen theme. For example, if they’re interested in exploring mental illness further, they could write an essay about how Darius’s experience compares to their own or create a art project that represents how depression feels to them.


      Teaching Darius the Great is Not Okay in the Classroom doesn’t have to be difficult—with a little planning and preparation, you can lead your students through this complex and moving story in a way that is both educational and enjoyable. And who knows? They might just come away from the experience with a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.

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      February 11, 2023

      Amal Unbound Aisha Saeed in the Classroom

      Amal Unbound Aisha Saeed novel study lessons, CLICK HERE for the unit on TpT.


      Amal Unbound Aisha Saeed is a powerful novel that follows the story of a young girl in Pakistan who must fight for her freedom. This book by Aisha Saeed is an excellent tool to use in the classroom to help students learn about different cultures and social issues. Let’s look at some of the ways teachers can leverage this book to teach students.


      Exploring Social Issues
      The main theme of this story is about fighting for freedom, and it raises important questions about social issues like gender equality, child labor, and oppression. Students can use this book as a launching point to explore these issues further by looking at them through different cultural lenses. The goal should be to inspire meaningful conversations in which students share their thoughts and opinions on these topics with one another.

      Creating Discussion Questions
      When reading novels in the classroom, it is important to create discussion questions that encourage your students to think critically about the text. For Amal Unbound specifically, topics like gender roles, power dynamics between adults and children, social justice, and cultural identity can all serve as great jumping-off points for conversation. As your class reads through the book together or independently, have them keep track of quotes or passages from each chapter that they find interesting and then use those as starting points for deeper conversations about the bigger themes of the book. This will help them develop their own opinions on these topics with each other’s help.

      Start With An Overview of the Author Before you dive into teaching Amal Unbound, it’s important to provide your students with an introduction to author Aisha Saeed and her work. You can do this by discussing her other books as well as her background as a lawyer and advocate for social justice issues. Having an understanding of the author’s perspective will help your students connect with Amal’s story on a deeper level.

      Discuss Cultural Traditions Throughout Amal Unbound, readers are exposed to different cultural traditions that are unique to Pakistan such as arranged marriages, gender roles within families, and festivals like Eid al-Fitr. To ensure that your students have a thorough understanding of these cultural elements it may be helpful to show them videos or photos related to them so they can see them in action. You can also invite guest speakers who have experience with Pakistani culture into your classroom for further discussion and exploration.

      Assign Projects on Social Justice Issues One way that you can get your students thinking critically about what they read is by assigning projects related to social justice issues addressed in the novel such as human trafficking or gender inequality. Have them research these topics further and develop presentations or essays that discuss solutions for tackling these issues both in Pakistan and around the world. This will help them gain a better understanding of how people in different cultures fight for their rights and freedoms every day on a global scale.

      Utilize Group Discussions Another great way to get your students engaged with the material is through group discussions about the various themes explored throughout Amal Unbound such as resilience, courage, friendship, family dynamics, etc.. You can assign each group one theme at a time and have them discuss its importance within context of the novel as well as its broader implications within society at large. This activity will not only help them understand what they read but also foster meaningful dialogue among classmates about complex topics that are often difficult to talk about openly outside of an academic setting.

      CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

      Incorporating Writing Prompts Writing prompts can be another great way to get your students thinking about Amal Unbound more deeply. Have them write letters from Amal’s perspective to her family back home or reflections on what she would do if she were able to return home after her struggle with Ali Khan ended. You could also ask them to write an essay comparing Amal’s struggle with any other fictional character they know or write a fictional story inspired by Amal’s journey in some way. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to incorporating writing into your lessons!

        Encouraging Visual Representations
        Visual representations of stories are always fun for students (and teachers!) alike. Have them draw illustrations of certain scenes from Amal Unbound or create large posters describing major events throughout the book—no matter what medium they choose, it will be sure to spark meaningful conversations among your class members! They could even make clay sculptures representing different characters or create mind maps outlining their thoughts on each chapter! Allowing your students creative freedom when discussing this novel will give them an opportunity to express themselves while still learning important skills.

        Encouraging Empathy
        Amal Unbound is also an excellent way to help students practice empathy—a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives both inside and outside the classroom. Ask your students how they would feel if they were in Amal’s shoes and encourage them to think critically about how they could show empathy towards someone facing similar issues in real life.

        Incorporating Different Subjects
        This book offers a great opportunity for interdisciplinary learning opportunities because it touches on so many different subjects such as history, geography, language arts, and math. It provides a great platform from which you can explore various topics related to Pakistani culture such as traditional clothing, foods, music, dance, art, architecture etc. Your students can also read other books set in Pakistan or even watch movies or documentaries set there if they are interested in exploring more deeply into Pakistani culture beyond what’s presented in Amal Unbound

        Amal Unbound is an inspiring story about empowerment and resilience that gives educators an opportunity to teach valuable lessons about social issues and empathy while incorporating multiple disciplines into the lesson plan. By using this novel as a launching point for discussing these topics with your students, you can give them tools that will help them become better prepared for life outside the classroom walls.

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        February 10, 2023

        When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead in the Classroom

        When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead novel study lessons, CLICK HERE for unit on TpT.

        When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead is an award-winning novel that is perfect for introducing young readers to the genre of science fiction. This book has a captivating storyline, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes that make it ideal for introducing students to the world of science fiction. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can use When You Reach Me as part of your classroom curriculum.


        Exploring Science Fiction Concepts with When You Reach Me
        At its core, When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead is a story about time travel and the power of friendship. As such, it provides an excellent opportunity to explore science fiction concepts with your students. By discussing this novel in a classroom setting, you can help your students understand the basic tenets of time travel and other science fiction tropes. For example, you can have them think about what would happen if someone went back in time and changed something in the present day or how one small decision could have a ripple effect throughout the timeline.

        Encouraging Critical Thinking Through Discussions
        When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead also presents an opportunity to encourage critical thinking among your students through discussions. Throughout the novel, Miranda must grapple with complex questions about fate and destiny as she attempts to solve the mysteries surrounding her life. By discussing these topics with your students, you can help them develop their own opinions on concepts like fate vs free will or predetermination vs chance. Furthermore, by encouraging thoughtful conversations among your students, you can foster an environment in which everyone feels respected and heard—a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.

        Using Creative Writing Exercises to Explore Characters
        In addition to providing an opportunity for critical thinking discussions, When You Reach Me also serves as inspiration for creative writing exercises. After reading a few chapters of this novel together as a class, you can assign writing activities such as creating alternate endings or imagining new conversations between characters. These exercises are great tools for helping students develop their own storytelling skills while also getting them to think deeply about each character’s motivations and emotions—skills that come in handy when analyzing literature later on down the road!

        Creating Engaging Activities
        When You Reach Me Rebecca Stead is a great book for students of all ages and grades. To keep their attention focused, teachers should create engaging activities that are related to the novel’s themes. For example, students could write diary entries from Miranda’s point of view or create a timeline of events from the book. Additionally, teachers can assign projects that explore real-world topics related to the novel such as exploring time travel theories or researching homelessness in New York City. These types of activities can help bring the book alive for students and deepen their understanding of its key concepts.

        Exploring Big Ideas
        When You Reach Me also presents an excellent opportunity to discuss big ideas with your students. For instance, you can use it as a vehicle to explore themes such as friendship and family relationships, identity and self-discovery, bullying and social issues, loss and grief, and time travel. Discussing these topics with your class helps them gain deeper insight into the characters’ motivations while developing their critical thinking skills at the same time.

        Incorporating Technology
        One way to make When You Reach Me even more engaging is by incorporating technology into your lesson plan. There are several online resources available that offer interactive activities for students such as quizzes about key plot points or character sketches that allow them to draw connections between characters’ traits and experiences throughout the novel. Students can also create multimedia presentations based on their favorite moments from When You Reach Me or research articles related to its main themes using Google Docs or other writing programs. Incorporating technology into your lessons gives students an exciting way to explore new ideas while honing their digital literacy skills at the same time.

        CLICK HERE for Digital Course Above.

        Incorporate Technology
        Integrating technology into your lesson plans is always a great way to get your students interested in the material. For example, have them create their own blogs that are based on Miranda’s diary entries or have them use an online timeline creator to map out the events of the novel. There are also countless websites dedicated to teaching kids about time travel theory and relativity; these could be used as supplemental material for those interested in exploring these topics more deeply. Better yet, invite a local scientist or physicist into your classroom to discuss these concepts in greater detail!

        Focus on Characterization
        When You Reach Me features several complex characters who each contribute something unique to the story’s plot. Have your students delve into each character’s motivations and thought processes by writing their own monologues or dialogues with other characters from the book. This will help them better understand each character’s role in the narrative while also honing their creative writing skills!

        Encourage Group Discussion
        Group discussions are a great way to get students thinking critically about what they just read. Ask them questions like “What did you think of Miranda’s relationship with Sal?” or “What was Annemarie’s role in this story?” Encourage everyone to share their opinions and be sure to provide constructive feedback so that everyone feels comfortable participating!


        When You Reach Me is an engaging read for young readers and an excellent way to introduce them to science fiction concepts like time travel and alternate universes. By incorporating this novel into your classroom curriculum, you can help your students explore complex topics like fate vs free will while developing their critical thinking skills through discussion-based activities and creative writing exercises! With its compelling story elements and thought-provoking themes, When You Reach Me is sure to be a hit with any age group!

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        February 10, 2023

        Sharon Draper’s Before the Ever After in the Classroom

        Sharon Draper’s Before the Ever After, CLICK HERE for the unit on TpT.

        Sharon Draper’s Before the Ever After is an important and timely novel, tackling themes of racism, identity, and family. The story follows a young football star whose life changes after a football injury leads to his father developing dementia. As his father’s condition progresses, the protagonist learns more about his family history and identity. Teaching this novel in your classroom can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both your students and you as an educator. Here are some tips on how to bring this thought-provoking story into your classroom.


        Introduce the Novel in an Engaging Way
        Before beginning the novel, it’s important to introduce it to your students in an engaging way that will pique their interest. Ask questions about what they think the book might be about based on its title and cover art. You can also discuss why this book is relevant now—to help contextualize it within current events—and discuss any real-life parallels between the characters’ experiences and those of people today.

        Utilize Group Discussions and Activities
        Throughout reading the novel, engage students by having them participate in small group or large class discussions or activities related to topics covered by the text. For example, you could have students act out scenes from the book or create graphic organizers that analyze characters’ relationships with one another. This will help them better understand literary elements like character development while also giving them an opportunity to express themselves creatively.
        Provide Opportunities for Reflection Once your students have finished reading Before the Ever After, provide them with opportunities for reflection on what they’ve read and learned throughout their time studying it. Questions such as “What was a major theme of the novel?” or “How did characters respond to difficult situations?” can help facilitate conversations around deeper meanings behind certain moments in the novel. This will also help reinforce key points from each chapter that may have been missed during initial readings of certain passages or scenes from earlier chapters.

        Themes and Discussion Topics
        Before the Ever After focuses on themes such as identity, family dynamics, communication, resilience, and more. Teachers can use these topics to spark meaningful discussions with their students about how to navigate difficult situations in life. For example, teachers could ask questions like “How does ZJ cope with his father’s injury? How might you have handled this situation differently?” or “What challenges does ZJ face when he starts school? How do these challenges compare to your own experiences?” By asking these types of questions, teachers can get their students thinking critically about the text and its themes.

        Writing Prompts
        Writing prompts are another great way to engage students with Before the Ever After. Teachers can assign writing assignments that require students to write from ZJ’s perspective or put themselves in ZJ’s shoes by imagining what they would do if they were in similar situations. For example, teachers could assign an essay where students explore how they would handle a situation like ZJ’s if it happened to them or their family members. Writing prompts are an effective way for teachers to help students think deeply about characters and plotlines while also honing their writing skills.

        Collaborative Learning Activities
        Finally, teachers can plan collaborative learning activities based on Before the Ever After that involve multiple students working together towards a common goal. For example, teachers could assign groups of students different characters from the book and ask them work together to create presentations exploring those characters’ perspectives on various events throughout the story. This type of activity allows for critical thinking and encourages collaboration among peers—all while teaching important lessons from Sharon Draper’s novel!

        Exploring Themes
        Sharon Draper’s Before the Ever After contains many themes that make it great material for classroom discussion. The novel explores topics such as identity, family dynamics, trauma, and healing. Encourage students to think deeply about these topics by having them identify specific examples from the text where characters interact with each other or respond to life events in different ways. Ask students questions about how their own experiences have been shaped by these issues and invite them to consider how they might have acted differently if faced with similar circumstances.

        CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

        Journaling
        Journaling can be a helpful tool for exploring a variety of perspectives in Sharon Draper’s Before the Ever After. Ask students to select one character from the book and write from that character’s point of view as they experience certain events throughout the story. This exercise encourages empathy as well as critical thinking skills which can be beneficial when discussing any novel or nonfiction text in class. You may also want to ask students to write letters between two characters or diary entries describing their thoughts after particular scenes take place so they can gain even more insight into how events are affecting each character differently and why those differences exist.

        Role Playing
        Role playing is another great way for students to think outside of themselves and explore different perspectives within Before the Ever After. Assign roles based on characters from the book and have each student present their chosen character in front of class. This activity will allow them to practice public speaking skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how various characters respond to different situations throughout the novel’s plotline. In addition, role playing allows students to consider how their emotions might change depending on which role they are playing at any given time — making it an ideal activity for teaching empathy in literature classes!

        Learning Sharon Draper’s Before The Ever After can be an engaging experience for both you and your students that provides insight into complex issues facing our world today such as racism, identity, family dynamics, etc. Engage your students early on with exciting introductions of what they should expect from reading this powerful novel before diving into class discussions or activities related to its themes throughout their readings of it and then provide ample opportunities for reflection at its conclusion so that they can fully grasp all of its messages before moving on!

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        February 10, 2023

        Turtles All the Way Down John Green in the Classroom

        Turtles All the Way Down John Green novel study, CLICK HERE for the unit on TpT.

        New York Times author Turtles All the Way Down John Green, is a powerful and meaningful story about a teenage girl who struggles to manage her mental health. While this novel has been widely praised for its honest depiction of mental health issues and its exploration of important themes such as friendship, science, and mortality, it can be challenging for educators to teach in the classroom setting. Here are some tips that will help you teach Turtles All the Way Down with confidence and ease.


        Create an Open Discussion Environment
        The first step to teaching Turtles All the Way Down John Green is creating an open discussion environment where students feel comfortable engaging with one another. This means allowing them to express their thoughts openly without fear of judgment or criticism from peers or instructors. Encourage students to ask questions and share their own experiences with mental health issues. This will create a safe space for students to discuss some of the book’s heavier topics without feeling overwhelmed by them.
        By creating this type of environment, educators can foster meaningful conversations about mental health that may lead to greater understanding and acceptance among all students.

        Focus on Comprehension
        Before diving into deeper discussions about the book’s content, it is important to ensure that all students understand what they are reading. To do this, instructors should provide support materials such as chapter summaries and character analysis worksheets that will help guide students through each section of the novel. By providing these resources, educators can ensure that all students have a basic understanding of what is happening in each chapter before engaging in deeper class discussions. Additionally, instructors should provide opportunities for students to practice close reading techniques such as highlighting key passages or annotating text as they read along at home or in class. These activities encourage careful analysis of every word on every page while also reinforcing concepts learned during instruction time.

        Encourage Creative Expression
        Once everyone has a firm grasp of the material presented within Turtles All the Way Down John Green, teachers should encourage creative expression from their students in order to further explore themes presented in this novel. Instructors can assign projects such as creating comic strips about major plot points or writing journal entries from one of Aza’s perspectives; these activities not only get students thinking critically about different aspects of the book but also give them an outlet for creative expression that allows them to engage more deeply with its content on an emotional level. Additionally, having students create artwork related to individual chapters or scenes encourages visual interpretation which could lead to more thoughtful conversations between classmates than those sparked by traditional written assignments alone. Ultimately, these types of projects make learning more enjoyable while also providing valuable insight into how each student perceives literary elements like symbolism and characterization which can be shared amongst peers during class discussion time!

        Understanding the Book
        Before using Turtles All the Way Down John Green as a teaching tool, it is important that teachers understand the plot and themes of the book. Aza Holmes is struggling with severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) while trying to find her missing billionaire friend Davis Pickett. Throughout her journey, Aza learns how to manage her mental illness and finds comfort in the companionship of her best friend Daisy Ramona Ramirez Hernandez. By understanding these core elements of the book, teachers can better highlight themes from Green’s work when discussing them in class.

        Learning Objectives
        When utilizing Turtles All the Way Down for educational purposes, it is essential to establish learning objectives for students. These goals should focus on creating an environment where students feel safe enough to engage with each other and talk openly about mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or OCD—just as Aza does throughout her story. For example, teachers may use activities such as discussions or writing assignments to prompt conversations about mental health in a safe space. By setting clear learning objectives at the beginning of each lesson plan centered around this novel, teachers can ensure that their students are getting the most out of their experience reading it.

        CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

        Creating a Safe Space for Students
        Before beginning any discussion on the novel, it is important to create a safe space for students to talk openly without judgment or fear of being wrong. Educators should remind students that everyone’s opinions are valid, as long as they are presented respectfully. This will help foster open dialogue and encourage students to think critically about the topics discussed throughout Turtles all the Way Down.

        Engaging Activities
        The activities used in class should be both engaging and thought-provoking while encouraging student participation. One such activity could be having students act out key scenes from the book that highlight characters’ relationships or moral dilemmas they face throughout their journey. Another option would be having small groups debate difficult concepts like morality or justice discussed in the novel. By breaking down these complex topics into parts, it can make it easier for students to discuss them without getting overwhelmed by too much information at once.

        Making Connections
        Throughout their time reading Turtles All the Way Down, it is important that educators continually emphasize connections between events in the novel and events that may have occurred in real life (i.e., current events). This will help ensure that students understand why certain moments are so important in Aza’s journey and why she makes certain decisions throughout her story arc. These connections can also foster deeper conversations about social issues relevant today like mental health stigma or police brutality which can lead to constructive discussions among classmates on how they can work together towards solutions for these societal problems.

        Teaching John Green’s novel Turtles All the Way Down in your classroom doesn’t have to be intimidating! By creating a supportive classroom environment where open dialogue is encouraged; focusing on comprehension by providing resources like chapter summaries; and encouraging creative expression through projects like comic strips or artwork related to individual chapters—you can engage your students while fostering meaningful conversations about mental health topics! With these tips at your disposal, you’ll have no trouble helping your students get the most out of this powerful story!

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