How This Teacher Started a Take-Home Library for Free

Once upon a time, in a small town with limited resources, there was an elementary school teacher named Mrs. Smith. She had always wanted to instill the love of reading in her students but lacked the resources to create a library for them. So, she decided to start a take-home library – for free. In this article, we uncover the story behind Mrs. Smith’s incredible initiative and how it inspired countless students to embrace reading. The seed of inspiration was sown during one of Mrs. Smith’s visits to a garage sale in her neighborhood. She found people selling their pre-loved …

We’re Loving These Activities That Teach Students Real-World Money Skills

Introduction: As educators and parents, we strive to prepare our children for the world beyond the boundaries of our classrooms and homes. One essential area where young students often find themselves ill-equipped is real-world money skills. Financial literacy plays a crucial role in ensuring a stable and secure future for our children. Here are some engaging activities that teach students real-world money skills that we absolutely adore! 1. Playing Store: This classic pretend play activity teaches students about various aspects of managing money. Setting up a makeshift store within the classroom or at home allows students to take on roles …

Planning Reading Intervention for Your Most Vulnerable Students

Introduction In today’s diverse classrooms, educators must cater to students with a wide range of strengths and challenges. One area where extra support is often needed is reading. Identifying vulnerable readers early and providing targeted intervention can make a significant difference in a student’s academic success. In this article, we will discuss how teachers can plan effective reading interventions for their most vulnerable students. 1. Identify Your Most Vulnerable Students The first step in planning a reading intervention is to identify the students who need the most support. These may be students who struggle with decoding, comprehension, fluency, or other …

Bringing Little Free Libraries to School

Introduction: Little Free Libraries have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They are a fantastic way to promote literacy and foster a love of reading in the community. By bringing the concept of Little Free Libraries to schools, we can reach even more potential readers and encourage all students to explore the boundless world of books. What is a Little Free Library? A Little Free Library is a small, free-standing bookcase or box that holds books for people in the community to borrow, read, and return voluntarily. They can be found in neighborhoods worldwide, with thousands of …

The Enchanting World of Toni Morrison’s Books for Children and Teens

Introduction Toni Morrison, a prolific American novelist and essayist, was known for her distinct and poignant storytelling that predominantly focuses on African American experiences. Although she was best known for her adult fiction, Toni Morrison also authored several captivating books for children and teenagers. By delving into themes of family, culture, and friendship, these works introduced younger audiences to the wonders of literature while promoting diversity and empathy. 1. The Big Box (1999) Co-written by Morrison’s son Slade Morrison and illustrated by Giselle Potter, “The Big Box” is a thought-provoking picture book that tells the tale of three children trapped …

15 Cheesy But Hilarious Literature Jokes That Will Make You Laugh

We all love a good joke, especially when it’s about something close to our hearts – like literature. Here are 15 cheesy but hilarious literature jokes that will surely put a smile on your face! 1. Why did Shakespeare only write in ink? Because pencils confused him – 2B or not 2B? 2. What did Mary Poppins use to build her website? SuperCallaFragilisticExpiala-Dot-Com! 3. What’s a librarian’s favorite type of sandwich? A shhhhhh-a-poboy! 4. Why don’t writers ever get cold? Because they’re wrapped up in their stories! 5. How did the Harry Potter books make readers feel? Absolutely spell-bound! 6. …

20 Must-Read Mysteries for Your Classroom Library

A thrilling mystery novel can capture the imagination of readers, and your classroom library is the perfect place to showcase some of the best titles in the genre. With twists and turns that keep students guessing, these 20 mystery novels will keep young readers engaged and on the edge of their seat. 1. Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol 2. Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene 3. The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure by Leslie McFarlane 4. Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett 5. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin 6. Greenglass House by …

23 Teacher Tips for Asking Better Questions About Books

1. Start with open-ended questions: Open-ended questions encourage critical thinking and foster more in-depth discussions about the book. Try to avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” 2. Use Bloom’s Taxonomy: Structure your questions based on the different levels of cognitive skills, from basic knowledge recall to higher-order thinking skills like analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. 3. Give students time to think: After asking a question, give students some time to process and formulate their response. This allows them to think critically and articulate their thoughts more effectively. 4. Encourage follow-up questions: If a student answers …

22 Winning Baseball Books for Kids

Introduction: Getting children hooked on reading can be a homerun with the right books. As America’s favorite pastime, baseball has always been a popular subject to enthrall young readers. From beginners testing out their swing to avid fans eager for behind-the-scenes stories, we’ve rounded up 22 winning baseball books for kids of all ages. Encourage your little ones to step up to the plate and dive into these engaging stories. 1. “Goodnight Baseball” by Michael Dahl 2. “The Berenstain Bears: We Love Baseball!” by Mike Berenstain 3. “The Littlest Leaguer” by Syd Hoff 4. “Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit” by …

Libraries Find Digital Ways to Flourish in the Digital Age

As humans and the world progress, tech has become an important element in our lives. It is used for work, entertainment and education. However, even though tech has evolved and opened so many doors for us, it has also closed many others.  For example, libraries used to be one of the biggest and most essential information sources for learners and workers alike. However, since the development and growth of the internet, most people no longer rely on books for knowledge. It is much easier and less time-consuming to turn on a computer and search for whatever information is needed.  With …