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January 29, 2023

The False Prince Jennifer Nielsen in the Classroom

The False Prince Jennifer Nielsen in the Classroom novel study lessons, CLICK HERE on TpT.

The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen is an exciting and action-packed novel that should be included as part of any secondary school curriculum. This story follows Sage, an orphan who is kidnapped by a nobleman with a plan to pass him off as an heir to the throne of Carthya. With thrilling plot twists and a cast of colorful characters, this book will captivate students from start to finish. Here are some tips for teaching this book in the classroom.

Introducing the Novel
The False Prince is an ideal choice for introducing your students to the genre of historical fiction. Before assigning it, ask them what they know about historical fiction and allow them to discuss their ideas in small groups. This can be done virtually or in person depending on your current circumstances. You could also give them some background information about when and where the novel takes place (Medieval Carathon) that will help contextualize their reading experience with real-world knowledge.

Engaging Activities
As your students read through The False Prince, you can assign activities and tasks that will help them think more deeply about the text. For example, you could have one student write a blog post from Sage’s perspective or create a timeline outlining important events from the book. You could also have each student pick an individual character from the novel and create a “profile” for them based on how they were portrayed in the text. Additionally, you could assign some creative writing assignments that involve retelling certain scenes from different characters’ points of view or even having students come up with their own alternate ending for the story! All these activities will help bring The False Prince to life for your students while also providing ample opportunity for learning and growth.

Engaging Students with Discussion Questions
The best way to get your students interested in this book is to ask thought-provoking discussion questions. These can range from simple recall questions like “Who was Sage’s rival on his quest?” to deeper questions about character motivations or themes in the novel. This will help keep your students engaged and allow them to express their own thoughts and opinions on the material they’re reading.

Analyzing Characters
Asking your students to analyze the various characters in The False Prince can be a great way to get them thinking critically about how each character’s actions drive the plot forward. For example, have your students reflect on how Conner uses manipulation as a tool for achieving his goals, or how Sage learns important lessons about loyalty throughout his journey. This can also lead into meaningful conversations about morality and ethics, which can be especially powerful when discussing books such as The False Prince which features morally ambiguous characters who often make difficult decisions between what’s right and what’s easy.

Developing Writing Skills
The False Prince provides many opportunities for your students to practice their writing skills. Have them write essays comparing and contrasting different characters or analyzing key scenes from the novel. You can also assign creative writing projects inspired by elements of the book; these could take form of short stories or poems related to concepts explored in The False Prince such as friendship, courage, or leadership.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Choose Discussion Topics Carefully
The False Prince contains numerous themes and topics that are ripe for discussion. You could focus on power dynamics between characters or explore ethical dilemmas as they arise throughout the novel. However, it’s important to pay attention to what your students are comfortable talking about and choose topics accordingly. If you don’t feel like discussing some of the heavier themes in the book, you could always talk about Sage’s growth as a character or the importance of friendship and loyalty throughout his journey.

Encourage Group Work
The False Prince is full of interesting characters who come from different backgrounds and beliefs – which makes it perfect material for group work! Ask each student to choose one of the characters in the book and create an analysis based on their point of view. Students can then share their analysis with one another during class discussions. This exercise will help bring different perspectives into the conversation while also giving students an opportunity to practice their creative writing skills.

Incorporate Technology
Technology can be a great way to spice up classroom lessons – especially if you’re teaching a novel like The False Prince! There are plenty of online activities available that will help students better understand and engage with the story. For example, you could have them create digital storyboards that depict key scenes from the book or create a podcast episode discussing their favorite part of the book. You could also assign research projects related to historical figures mentioned in The False Prince or have them write blog posts about what they think may happen after Sage returns home at the end of his journey.

Teaching The False Prince with thoughtful discussion questions, character analysis activities, and creative writing assignments will help bring this exciting story alive for your secondary school classroom! With its thrilling plot twists and complex characters, this book will captivate students while helping them develop valuable literary skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and writing ability that they can use both inside and outside of school settings. So don’t hesitate—add The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen to your curriculum today!

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January 19, 2023

Book Scavenger Jennifer Chambliss in the Classroom

Book Scavenger Jennifer Chambliss novel study lessons, CLICK HERE on TpT.


Teaching a novel in the classroom can be a daunting task, as there is often so much material to cover and engage students with. Many teachers tend to shy away from this type of literature-based learning, but Book Scavenger Jennifer Chambliss Bertman is an excellent choice for the classroom. This exciting adventure story combines mystery, suspense, and technology into an entertaining read that will keep your students engaged and captivated. Let’s discuss how you can use this novel to teach your students in the classroom.


Reading Activity
Before beginning the novel itself, ask your students to read and respond to some discussion questions related to its themes. Ask them what they know about book scavenging, which is when people search for books hidden in public places by other book scavengers. This activity will help get their creative juices flowing as they think about how books can be used as a form of entertainment beyond just reading them for pleasure or knowledge. Additionally, it might be interesting for your class to create a “Book Scavenger Hunt” on campus or around town where they have to find certain books hidden by their peers.

Group Discussion
Once your class has finished reading Book Scavenger Jennifer Chambliss, break them up into small groups (or pairs) so they can discuss it together. The group discussion should focus on major themes of the novel such as friendship, loyalty, problem-solving skills, communication, trustworthiness and teamwork. It’s also important for them to talk about their opinions on how technology was used throughout the story and how it helped move the plot along. Encourage each group member to contribute their thoughts and ideas so everyone feels like their opinion matters during this discussion time.

Technology Project
To conclude your unit on Book Scavenger Jennifer Chambliss, assign each student (or group of students) a technology project that relates back to some aspect of the novel . For example , ask them create a web page that describes book scavenging in detail or create an interactive game based on book scavenging activities . Encourage them to use special effects or graphics if they wish , as this adds another layer of engagement with the material . You could also suggest other projects such as creating an app or designing a logo related to book scavenging . These projects are great ways for your students to demonstrate their understanding of both literature and technology , while having fun at the same time!

Create a Book Trail Map
As part of their mission, Emily and James go on a wild ride all around San Francisco solving puzzles and clues that lead them closer to their goal. Use this as inspiration for your own lesson plan by having students create a map of their own “book trail”! Have them imagine that they are Emily and James, traveling around the city trying to figure out what happened to Garrison Griswold’s lost invention. They can use online maps or draw out their own version on paper or poster board. Label each stop with important locations from the book, such as Fort Point National Historic Site or Coit Tower.

Hold a Treasure Hunt
Book scavenging is very similar to geocaching, which is an outdoor recreational activity in which participants use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers called “geocaches” or “caches”. Host your own treasure hunt inspired by the novel! You can hide different clues or items around the room (or outside if possible) and have students search for them using coordinates on a map of your own creation. Bonus points if you have them crack codes like Emily and James did!

Have Discussion Questions Ready
Book discussion questions are an easy way to engage younger readers in deeper conversations about literature. Ask questions about plot points, characters, setting, etc., but make sure you also provide open-ended prompts that allow students time to reflect and respond thoughtfully. For example, consider asking “What do you think makes Emily such an interesting protagonist?” or “What does this story say about loyalty?” Such questions will help foster critical thinking skills while also allowing students to express themselves more freely.

Using Book Scavenger to Foster Critical Thinking Skills
Book Scavenger is full of mystery and suspense that will keep students engaged from start to finish. As they read, ask questions to get them thinking critically about what is happening in the story—questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think Emily will solve this problem?” This encourages them to make predictions and come up with solutions on their own.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Encouraging Students’ Creative Writing Skills
The characters in Book Scavenger are creative problem solvers who rely on their wits rather than technology or adults. Have your students write stories of their own featuring similar characters and plotlines. This will help them tap into their own creativity and learn how to craft compelling narratives. You can also have them create alternate endings or continue the story from where it ends in the novel.

Exploring Themes Beyond The Novel
Book Scavenger touches on themes like friendship, family, resilience, courage, loyalty, and more. Discussing these themes as a class can help broaden students’ understanding of the world around them while still being fun and interactive. Ask questions like “What do you think would have happened if Emily had given up?” or “How did Emily use courage in her journey?” You can even expand the discussion by talking about how these themes appear in everyday life outside of literature.


Jennifer Chambliss Bertman’s novel Book Scavenger is an excellent choice for teaching in any classroom setting because it provides plenty of opportunities for both literary analysis and technological exploration. While reading this exciting adventure story together , you can facilitate engaging group discussions about major themes such as loyalty , trustworthiness , teamwork , and problem solving skills . And once you’ve completed reading it together , you can assign fun technology projects that relate back to some aspect of the novel – such as creating a web page describing book scavenging in detail – so that your students can demonstrate their understanding of both literature and technology . So don’t hesitate ; pick up Book Scavenger today and start teaching it in your classroom tomorrow !

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January 19, 2023

Nicola Yoon’s Everything Everything in the Classroom

Nicola Yoon’s Everything Everything novel study, lessons, CLICK HERE for the lesson on TpT.


Nicola Yoon’s Everything Everything is a contemporary and adventurous story of a teenage girl with an autoimmune disorder who falls in love with the boy next door. This book is perfect for middle and high schoolers due to its captivating story and relatable characters. It makes for a great read-aloud as it can be used to discuss themes such as family relationships, identity, and resilience. Here are some tips on how to teach this popular book in your classroom.


Assign Chapters as Homework
The chapters of this book are relatively short and accessible for students at all reading levels. You could assign one or two chapters for homework each night or day depending on how often you meet with your students. This will help keep them actively engaged with the story and allow them to move through the material at their own pace.

Offer Discussion Questions
Before class, come up with discussion questions that relate to the reading material from that particular chapter or set of chapters. At the beginning of class, use these questions to spark conversation about what happened in the text and any thoughts or feelings that students may have about it. Encourage students to draw connections between what they’ve read and their own lives if possible. This will help them dive deeper into understanding the text while engaging with each other in meaningful ways.

Incorporate Writing Exercises
If you want to assess student comprehension more formally, you could assign writing exercises related to what they’ve read that day or week. For example, you can ask students to write a letter from Madeline’s perspective reflecting on her experiences throughout the novel or have them write an alternate ending based on their own imaginations. These activities will encourage them to think critically about everything they’ve read thus far while also allowing them to express themselves creatively through writing without feeling judged by their peers for having different opinions about certain aspects of the story .

Tips for Classroom Discussions
Nicola Yoon’s Everything Everything can be used as a launching pad for discussions about identity, illness, family dynamics, relationships, and more. When discussing with students in the classroom setting it’s important to make sure everyone is familiar with the material before diving into in-depth analysis. To ensure this happens it can be helpful to assign reading ahead of time or give students the opportunity to watch movie adaptations before delving into deeper topics. That way everyone is on the same page when it comes to understanding plot points and characters. It can also be beneficial to have students come up with their own discussion questions prior to class so they have some ideas ready when it comes time for group discussion. This will make sure each student contributes their own perspectives as well as engage them further in the text itself.

Small Group Projects & Assignments
Going beyond classroom conversation can help deepen student engagement with this novel even more! Creating small groups or assigning individual projects offer another layer of implementing this book into your classroom curriculum. Small group projects such as creating video presentations or writing summaries of sections are great ways to get students working together while still enjoying the content of this book. For individual assignments consider having students write a letter from Maddy’s point of view to Olly asking him questions about his thoughts throughout their relationship or having them draw a timeline showing key events from beginning till end using symbols instead of words. These activities are great at driving home concepts from the novel but also allowing for creative freedom within student work!

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Discussing Character Development
Everything, Everything tells the story of Maddy and her illness which forces her to stay inside her house at all times. As such, she’s never been able to live an ordinary life — until she meets Olly and begins to fall in love with him. Throughout the course of the novel, both characters experience profound changes as their relationship develops. You can use this as a platform for discussing character development with your students. Ask them questions like: How has Maddy changed since meeting Olly? Do they think Olly has changed because of his relationship with Maddy? What are some other examples of character growth in the novel?

Exploring Themes
The novel also explores a range of different themes that can help open up conversations about topics like mortality and health care access among your students. Ask them questions like: What does Maddy’s illness represent in terms of mortality? Does it make her more aware or afraid of death? How does it shape her relationships with other characters in the novel? Additionally, you can ask them how they think health care access affects people differently depending on their socioeconomic status and how this is portrayed in the novel. These questions will help them think critically about how these issues affect us all on a daily basis.

Encouraging Creative Writing
One way to engage your students is by having them write their own stories inspired by Nicola Yoon’s novel. Prompt them to imagine what would happen if one or more characters had made different choices throughout the story — or if their circumstances were different (e.g., if Maddy wasn’t confined by her illness). They could even create short stories based off secondary characters from the book like Carla or Dr. Whittaker! This exercise will not only encourage creative writing but also allow your students to explore new perspectives while honing their storytelling skills at the same time!


Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything is a great option for teachers looking for a modern-day classic that resonates with teenagers at many levels – both emotionally and intellectually. With careful planning , thoughtful discussion questions , and creative writing assignments , teachers can ensure that every student engagement experience is meaningful , authentic , and enjoyable . Whether you’re teaching this novel as part of your regular curriculum or assigning it as extra credit reading material , we guarantee that your students will thank you for introducing them to this beautiful story !

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January 19, 2023

Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott in the Classroom

Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott novel study lessons, CLICK HERE for lesson on TpT.


Blog Introduction: In 2019, Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott novel captivated readers with its raw and honest portrayal of a young couple struggling to come to terms with the reality of cystic fibrosis (CF). The novel was recently adapted into a feature film, and now it can capture the attention of your students. Teaching this meaningful story in your classroom is an excellent way to engage students while also teaching them about CF. Here are some tips for how to effectively incorporate this novel into your classroom.


Using the Movie Adaptation as a Supplement
The movie adaptation of Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott may provide additional context and resources that you can use in your classroom. Showing clips from the movie is a great way to jumpstart conversations about CF and its effects on people’s lives. After watching a clip, ask your students questions about what they observed or have them discuss their reactions to certain scenes. This will help them access deeper themes in the story that may be difficult for them to discuss initially. It may also be helpful for you to use visuals from the movie when explaining concepts related to CF such as infection control procedures or treatments associated with CF care.

Incorporating Other Resources
When teaching any novel, it is important to provide additional resources so that students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the material at hand. With Five Feet Apart, there are many opportunities for supplemental materials beyond just the book and movie adaptation. Consider having students research current scientific advancements related to CF or explore what advocacy organizations exist today that are dedicated to helping people living with CF or other chronic illnesses. Additionally, having guest speakers visit your class who have personal experience living with CF would provide powerful insight into how this medical condition affects individuals’ daily lives.

Discuss Cystic Fibrosis Before diving into the novel, it’s important for educators to discuss what cystic fibrosis actually is—a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system of those suffering from it. Educators should also explain why this disease makes it difficult for sufferers like Stella and Will from Five Feet Apart to be around each other in real life, as well as how this impacts their relationship throughout the book.

Explore themes of the book Once students understand the basics of cystic fibrosis, they can begin exploring some of the deeper themes within Five Feet Apart — such as young love, isolation, empathy and understanding between different groups or individuals. Encourage students to think critically about these issues as they read through each chapter – do they agree with Stella or Will’s perspective? What would they do if they were in their shoes? How have these characters changed over time?

Provide open-ended discussion questions Open-ended discussion questions are a great way to get students thinking more deeply about what they’ve read and discussing their thoughts in class. Some examples include: “How did Stella and Will’s relationship evolve throughout the book?”; “What advice would you give them if you could?”; “How did you feel when __ happened?”; “Do you think it was right for them to break rules for one another? Why or why not?”; etc.

Themes and Morals
One way to start teaching the novel is by discussing its themes and morals. Five Feet Apart has a lot of meaningful messages that can be discussed with students, such as resilience, hope, courage, and accepting yourself. After introducing these topics, invite students to come up with their own interpretations of the text and discuss which themes they think are most important. This activity allows students to reflect on the novel and express their thoughts while engaging with one another.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Aboove.

In-Depth Analysis
For those looking for a more in-depth analysis of Five Feet Apart, consider breaking down different aspects of the novel such as characters or events. For example, explore Stella’s transformation throughout the book and how it impacts her relationships with others. You could also have students examine Will’s decision-making process and how his choices changed over time during specific scenarios. These activities help students develop critical thinking skills and gain a better understanding of how characters interact with each other within stories.

Group Projects
Another way to get your students excited about learning from Five Feet Apart is by assigning group projects around different topics related to the book. Assign teams different tasks like creating a poster that reflects one of Stella’s major life lessons or creating a character timeline showing key moments throughout Will’s journey in the story. These projects are great for getting your class involved while allowing them to use their creativity when exploring certain ideas from the novel!


Teaching Rachael Lippincott’s novel Five Feet Apart provides an opportunity for meaningful learning experiences while also introducing students to an important topic like cystic fibrosis in an engaging way. By utilizing resources from both within and outside of the book itself, teachers can create unique learning experiences where their students can develop empathy for those affected by chronic illness while gaining knowledge about medical science and advocacy work at the same time. Incorporating this novel into your lessons is sure to be an enriching experience for everyone involved!

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January 18, 2023

Posted by John David Anderson in the Classroom

Posted by John David Anderson novel study lessons, CLICK HERE for full lesson on TpT.


Posted is an incredible novel by John David Anderson that explores the struggles of being a teen in a digital world. It’s funny, it’s moving, and it teaches valuable lessons about communication, friendship, and online safety. As educators, we can use this novel to help our students better understand the digital world they live in. Here are just a few ways to teach “Posted” in your classroom.


Using Technology as a Teaching Tool
One of the most powerful aspects of “Posted” is its accurate portrayal of technology’s role in our lives today. We can use this novel as an opportunity to talk about how technology affects us both positively and negatively. In addition to discussing these issues with our students, we can also use technology itself as a teaching tool. For example, you could assign each student or group of students to create their own blog post based on one of the themes from “Posted” and then have them share their posts with the class. This would give your students an opportunity to express themselves creatively while also exploring important topics like cyberbullying and digital privacy.

Discussion Groups
Another way to teach “Posted” is by having your students form discussion groups and talk about different aspects of the book together. This type of activity encourages critical thinking skills as well as interpersonal communication skills—both of which are essential for success in today’s world. You could assign each group a specific topic related to “Posted” and have them discuss it for a set amount of time before reconvening with the rest of the class to present their findings. This activity will give your students an opportunity to explore different perspectives while also practicing important presentation skills such as public speaking and eye contact.

Writing Assignments
Finally, you can use “Posted” as an opportunity for your students to practice their writing skills by assigning different types of writing assignments based on themes from the book. For instance, you could ask them to write a persuasive essay on why they think society should or shouldn’t be more open when it comes to talking about digital safety issues; or you could ask them to write character sketches illustrating how each character in “Posted” dealt with his or her own unique challenges related to living in a digital world. These types of assignments will help your students develop their writing ability while also challenging them think critically about important topics like cyberbullying and digital privacy.

Familiarize Yourself with the Text
Before introducing this novel to your students, it is important to familiarize yourself with the text as much as possible. Read through it multiple times and annotate important elements such as themes and symbols. This will help you create engaging lesson plans that focus on those key elements. It will also help you answer any questions your students may have throughout their reading of this book.

Engage Your Students
Engaging activities are essential when teaching literature in the classroom. This novel contains many interesting conversations between characters which can be used to spark meaningful dialogue among your students. You can also assign creative writing assignments that relate to the story or ask your students to create projects that explore certain aspects of the book more in-depth (i.e., creating a timeline of events or designing a movie poster). These activities will help keep your students engaged while they learn about literature and will provide them with a deeper understanding of the text.

Create Thoughtful Assessments
At the end of each unit, it is important to assess how well your students understood the material presented. When assessing student work related to “Posted”, consider creating assessments that require critical thinking skills such as essay questions or group discussions about certain themes found in the novel. These types of assessments will not only gauge student comprehension but also encourage them to think more deeply about what they have learned from reading this book.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Teaching Strategies
When teaching John David Anderson’s novels in the classroom, it is important to keep your students engaged throughout the entire process. To do this, you can start off by introducing your students to the text before reading begins. This gives them an overview of what they will be discussing and helps them form opinions about the novel before diving into it. You can also use discussion questions and activities during class time so that everyone has an opportunity to participate and share their thoughts on the text. Additionally, having students work on group projects or presentations related to specific characters or themes from the novel can give them a more hands-on approach when exploring these topics.

Incorporating Technology
To make things even more engaging for your students, you can incorporate technology into your lesson plan by having them create digital presentations or videos based on their chosen topic from the text. They can also use online resources such as blogs or discussion forums to discuss their thoughts on certain parts of the book with other readers around the world. By using technology in this way, you are encouraging your students to think critically about what they have read while also giving them an avenue for expressing their opinions and connecting with other readers who may have similar perspectives on certain topics from within the book.


The novel “Posted” by John David Anderson is an excellent tool for teaching our students about communication, friendship, and online safety – all within an engaging narrative that appeals directly to teenagers’ experiences today! Through activities such as using technology as a teaching tool, forming discussion groups around key themes from the book, or assigning writing assignments based on characters’ experiences with cyberbullying or other digital dangers, teachers can bring this powerful story into their classrooms – providing invaluable opportunities for learning along the way!

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January 18, 2023

Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish

Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish novel study lessons CLICK HERE on TpT.

If you’re looking for a novel to engage your students and spark meaningful conversations, Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish is it. This coming-of-age story follows the journey of a young girl as she comes to terms with the death of her best friend. It’s an incredibly thoughtful work of fiction that will challenge your students while also teaching valuable life lessons. Let’s break down how this novel can be used in the classroom.


Incorporate Discussion Questions
Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish is filled with thought-provoking questions that are perfect for classroom discussion. For example, why does Suzy struggle so much to process her friend’s death? How does she find a way to cope? What does Suzy learn about grief and loss through the course of the novel? These are just a few of the ideas you can explore during class discussions. You can even have your students write their own discussion questions.

Ask Students to Create Projects Based on the Book
Another great way to get your students involved is by having them create projects related to The Thing About Jellyfish. For example, ask them to research jellyfish and then create a presentation about what they learned. Or, have them design their own jellyfish art project or write a short story inspired by one of the themes from the book. There are endless possibilities for creative projects based on this book!

Discuss Life Lessons from the Story
At its core, Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish is about coming to terms with grief and finding ways to cope with loss—two important life lessons that everyone needs to learn at some point in their lives. After reading this book, encourage your students to reflect on how they might handle similar situations in their own lives and have an open dialogue about it in class if possible. This will help your students gain insight into their own emotions while also learning valuable life lessons from Suzy’s journey in the novel.

Encouraging Student Discussions
Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish is perfect for fostering thoughtful class discussions because of its complicated themes. Students may have a variety of reactions to Suzy’s journey as she learns more about jellyfish, her relationship with her mother, and her own self-discovery. To help your students express themselves in a safe and respectful way during such conversations, you should provide clear expectations for what constitutes productive dialogue—for example, speaking without interruption or judgment towards other people’s ideas. You can also model effective discussion strategies yourself or bring in guest speakers who are experts on the topics discussed in the book.

Incorporating Related Activities
You can further engage your students by providing them with activities related to The Thing About Jellyfish that encourage critical thinking skills as well as literary analysis. For instance, you could assign an essay that prompts them to discuss how Suzy’s perception of death changes throughout the story or ask them to create a presentation on jellyfish migration patterns using research they conduct independently or in small groups. Another way to get your students involved is by having them create artwork inspired by their favorite quotes from the book or write their own stories based on characters they connect with most deeply.

Creating Opportunities for Reflection
At the end of reading The Thing About Jellyfish together as a class, it’s important to reflect on what they learned while engaging with this powerful story. Individual journals are one option; after giving students some time to write freely about their thoughts and feelings regarding the novel, you can have them share their reflections out loud or through writing pieces that showcase their understanding of themes like grief or friendship in creative ways. Alternatively, you could open up a whole-class discussion about how each student felt about certain aspects of the story or invite them to draw connections between Suzy’s experiences and events that occur in real life today.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Encourage Discussion and Reflection
The Thing About Jellyfish encourages readers to reflect on the role of mourning in their own lives. As students read through the novel, they should be encouraged to consider how they might respond if they were in Suzy’s shoes. Have them consider how grief manifests itself differently for everyone and how we can best support our friends who are going through difficult times. These conversations can help create a safe space for children to discuss sensitive topics like grief and loss in a supportive setting.

Integrate Science into Your Lessons
Suzy’s curiosity about jellyfish as a way of understanding her friend’s death provides an excellent opportunity for educators to introduce scientific concepts into the classroom. Encourage students to learn more about jellyfish anatomy, behavior, and ecology as part of their study of the novel. Integrating science into your lessons will help make this abstract concept more concrete for your students.

Relate Characters’ Experiences To Real Life Issues
The Thing About Jellyfish also deals with topics like bullying and divorce that many children can relate to. While reading through the novel, encourage your students to think deeply about these issues and how they affect their everyday lives. Ask them to reflect on how they might handle similar situations if they were ever faced with them. Having these types of conversations will not only help your students better understand what Suzy is going through but will also provide an opportunity for them to practice real life skills such as problem solving and emotional regulation.


The Thing About Jellyfish is an incredibly powerful story that can teach valuable life lessons while also encouraging meaningful conversations in any classroom setting. From engaging discussion topics and creative projects to reflective conversations about loss and grief, there are so many ways for educators to use this novel as part of their curriculum and inspire their students in new ways!

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January 16, 2023

Brave by Svetlana Chmakova Curriculum

Brave by Svetlana Chmakova’s Novel Study Lessons CLICK HERE on TpT.

Graphic novels are an excellent way to engage students in a story while also teaching them valuable lessons. One graphic novel that is particularly well-suited for the classroom is Brave by Svetlana Chmakova. In this post, we will explore ways to use Brave as a tool for teaching critical skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and resilience.

Exploring Character Development
One of the main themes explored in Brave by Svetlana Chmakova is character development. Through the story, readers learn about the characters’ struggles with self-confidence and how they must work together in order to achieve their goals and overcome their fears. This is an excellent opportunity to explore character development with your students by having them analyze how each character changes throughout the story and how these changes affect their relationships with one another.

Promoting Critical Thinking Skills
Brave is full of difficult decisions that must be made by its characters in order for them to succeed. These decisions require careful thought and analysis, which makes it an excellent tool for teaching critical thinking skills. Ask your students to evaluate different scenarios from the book and discuss which course of action would have been better or worse than what was chosen. Encourage them to think through each option before making a decision so they can practice using critical thinking skills in real life situations.

Encouraging Teamwork
The characters in Brave are faced with multiple challenges that require teamwork in order to be addressed effectively. As your students read through the story, have them focus on how each character contributes to the team effort and how working together helps them reach their goal faster than if they were working alone. Use this as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of collaboration and cooperation, as well as discussing strategies for working together effectively as a team.

Choose an Appropriate Activity
When teaching a graphic novel such as Brave by Svetlana Chmakova, it’s important to choose activities that are fun and engaging for students. One activity that could work well with this particular text is a comic strip project. Ask students to create a comic strip depicting one scene from the book, making sure to include dialogue between characters and visual elements such as setting and characters’ expressions. This activity encourages creativity while still demonstrating comprehension of the text since it requires students to recall details from the book.

Create Thought-Provoking Discussion Questions
Another way to ensure your students are actively engaged with the material is by prompting them with thought-provoking discussion questions related to themes in Brave by Svetlana Chmakova. For example, you could ask them what they think was meant by one of the characters when they said “It takes courage to stand up for yourself—but even more so when you stand up for someone else.” Or why they think one character chose not to intervene when another character was being bullied? These types of questions encourage critical thinking and help your students gain deeper understanding of the text.

Incorporate Writing Assignments
Writing assignments are a great way for your students to practice their writing skills while also exploring themes from Brave more deeply. You could assign an essay prompt such as “What would you do if you were in a similar situation as one of the characters?” or “How does bullying affect people differently?” This type of assignment helps reinforce any lessons learned from reading Brave and gives your students an opportunity to express themselves more fully on paper than they might be able during class discussions.


Discussion Questions
One of the best ways to get students engaged with any book is through discussion questions. For Brave, here are some questions you could ask your class:
• What does it mean to be brave?
• How do we show courage when faced with difficulty?
• What are some of the challenges that characters in the book face? How do they overcome them?
• What do we learn about friendship and loyalty from this story?
• How can we apply the lessons of this story to our own lives?
These questions can help spark meaningful conversations among your students, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences and develop empathy for others. They will also help them better understand the themes of courage and resilience in Brave.
In addition to discussion questions, there are a number of other activities you can do with your students related to Brave. For example, you could assign your students a project where they create their own graphic novel or comic strip based on a theme or lesson from Brave. This will allow them to explore their creativity while also learning more about storytelling techniques used in comics and graphic novels. Additionally, you could have your students write essays discussing how they would handle certain situations if they were in one of the characters’ shoes. This will help foster critical thinking skills while also providing an opportunity for self-reflection. Finally, you could have your students draw their own version of certain scenes from Brave, which will not only encourage creativity but also give them practice with visual art techniques such as shading and perspective drawing. No matter what activities you choose for your class, using Brave as a tool for teaching empathy, problem solving skills and resilience can be incredibly beneficial for both teachers and students alike!

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.


In conclusion, Brave by Svetlana Chmakova offers educators an excellent opportunity to teach valuable life lessons such as empathy, problem solving skills, and resilience. By using discussion questions or assigning creative projects related to the text, teachers can encourage critical thinking among their students while also fostering creativity and imagination. Whether you’re looking for a new way to engage your class or just want to find an exciting new resource for teaching life skills, consider giving Brave by Svetlana Chmakova a try!

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January 16, 2023

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova in the Classroom

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova novel study lessons, CLICK HERE on TpT.

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova, written and illustrated by Svetlana Chmakova, is an award-winning graphic novel about the struggles of adolescence. This book is perfect for any middle school or high school English class. It provides educators with a unique way to engage students and help them learn about the complexities of growing up. Here are some tips on how to teach this graphic novel in your classroom.


Integrate Visual Learning
Graphic novels are an excellent way to introduce visual learning into the classroom. By utilizing visuals, educators can provide students with an engaging and interactive learning experience that helps them better understand the text. Incorporating visuals into your lessons will help students better comprehend the material and make connections between images and written words. For example, you can have your students analyze illustrations in order to identify character traits or draw parallels between illustrations and specific moments in the story.

Explore Different Perspectives
Because Awkward focuses on different characters’ experiences at different times throughout their lives, it’s important for educators to emphasize how characters’ perspectives change over time. Ask questions like: why does this character feel this way? How have his/her perspectives changed since we first met him/her? Encouraging conversations about these types of topics will help students gain a deeper understanding of characters’ motivations and feelings as well as spark discussions around themes like identity, acceptance, bullying, friendship, etc.

Group Projects & Discussion Questions
Having students work together on projects related to Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova is a great way to get them thinking critically about the text while also allowing them to form connections with their peers. You can assign group projects such as creating original artwork inspired by certain scenes from the book or writing journal entries from one of the characters’ perspectives. Additionally, provide discussion questions that encourage students to think deeply about what they’ve read and share their insights with others in the class using platform tools like Padlet or Flipgrid.

The Power of Visuals
Graphic novels offer a unique combination of visuals and text. They are often easier for students to understand because they break down complex ideas into simpler, more visual representations. For example, in Awkward, we see Penelope’s emotional turmoil portrayed in images—such as her being stuck between two conflicting worlds—as well as dialogue bubbles that help illustrate her inner thoughts and feelings. The combination of visuals and text make the story more accessible for readers, allowing them to more easily connect with the characters and themes of the novel.

Reading Comprehension Strategies
When teaching any form of literature, it is important to provide students with reading comprehension strategies that will help them better understand what they are reading. One strategy that works particularly well with graphic novels is using character analysis questions. For instance, when discussing Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova, teachers could ask their students questions such as: How does Penelope feel about herself? How do other character’s view Penelope? What kind of relationships does she have with those around her? Answering these types of questions can help students better comprehend what is going on in the story and draw connections between their own lives and those of the characters in the novel.

Open Ended Discussion Questions
One way to get your students excited about reading is by introducing open ended discussion questions into your lesson plans. Open ended questions allow for critical thinking skills to be developed as students formulate answers based on their individual experiences rather than just regurgitating facts from a textbook or lecture notes. For instance, after reading Awkward together as a class, you could ask your students “How has Penelope changed since the beginning of the book?” or “What do you think will happen next?” These types of discussion topics encourage students to think outside the box and engage more deeply with the material that they are studying.

Themes
One of the best ways to teach Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova is to focus on its themes. Themes like bullying, self-discovery, and friendship can be explored through discussion and activities. Encourage your students to think critically about these topics and how they apply to their own lives. You can also assign projects or essay topics that relate back to these themes. For example, you could ask your students to write an essay about the different types of bullying they have seen or experienced themselves.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Characters
Another great way to explore Awkward is by discussing the characters in the story. Ask your students which character they most identify with and why? Ask them what traits each character has that make them unique? What do they think motivates each character? Discussing characters’ motivations will help your students understand their behavior better, as well as give them an opportunity to practice empathy for people who are different from them.

Graphic Novel Format
It’s also important to talk about the graphic novel format itself when teaching Awkward. Ask your students what makes this format so effective for telling stories? What advantages does it have over traditional novel formats? Have them draw connections between art and storytelling by analyzing how the artwork conveys emotion or expresses ideas not explicitly stated in the text. This will help them understand how visuals can be used as a storytelling tool beyond just illustrating words on a page.

Awkward is a powerful tool for engaging learners in discussions around important issues such as identity and bullying while also providing an opportunity for teachers to integrate visuals into their lessons plans. Educators should use this book as an opportunity to explore different perspectives and create activities that allow students to build meaningful connections with each other through shared experiences related to growing up and navigating adolescence. With thoughtful planning and facilitation, Awkward can be used as a catalyst for meaningful conversations among your students that will last far beyond the classroom walls!

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January 16, 2023

Jen Yang’s Stargazing in the Classroom

Jen Yang’s Stargazing in the Classroom novel study full lessons, CLICK HERE.

In Jen Yang’s graphic novel Stargazing, readers are taken on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery with a young girl named Moon. Through her struggles at school, dealing with bullies and trying to fit in, Moon finds comfort in finding the constellations that fill the night sky. Educators can use this story to help students develop empathy, resilience, and an appreciation for the natural world. Let’s take a look at how you can use this novel to teach your students.

Introduce Students to Graphic Novels
Graphic novels offer an exciting way for students to engage with literature, but many may not be familiar with them. Before introducing Stargazing, it’s important that you explain what a graphic novel is and how it differs from traditional novels. Talk about the features of graphic novels, such as words and illustrations working together to tell stories, panels showing different scenes or moments in time, and the use of text bubbles or thought boxes. You can even show examples of other popular graphic novels (e.g., Maus or Persepolis) so that students have a better understanding of what they’re going to be reading.

Explore Themes Through Discussion
Stargazing is full of interesting themes which can be explored through classroom discussions. Have students think critically about topics like family dynamics, identity formation, cultural norms and expectations, mental health issues, and more. Ask open-ended questions such as “What do you think this character was feeling?” or “What message do you think this scene conveys?” These discussions will help your students develop critical thinking skills while also deepening their understanding of the book’s content.
Encourage Creative Thinking

Graphic novels offer endless possibilities for creative expression! As your class reads Stargazing, encourage your students to express their interpretations through artwork or writing pieces related to the story’s themes. For example, ask them to create a comic strip inspired by one of the characters’ experiences or write a poem about one of their own personal struggles related to Stargazing‘s themes. This will give them an opportunity to practice their own creativity while also giving them an outlet for self-expression.


Creating Connections Between Characters and Students
The story of Stargazing is about a girl overcoming adversity through her resilience and perseverance. By connecting with Moon’s struggles, students can understand that they are not alone when facing challenges in their lives. Stargazing offers educators an opportunity to discuss issues such as bullying and peer pressure, as well as how these experiences can shape our identity and sense of self-worth. Through discussion questions or writing prompts, educators could ask students what they think of Moon’s journey and if they have ever experienced similar situations themselves.

Integrating Science into the Curriculum
Stargazing also provides an opportunity for educators to introduce concepts related to astronomy and science into their lesson plans. The story takes place in Taiwan where Moon visits multiple sites of astronomical significance like the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. Educators can use these sites as examples to discuss topics such as star formation, constellations, different types of stars, etc., while relating them back to Moon’s journey throughout the book. By incorporating science into the novel study, educators can create meaningful connections between literature and science that will stay with students long after they finish reading the book.

Exploring Intersectionality
Stargazing offers readers a unique perspective on intersectionality by exploring themes around culture, family dynamics, gender roles, language barriers among other things through its characters’ experiences. You could ask your students how they think these issues relate to their own lives or even compare their own culture or family dynamics with those presented in Stargazing. This allows students to explore different perspectives while also developing empathy for others who may have different backgrounds than them.

Encourage Discussion
The conversation surrounding Stargazing should be open and honest. Encourage students to discuss their own experiences like those of Moon, the protagonist of the novel. Allow students to share stories with each other and have conversations about topics such as immigration, identity, bullying, prejudice, family dynamics, and more. Help guide these conversations by asking questions like “How does Moon feel when she experiences racism?” or “What advice would you give Moon if you were her friend?” Use these conversations to help your students better understand themselves and their peers while fostering empathy and understanding amongst one another.

Integrate Technology
Technology can provide many opportunities for learning with Stargazing. Have students create character profiles on Google Slides or use video editing software like iMovie or Adobe Premiere Rush to create short clips based on events from the novel (with parent permission). You could also ask students to create podcasts discussing themes from the book or use a 3D animation program like Blender to design a scene from the novel that they then share with the class. Allowing students to be creative with technology will facilitate engagement with both the material itself as well as contemporary digital tools that can be useful later on in their lives.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Encourage Writing Projects
Writing projects are a great way for students to express what they have learned from Stargazing through traditional literary expression such as poetry or short stories. Ask them to write about events from the book that resonated strongly with them or use character dialogue prompts (such as “How would Moon respond if…?”) as writing assignments for your class. Give your students options so that they can choose which kind of writing project works best for them personally – creativity is key here! Once completed, encourage them to share their work with one another so they can learn from each other’s unique perspectives too!


Jen Yang’s Stargazing is a wonderfully impactful story about resilience, self-discovery, perseverance and cultural differences that both children and adults alike can connect with on so many levels—whether it be through its characters’ stories or its exploration of astronomy concepts within its narrative structure.. As an educator looking for ways to engage your students while teaching important life lessons around empathy and understanding others from different backgrounds – then look no further! With proper discussion points & activities prepared beforehand – educators have everything they need at their fingertips to successfully integrate Stargazing into their curriculum!

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January 16, 2023

Gene Luen Yang’s Dragon Hoops in the Classroom

Gene Luen Yang’s Dragon Hoops graphic novel study lessons, CLICK HERE.

Graphic novels are an excellent way to engage students in a meaningful and creative way. The Pulitzer Prize-nominated graphic novel Gene Luen Yang’s Dragon Hoops is a great example of a story that can provide many lessons for the classroom. This powerful graphic novel follows the journey of the Bishop O’Dowd High School basketball team, offering an engaging window into education, sports, and much more. Let’s explore how this graphic novel can be used to teach students.


Analyzing Characters & Their Story Arcs
The characters in Gene Luen Yang’s Dragon Hoops are multi-dimensional and complex; they are not simply one-dimensional stereotypes or flat characters. As such, exploring these characters offers students a lesson in depth of characterization and observation. Students can analyze each character’s individual story arc, motivations, and conflicts, as well as how those arcs intertwine with each other throughout the course of the novel. This type of analysis encourages students to think deeply about different types of narrative structure and storytelling techniques—all through the lens of a gripping story!

Exploring Race & Identity
Basketball is often used as a tool for teaching various topics like race and identity. In Gene Luen Yang’s Dragon Hoops, Yang presents readers with an intimate glimpse into a diverse high school basketball team comprised of different races and cultural backgrounds. This aspect is especially important to focus on when discussing identity in class because it highlights how individuals have unique identities that cannot be reduced to racial categories alone. It also provides an opportunity to discuss what it means to “belong” within a certain community or culture while simultaneously having other identities that may not align perfectly with that group’s expectations or norms.

Considering Social Issues & Themes
Dragon Hoops touches on many themes related to social issues like bullying, sexism, racism, mental health awareness, etc., making it perfect for sparking classroom conversations around these topics. It provides an opportunity for students to consider how real people experience these issues in their lives on both an individual and societal level. Additionally, it gives them the chance to learn about the power of resilience and perseverance when facing difficult obstacles—both on the basketball court and off!

Reading Comprehension Strategies
Dragon Hoops provides plenty of opportunities for teachers to introduce reading comprehension strategies such as summarizing and inferring. By having students summarize the main points after each chapter or section, they will be able to better understand the plot and characters. Additionally, Yang’s artwork can add another layer of understanding for those visual learners in your class. Students can look at each panel and discuss what the characters are feeling and thinking at that moment in time. This helps with inference, which is key to understanding any text.

Writing Skills
Yang’s graphic novel is also helpful when it comes to teaching writing skills. Because graphic novels combine written words with images, they provide a unique opportunity for readers to imagine themselves in the story. As such, encourage your students to write their own stories based on what they read in Dragon Hoops. Have them come up with their own plot lines while using Yang’s narrative structure as a model — this will help them work on their descriptive writing while also using accurate grammar and punctuation rules.

Critical Thinking Skills
Encourage your students to think critically about what they read in Dragon Hoops by having them ask questions about different aspects of the novel — from character motivation to plot development — during an open discussion or debate session. When discussing various scenes from the book, ask your students why certain decisions were made or certain choices were taken instead of others; this will help them form well-rounded conclusions about complex topics within the novel’s narrative arc. Additionally, have them consider how history plays a role in storytelling; this will help foster critical thinking skills that are applicable outside of just literature lessons!

Exploring Identity Through Dragon Hoops
The main character in Dragon Hoops is Yang himself—a Chinese American cartoonist who has come back to his alma mater as a teacher and coach. While Yang’s story serves as the narrative backbone of the book, he also delves into many of his players’ stories. Each student brings their own unique life experiences and perspectives to the court; some are first-generation immigrants while others come from more privileged backgrounds. Through these stories, Yang illustrates how each individual plays a role in creating the team’s culture and identity—and how that culture can be both unifying and divisive at times.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Fostering Self-Expression
Throughout the graphic novel, Yang emphasizes each character’s unique gifts and talents that help contribute to their success on the court—but more than that, he shows how these skills can be utilized off the court too. For instance, one character uses her artistic talent to create beautiful murals throughout school hallways while another finds solace through photography when things become overwhelming at home. By showcasing all of these different forms of expression, Yang gives readers an appreciation for each person’s unique capabilities and encourages them to explore their own interests outside of sports.

Learning From Mistakes
One thing that makes Dragon Hoops stand out as an educational tool is its honest portrayal of failure. No matter how talented or hardworking someone is, mistakes will inevitably happen—and it’s important for students to learn how to accept failure without letting it define them or undermine their self-confidence. In addition to learning from his players’ mistakes, Yang himself reflects on his own shortcomings as a coach throughout the book; by doing so, he encourages readers not only accept failure but also use it as an opportunity for personal growth.


Gene Luen Yang’s Dragon Hoops is filled with dynamic characters whose stories offer rich opportunities for discussion on issues related to race, identity, social issues and more! By analyzing its characters’ stories arcs or exploring its themes around race/identity/social issues in class discussions, educators can facilitate meaningful learning experiences for their students while at the same time creating an exciting classroom environment where everyone can participate actively in understanding these complexities better! Thanks to its captivating narrative style combined with its timely themes about modern life today, Dragon Hoops makes for an ideal teaching tool for any educator looking for creative ways to engage their students during remote learning sessions!

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