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December 4, 2022

Engaging Students with Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit

Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT)

Getting students to engage with historical fiction can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit offers an exciting narrative account of the American Civil War from a unique point-of-view: a young Union soldier sent behind enemy lines as a spy. This thrilling adventure is sure to capture the attention of your students and help them make meaningful connections between history and literature. Let’s explore how you can bring this book into your classroom.


Using Historical Context to Enhance Understanding
When teaching Behind Rebel Lines, it’s important to provide your students with background information on the Civil War. This will help them understand the motivations of each side and appreciate the enormity of what was at stake during this conflict. You may want to break down the causes of the war, explore biographies of major figures, or map out key battles as part of your lesson plan. Each activity should encourage your students to think critically about this period in history and draw parallels between their own lives and those who lived through this tumultuous time.

Provide Opportunities For Discussion
Novels like Behind Rebel Lines offer countless opportunities for discussion in class, so don’t be afraid to create activities that require students to exchange ideas and debate different topics related to the novel. Depending on their age group, these discussions could focus on themes such as bravery and courage, loyalty and betrayal, or even identity versus patriotism. By discussing these themes in terms of both character motivations as well as their potential applicability in real life scenarios, you can help your students gain a greater understanding not only of what they read but also how it connects with their own lives. When it comes time for discussions, don’t just rely on traditional questions that only require straightforward answers! Instead, get creative with how you structure conversations so that everyone has an opportunity to participate in meaningful dialogue. For example, you could have each student choose one passage from the novel to discuss as a group or play a game where each student has to explain why they think certain characters made certain decisions in the story.

Extend The Experience Outside Of The Classroom
Beyond Rebel Lines is filled with action-packed scenes that are sure to spark curiosity among readers! As such, consider providing additional activities that extend learning beyond the classroom walls. For example, you could invite guest speakers who were involved in military service or espionage operations during the Civil War period; arrange field trips to local museums or battlefields; or assign extra reading assignments related to certain characters or events described in the novel. By taking advantage of these kinds of activities, you can add depth and texture to your lesson plans while giving your students plenty of chances for further exploration!

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Use Primary Sources When Possible
One of the best ways to bring the story alive for your students is to use primary sources when possible. Examining original letters or documents written during the Civil War era can be quite eye-opening and help your students better understand the context of this time period. You could even project these documents onto a screen and have your students analyze them together as a class. This is especially important since Behind Rebel Lines is based on true events.

Encourage Students to Create Projects
Projects are a great way for students to engage with literature in fun and creative ways. If you’re teaching Behind Rebel Lines, consider having your students create projects related to the novel such as making dioramas of scenes from the book or writing stories set during this same time period. These activities are sure to capture their interest and encourage them to think more deeply about what they’ve read.

Exploring Key Themes
Once your students are familiar with the story, ask them to explore its key themes such as loyalty, courage, duty, and patriotism. Ask them to think about how these themes come up throughout the book and how they might relate these themes to their own lives or other aspects of history or literature. You can also encourage your students to make connections between Frank’s decisions and those made by other characters in history or literature who have faced similar situations.

Applying What They Learn
Encourage students to apply what they learn from this novel by creating projects that demonstrate their understanding of its key themes and characters. For example, you could ask them to create an illustration that depicts a scene from the book or write an essay about one of its characters’ choices and how it reflects their values or beliefs. These activities can help your students further develop critical thinking skills while exploring meaningful topics related to history and literature.


Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit is an exciting read that provides a unique window into one of America’s most tumultuous times—the American Civil War. Through thoughtful instruction techniques such as contextualizing historical events and inviting discussion among peers, educators can ensure that their classrooms are lively spaces where students can not only learn but also gain meaningful insights into our past. Moreover, providing additional activities outside of class time gives learners more opportunities for exploration and hands-on learning experiences related to this captivating novel!

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December 4, 2022

The Stars Beneath Our Feet David Barclay Moore Unlocked in the Classroom

The Stars Beneath Our Feet David Barclay Moore full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT).

The Stars Beneath Our Feet David Barclay Moore is a powerful novel about an African American boy living in Harlem who uses his love of LEGO to cope with the loss of his brother and navigate his tumultuous home life. It can be a great resource for teachers looking to engage students in meaningful conversations about grief, resilience, and identity. Let’s look at some ways teachers can use this book in the classroom.

Integrate Technology Into Learning
Moore’s novel provides plenty of chances for digital integration into learning activities. For example, after exploring themes such as friendship or courage with their students, teachers could have them create digital presentations or art pieces that illustrate their interpretations of those themes. This activity gives them a chance to express themselves creatively while still engaging with the material from the book.

Incorporate Creative Writing into Learning
Creative writing exercises can help students further explore different characters from Moore’s novel or develop their own stories related to common themes found throughout it. Teachers could have their students compose journal entries as if they were one of the characters in the book or write short stories inspired by moments from it. These activities give them a chance to practice creative writing while deepening their understanding of important topics like grief, identity, and hope.

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Exploring Identity Through Characters
The main character, twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul, is faced with many challenges throughout the novel. His brother has recently died from a gun-related incident, his mother has become increasingly overwhelmed with her grief and depression, and he has been forced to move into a new neighborhood far away from his old one. All of these events provide an opportunity for students to explore how events can shape our identities and how we handle them as people. In addition, Lolly is dealing with being biracial in a predominantly black community; this gives teachers an opportunity to discuss race and racial identity.

Building Empathy Through Narrative Perspective
The Stars Beneath Our Feet is written from Lolly’s perspective; it allows readers to see the world through his eyes and gain insight into his thoughts and feelings. This narrative style gives teachers an opportunity to help students build empathy by understanding what it feels like to be in someone else’s shoes—literally! By asking questions such as “What do you think Lolly was feeling in this moment?” or “How would you have reacted if you were in Lolly’s position?”, teachers can help students better understand what it means to be empathetic towards others.

Themes & Discussion Questions
The most important step to teaching any book is getting familiar with its themes. In The Stars Beneath Our Feet, some of the major themes include resilience, identity formation, and community building. Consider framing your discussion prompts around these themes; they can help students explore how the characters respond to their challenges and how they can apply those lessons to their own lives. The Stars Beneath Our Feet offers teachers plenty of opportunities to explore themes related to gender, race, family dynamics, and resilience with their students. After reading sections aloud or assigning independent reading sections, teachers can ask questions that encourage students to share their own experiences and thoughts on the text. They could also have students break into small groups for more focused discussions on certain aspects of each chapter.Here are some example questions you can ask your students:


• How does Lolly use his creativity to cope with his struggles?

• What does Lolly learn about himself throughout the book?

• What role do relationships play in supporting Lolly’s growth?

• How does Lolly’s neighborhood shape his identity?

Activities & Assignments
In addition to discussing the book with your class, consider assigning activities or projects related to it. This will give your students an opportunity to engage more deeply with the text and characters. Some ideas might include writing journal entries from one of the character’s perspectives or creating a diorama depicting a key scene from the novel. You could also assign research projects related to relevant topics such as urban poverty or gang violence in New York City neighborhoods during the 1990s. Whatever activity you choose should relate back to one of the book’s themes or discussion questions for maximum effect!

Classroom Materials & Resources
Finally, consider supplementing your students’ reading experience by providing them with additional materials and resources related to The Stars Beneath Our Feet. For example, you could offer supplemental readings on topics such as race relations in America during the early 1990s or provide audio recordings of interviews with author David Barclay Moore discussing his inspiration for writing this novel and other works. You could even invite guest speakers who can offer personal accounts of growing up in urban environments like New York City during that time period!


David Barclay Moore’s The Stars Beneath Our Feet provides educators with countless opportunities to engage their students in meaningful conversations about race, gender identity, family dynamics, and resilience through discussion, technology integration, and creative writing activities. By exploring these topics through this powerful storyteller’s lens—and armed with creative tools—teachers will be able to connect with their students on multiple levels while helping them gain new insights into life’s biggest challenges.

David Barclay Moore’s The Stars Beneath Our Feet full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT).

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December 3, 2022

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind William Kamkwamba Brought to the Classroom

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind William Kamkwamba full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Clipart from Queen’s Educational Resources HERE


The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind William Kamkwamba is a remarkable story of determination and ingenuity. William Kamkwamba, a young boy living in poverty in rural Malawi, managed to build a wind turbine out of scrap materials that powered his family’s home. His story is an inspiring example of the power of human creativity and resilience in the face of extreme hardship. This blog post will provide educators with suggestions on how to teach William’s story to students.


Promote Student Engagement by Allowing Students to Create Projects Based on the Book
One of the best ways for students to understand and appreciate William’s story is by allowing them to create projects based on what they learn from reading it. Projects could range from creating a 3D model of a wind turbine or writing their own stories about overcoming adversity. Encouraging students to think critically about how they can apply what they learn from William’s story can help bring the material alive for them and make it more meaningful.

Encourage Discussions About Overcoming Adversity
William’s story provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to facilitate discussions about overcoming adversity with their students. Teachers can ask questions such as “What challenges has William faced? How did he manage to overcome them? What lessons can we learn from his experience?” These kinds of open-ended discussions will allow students to explore different perspectives while also giving them an opportunity to practice communication skills like active listening and empathizing with others.

Before diving into the details of William’s story, it’s important to introduce it properly. For example, discuss what inspired him—his meager resources and his father’s encouragement—to create something that would change his life forever. This will give students a better understanding of why he created the windmill and why it worked against all odds. It will also show them that with dedication and hard work anything is possible.

Focus on STEM Concepts
William Kamkwamba’s story is full of STEM concepts that can be used as teaching points in your classroom. Whether you are discussing physics principles such as energy conversion or problem-solving skills such as creative thinking and troubleshooting, there are plenty of opportunities for learning about science and engineering through books like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. You can also focus on issues such as climate change or renewable energy sources by discussing William’s invention.

Discuss Perseverance
William did not let any obstacle stand in the way of pursuing his goal—even when there were times when he felt discouraged or overwhelmed. Showing students how he kept going no matter what will help them understand just how powerful determination can be in achieving personal goals. By discussing stories like William’s – where success comes from never giving up – you are providing your students with an invaluable lesson they can carry with them throughout their lives.

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Provide Resources That Help Students Learn More About Malawi
Another great way for teachers to supplement their classroom instruction is by providing resources that help students learn more about Malawi, where William’s story takes place. Resources such as maps, documentaries, articles, and pictures can help give students a better understanding of the country’s culture, geography, and history so that they have a firmer grasp on the context in which William’s story takes place. Additionally, having access to these resources may even inspire some students to research further on their own time!


The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is an inspiring tale full of valuable lessons that are applicable both inside and outside the classroom. By encouraging student engagement with creative projects, facilitating discussions about overcoming adversity, and providing resources about Malawi, educators can ensure that their students get the most out of this book and its powerful message. With these strategies in hand, educators are sure to make learning more meaningful for their students as they dive into this captivating tale!

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba’s full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers

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December 3, 2022

Gordon Korman’s Restart Guide for Classroom

Gordon Korman’s Restart full novel study lessons HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Gordon Korman’s Restart is a captivating middle-grade novel that follows the story of Chase, a boy with amnesia who must relearn his past. This book offers a unique and memorable teaching experience for students that will help them make real-world connections and practice important life skills. Below are some ideas for educators on how to teach this book in the classroom.

Exploring Identity Through Text
As you read through the book with your class, make sure to pause periodically so that students have time to discuss relevant topics that arise in the text. For example, when Chase first learns about his former self as a bully, ask your class what they think about this revelation? How does learning about Chase’s past alter our perception of him? What does it mean for us as readers? Do we expect him to remain good or revert back to being bad? These types of questions will help your students understand how complex identity can be and how quickly it can change depending on life experiences.

Building Empathy Through Reflection
At key points throughout Restart, guide your students in reflecting upon their own lives and experiences related to bullying or being bullied themselves. Ask them if they have ever been faced with similar decisions as Chase—whether or not they should follow through with something wrong even if everyone else is doing it too—and how they dealt with those situations in real life. Encourage them to consider different perspectives and how other people might feel if they were in similar circumstances. Through this kind of reflection work, students will begin developing empathy which will serve them well in their day-to-day lives as well as their futures as citizens of the world community.

Understanding Character Development
Chase’s journey makes for an excellent opportunity to discuss character development with students. Throughout the book, students can see how Chase grows and changes as he learns more about himself. Talk about how he handles different situations, discovers new parts of himself, and ultimately finds his true identity. Ask your students questions such as: What did Chase learn about himself? How did he grow throughout the story? What traits did he possess before his accident? You can also ask your students what they think makes up a person’s identity—are memories essential? Is it possible to be someone else without access to those memories?

Exploring Setting and Theme
The setting of Restart takes place in an affluent suburban neighborhood, which helps create interesting themes within the story, such as wealth inequality, privilege, bullying, and friendship. Your class can have meaningful discussions about these topics while exploring the setting of the novel. To engage with this aspect further, you could ask your students questions such as: How does Chase’s environment shape his journey? How does it contribute to or detract from his ability to find out who he was before his accident? Do you think this setting affects him differently than if it were set in another location?

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Learning Life Skills
This book is full of opportunities for your students to practice their own life skills such as problem solving, communication, self-esteem building and resilience in the face of adversity. Encourage your class to pay attention to how Chase manages these situations throughout the book—how does he communicate effectively with different characters? What strategies does he use when faced with difficult obstacles? You can also ask your students what strategies they use in similar situations or if they have any advice they would give chase if they were in his shoes.


Gordon Korman’s Restart is an engaging work of fiction that provides teachers with many opportunities for meaningful learning experiences that go beyond just reading a book! By discussing character development, exploring setting and theme, and learning life skills through Chase’s journey, your class will have an enjoyable yet educational time interacting with this novel. As always when reading literature in the classroom—have fun! Enjoy watching your students gain knowledge from this unique book by Gordon Korman!

Restart by Gordon Korman full novel study lessons HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

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December 3, 2022

Engaging With Jason Reynold’s Ghost

Jason Reynolds’ Ghost full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Clipart from Queen’s Educational Resources HERE

Jason Reynolds’ Ghost is a powerful work of fiction that speaks to the heart of young adults. It tells the story of Ghost, an inner-city teen with a passion for running, as he navigates his way through middle school and beyond. As an educator, it can be difficult to find ways to engage your students with this book. Here are some tips and strategies on how you can use Ghost to teach your students about resilience, courage, empathy, and more.

1. Discuss themes: One of the best ways to engage your students in the text is by discussing the various themes that are explored throughout the novel. Ask them questions about topics such as resilience, friendship, courage, and empathy. These discussions will help them understand why these ideas are important topics in literature and life.

2. Encourage student voice: When discussing different themes, allow your students to add their own perspectives and experiences into the conversation. This will give them a sense of ownership over what they are learning and will help create meaningful connections between the text and their individual lives.

3. Connect with other media: There are many movies and television shows that explore similar themes as those explored in Ghost. Ask your students if they have seen any of these works or if they know anyone who has seen them before discussing them together in class. This will help make connections between literature and popular culture while also giving students a chance to share their own personal experiences with media outside of class time.

4. Create projects: To further engage your students with this book, you can ask them to create projects based on what they’ve learned from reading it. For example, you could ask them to write a song or poem inspired by one of the characters or create an art piece that reflects one of the major themes explored in the novel. Not only will this give them an opportunity to express themselves creatively, but it will also help strengthen their understanding of what they’ve read so far in class!

Utilizing Ghost in the Classroom
Ghost is written for young adults, which makes it an excellent teaching tool for middle and high school classrooms. Educators may choose to use the book as part of their curriculum or assign it as summer reading for their students. Regardless, teachers should take time to discuss key themes with their students such as perseverance, self-discovery, and personal growth.

When engaging with Ghost in class discussions, educators should focus on highlighting its main message: no matter your circumstances, you have the power to make something out of your life if you are willing to work hard and persevere. This message is especially relevant during these uncertain times when many students are struggling with feelings of insecurity due to changes brought on by the pandemic.

Incorporating Activities into Learning
Educators can also create activities that will further engage student learning about this novel. For example, teachers may ask their students to develop creative projects such as writing poems or creating artwork that expresses how Ghost’s story has inspired them or how they relate to his experiences. Additionally, teachers may decide to have their classes participate in physical activity related challenges such as running races—similar to what Ghost does in the novel—or developing fitness routines based on what they learn from the book. These activities will give students an opportunity to connect with one another while also allowing them to apply lessons learned from reading Ghost into real life situations.

Jason Reynolds’ Ghost is a powerful work of fiction that can be used to teach valuable lessons about resilience, friendship, courage, empathy and more! As an educator, there are many ways you can use this book to engage your students in meaningful conversations about these concepts while also giving them opportunities for creative expression outside of class time! By utilizing these tips and strategies when teaching ghost by Jason Reynolds to your students you can ensure that everyone leaves class feeling inspired and enriched by this incredible work of fiction!

Jason Reynolds’ Ghost full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers

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December 3, 2022

Graphic Novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers in the Classroom

Graphic Novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers full novel study lessons HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Clipart from Queen’s Educational Resources HERE


Graphic Novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers is an award-winning graphic novel about a teenage boy’s journey to prove his innocence after being accused of murder. It’s a powerful story that can be used to teach students about themes such as justice, morality, and identity. Here are some tips on how to use this novel to engage students in meaningful discussions and help them make connections between the text and their own lives.

1. Pre-reading Activities
Before you dive into the novel with your students, it’s important to set the stage for meaningful learning. There are several pre-reading activities you can do with your students to help them become familiar with the characters and plot of Monster. For example, have your students create web diagrams or character maps identifying key people in the book so they can keep track of who is who as you read through the novel together. You could also have them write brief summaries of each chapter or draw illustrations that capture their impressions of events in the book. Explain the Context of the Novel Beforehand
Before you dive into discussing the text with your students, it’s important to provide them with background information on both Walter Dean Myers and the context of his novel. Teach them about Myers as an author, what inspired him to write Monster, and why he chose to write it in a graphic novel format. This will help students gain insights into character motivations and understand why certain choices were made by Myers while writing this book.

2. In Class Discussions
Once your students have read through Monster, facilitate class discussions where they can discuss their thoughts and feelings about different aspects of the novel. Encourage them to make connections between what happens in the book and their own lives—this will help them stay engaged with what they’re reading and think more deeply about its meaning. Make sure everyone has a chance to participate in these discussions; if someone seems hesitant or unwilling to speak up, ask specific questions that will get them involved in the conversation. When teaching Monster in class, focus more on group discussions over individual work when possible. To get the most out of this book, it’s important for students to discuss their thoughts and feelings after reading each chapter with their peers – this helps them process what they read more deeply and encourages critical thinking skills. If possible, divide your class into small groups so that each student has a chance to contribute their voice during discussions.

3. Post-Reading Activities
Post-reading activities are a great way for your students to reflect on what they’ve learned from reading Monster and apply those lessons to their own lives. Have them create written reflections about different themes from the book or conduct research projects that explore issues related to criminal justice reform or mass incarceration (which are both addressed in Monster). You could also assign group projects where student teams create presentations based on topics related to race, class, gender, etc., all of which come up throughout Myers’s work. Monster focuses heavily on themes of racism and injustice within our legal system. Encouraging your students to make connections between their own experiences with these issues will help them better understand what they are reading. For example, if you have students who come from minority backgrounds or have had firsthand experience with injustice in their communities, ask them to share their stories and relate it back to the story being told in Monster.

Monster is an engaging graphic novel that provides countless opportunities for meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages. By using pre-reading activities, facilitating classroom discussions, and assigning post-reading tasks, educators can help bring this important story alive for their students while teaching valuable lessons at the same time! With a little bit of creative thinking and preparation, teachers can unlock this powerful story’s potential within their classrooms while providing an engaging educational experience for everyone involved!

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers full novel study lessons HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

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December 3, 2022

The Giver Lois Lowry Graphic Novel in the Classroom

The Giver Lois Lowry graphic novel full novel study lessons HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Clipart from Queen’s Educational Resources HERE

The Giver Lois Lowry graphic novel is one of the most popular and enduring books in modern classrooms. This beloved graphic novel has been around for over two decades, but its themes are timeless. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to teach The Giver to students, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the book’s themes and messages.


Start with an Introduction: Before diving into the text itself, it’s important to introduce the book to your students. Discuss important topics such as its setting, characters, and main ideas. Ask your students questions that will help them make connections between what they already know and what they will learn from The Giver. For example, you could ask questions like: What do you think life would be like without memories? How do you think people would react if their choices were taken away? These types of open-ended questions can help your students get more invested in their reading journey.

Encourage Conversation and Debate: As you read through the novel with your class, take time to encourage conversation and debate among your students about key moments or decisions made by characters throughout the book. This kind of discussion helps students better understand the book’s themes and encourages them to think critically about how those themes apply in their own lives. Additionally, having these kinds of conversations prepares students for future discussions on other books or topics they may encounter in college or beyond.

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Engage with Visuals: Because The Giver is a graphic novel, it provides unique opportunities for visual engagement with content. After reading each chapter or section together as a class, have your students draw out different scenes from the book or create storyboards that illustrate major plot points or character arcs. This helps children visualize and comprehend difficult concepts while also allowing them to express themselves creatively. Plus, drawing out scenes can provide an interactive way for children who might not feel comfortable talking in front of others to participate in class discussions about the book’s content.

Create Discussion Questions
The best way to get your students engaged in the text is to create discussion questions and activities related to it. Encourage your students to think critically about what they read and take the time to really discuss their thoughts on the plot, characters, themes, and more. You can also use these questions and activities as writing prompts for assignments or essays related to the book.

Integrate Technology into Your Lessons
These days there are so many tools available that you can use to help make your lessons come alive for your students. Incorporating technology into your lessons is a great way to show how literature applies in our lives today. For example, you could assign a research project using online resources such as databases or video clips related to the novel’s themes or setting, or you could ask them to create a multimedia presentation based on something they learned from the book.

Discuss Social Issues
The Giver touches on several important social issues such as freedom of choice and responsibility that can be discussed in class. Ask your students what they think about these topics and how they relate it back to their own life experiences. These conversations will help them understand the importance of making informed decisions for themselves and for others around them.

Teaching The Giver is a great way for educators to help their students develop critical thinking skills while engaging with a classic text full of timeless lessons on freedom and choice. By introducing key elements from this beloved graphic novel before diving into the text itself; encouraging conversation and debate among your students; and engaging with visuals such as drawing scenes or creating storyboards; educators can use this book as a powerful tool for teaching children how to think deeply about literature and its messages on human nature.

The Giver by Lois Lowry full novel study lessons HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

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December 3, 2022

To Kill a Mockingbird Graphic Novel Harper Lee in the Classroom

To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee Graphic Novel full novel study can be found HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.


To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is an iconic and timeless novel that has been inspiring readers since it was first published in 1960. In recent years, the novel has been adapted into a graphic novel form, making it more accessible to students of all ages. But how do you teach the graphic novel version of To Kill a Mockingbird to students? Here are some tips for educators looking to bring this classic story into their classrooms.


Engage Students with Discussions
The best way to engage your students in reading the graphic novel adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird is to start with a discussion of the themes present in the book. Ask your students open-ended questions that will get them thinking about topics like racism, gender roles, justice, and morality. These discussions will help your students gain context for the characters and plot points they will encounter while reading the graphic novel. Classroom discussion is essential for helping your students connect with each other and with the material itself. Encouraging small group conversations or larger class discussions about key topics such as morality or justice can help your students develop empathy and understanding for people who are different from them while also deepening their appreciation for literature itself. By fostering conversation among your students, you will create an environment where everyone feels safe enough to share their thoughts without fear of judgement or ridicule—allowing them to learn from each other in a meaningful way.

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.


Encourage Historical Context Exploration
The story of To Kill a Mockingbird takes place during the 1930s in the American South. While it may be tempting to skip over this historical context, doing so will limit your students’ understanding of the story as a whole. Encouraging your students to look into the time period—including exploring issues such as segregation, poverty, and even lynching—will help them gain a better understanding of why the characters acted and thought in certain ways. This will also give them an appreciation for what life was like at that time in history.

Focus on Literary Devices
To Kill a Mockingbird is packed full of literary devices that can help your students gain an even deeper understanding of its themes and messages. For example, symbolism is used throughout the novel to highlight important characters or moments such as when Atticus Finch stands up against racism by taking on Tom Robinson’s case or when Scout discovers Boo Radley’s gifts after he saves her from being attacked by Bob Ewell. Additionally, examining irony within the text can help your students see how certain events turn out differently than expected due to outside forces beyond anyone’s control.

Analyzing Characters Through Visuals
One benefit of teaching a graphic novel adaptation is that it allows you to focus on how characters are portrayed visually. For example, when discussing Atticus Finch and his moral code, ask your students to take note of how he is depicted in the illustrations. Is he drawn as an authoritative figure? Does his body language communicate trustworthiness? Analyzing characters through visuals can help deepen your student’s understanding of their motivations and actions throughout the story.

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is an essential piece of literature for any classroom library. By using its graphic novel adaptation as well as engaging classroom discussions and visual analysis activities, educators can ensure that their students have an enjoyable and meaningful experience while learning from one of America’s most beloved stories. With these tips in mind, you can make sure that your students get the most out of their reading experience while also having fun!

To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee Graphic Novel full novel study can be found HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers

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December 3, 2022

Steven Levenson’s Dear Evan Hansen Classroom Style

Steven Levenson’s Dear Evan Hansen full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.


Adapted from the Tony Award-winning musical, Steven Levenson’s Dear Evan Hansen is an inspiring novel about a high school student’s struggle to find his place in the world. Through its relatable characters and powerful themes of identity, loneliness, and belonging, Steven Levenson’s novel offers students a unique opportunity to explore issues that are relevant to their lives. Let’s take a look at how educators can bring this story into their classrooms.


Bringing the Story to Life
One of the best ways to engage students in Dear Evan Hansen is to have them explore some of its main themes through activities that draw upon their own experiences. To that end, consider having students write letters or poems expressing what they wish people knew about them but they may be too afraid or embarrassed to say out loud. This activity will help them relate to Evan’s story by giving them an opportunity to express themselves without fear of judgement or criticism.

When teaching any book, it’s important to create an engaging lesson plan. This means making sure that your lesson plan has activities that will keep your students interested while they learn about the material. One way to do this is by incorporating multimedia into your lesson plan. For example, if you’re discussing a particular scene from Dear Evan Hansen, consider playing a portion of the musical or showing a video clip about the characters in order to bring the material to life for your students.

Another great way to engage your students is through discussion questions and activities related to critical thinking and analysis. These types of activities will help them better understand and analyze the text, as well as providing an opportunity for them to express their thoughts on Dear Evan Hansen in a constructive manner. You can also assign research projects related to topics discussed in the book such as mental health or bullying. In addition, you could also use Dear Evan Hansen as an entry point for discussing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Ask your students how they think mental illness affects our relationships with others and how we view ourselves. You might also consider having your class discuss which strategies can be used for managing mental health problems and preventing negative feelings from spiraling out of control.

Promoting Positive Mental Health
In addition to teaching your students about literature, it’s important that you also provide them with resources related to mental health and wellbeing. The themes in Dear Evan Hansen are very powerful and emotional; therefore, it’s essential that they have access to proper resources if they need help or support during their learning journey. Consider providing information on counseling services or other sources of support available at school or in their local community so they know where they can turn if needed.

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Lastly, use the novel as an opportunity for exploring different perspectives on difficult topics such as cyberbullying, suicide, and acceptance. Ask your students questions like “What do you think it takes for someone like Connor Murphy (one of the protagonists) to accept himself?” or “What would you do if you witnessed someone being bullied online?” These types of open-ended questions can help students empathize with characters and gain insight into different viewpoints on controversial topics.


Overall, teaching Dear Evan Hansen in the classroom is a great way for educators to engage their students and encourage them to think more deeply about important social issues such as mental health, bullying, and acceptance. By using activities that allow students to draw upon their own experiences while exploring these topics through literature, teachers can create meaningful learning opportunities that will stay with them long after they finish reading the book. With this approach, educators can help their students develop empathy skills while also gaining a deeper understanding of themselves along the way!

Dear Evan Hansen full novel study lessons click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers

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December 3, 2022

Teaching Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds in the Classroom

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds full novel study lesson click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.


Look Both Ways, written by New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds, is an award-winning novel that should be included in any classroom library. This book is a great resource for students to explore themes of courage, friendship, and identity. But how can it be taught effectively? Here’s a breakdown on how to get the most out of this amazing book when teaching it in the classroom.


Create Engaging Assignments
When assigning reading tasks related to Look Both Ways, make sure they are engaging and meaningful. Have students keep a journal throughout the book where they can write down their thoughts and reactions as they read. Ask them to analyze key characters or scenes from the book and explain their significance. Encourage them to connect elements of Look Both Ways with other works that you have read together as a class or personal experiences that they have had outside of school.

Incorporate Technology
Using technology can help make learning about Look Both Ways more interactive and interesting for your students. Have them create posters or presentations detailing what they learned from the novel. They could even create video book reviews using apps such as Flipgrid or Adobe Spark Video! Technology can also be used to assign different tasks within groups so that all students are actively involved in discussions about the novel while still being able to practice skills such as collaboration and communication. It is important to integrate technology when teaching this book. Technology can be used to create an engaging learning environment that encourages students to explore the text. For example, teachers can use online discussion boards or video chat tools so that students can discuss their ideas and thoughts while they read. Additionally, teachers can use interactive tools like apps or websites to guide students through their analysis of the book. These tools will help students develop critical thinking skills as they work through the text and learn more about its themes and characters.

Click HERE for the Digital Course Above.

Encourage Open Discussion
Don’t forget to include open discussion time after reading each chapter! Give your students an opportunity to share their thoughts about specific passages or events from the book with each other so that everyone feels included in the conversation. You can even encourage them to use Socratic Seminar techniques or debate formats when discussing topics related to Look Both Ways such as freedom of speech or moral responsibility. This will help foster critical thinking skills while also allowing your students to practice public speaking skills!

Encourage Self-Expression
Look Both Ways encourages self-expression and reflection among readers. Teachers should encourage these activities by providing opportunities for students to write about their reactions and experiences with the book. This could be done through journaling or writing assignments that ask them to analyze certain aspects of the story or connect it to their own lives. Additionally, teachers can have students respond to questions about the book in class discussions or group activities so that everyone has a chance to share their perspectives on it.

Group Projects
Finally, teachers should assign group projects related to Look Both Ways so that students can practice teamwork while exploring its themes further. Examples could include having groups create short films based on scenes from the book or creating presentations that explain how certain characters in the novel learn lessons throughout its course. These types of projects are great ways for students to dive deeper into what they’ve learned while also working collaboratively with peers.


Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds is an incredible novel that can teach students important life lessons while also developing their reading comprehension skills. It’s important that educators approach this book thoughtfully when teaching it in the classroom so that all students feel engaged and motivated throughout their journey with this story. By incorporating technology, creating meaningful assignments, and encouraging open discussion, teachers will be able to maximize their effectiveness when teaching Look Both Ways in their classes!

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds full novel study lesson click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers.

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