Curating resources & sharing stories to empower teacher & student ownership, wonder, and daring.
It’s finally feeling like Spring where I live– is it where you are? The warmer temperatures are a welcome thing after a cold winter! To celebrate Spring finally coming, I designed a couple of free printables for you to use in your classroom! Below you will find a downloadable coloring page as well as a page of bookmarks that can be printed and colored.
Enjoy these pages, but please only use them for personal or classroom use. They are not to be resold or shared as your own. Thank you!
Finding engaging, interesting non fiction books for teenagers can be a bit tricky sometimes. They don’t want to be bored by a book that reads like an encyclopedia or text book, and they need a book that is written on their level. Imagine handing an eighth grader a book about the discovery of bacteria and other germs that is written with a bunch of medical terms and jargon— you’d probably end up with a room full of frustrated kids who can’t understand what they are reading. It just wouldn’t go over well.
Thankfully non fiction books written for and geared toward teens are becoming more prevalent. I was always on the hunt for good informational texts to teach to my junior high classes. One of my favorite books to teach to my eighth graders was a book called Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman.
The book recounts a fascinating true story of a man named Phineas Gage, who, by an unlucky turn of events, was the unfortunate recipient of a tamping iron being blasted through his head while working on a railroad construction site in 1848. The rod, measuring 1 1/4” in diameter and 3’7” long, weighing just over 13 pounds, entered through his open mouth, passed behind his left eye, and exited through the top of his head. The tamping iron continued airborne and was found around 80 feet away from where Phineas was struck. How the accident happened is riveting in its own right, but what’s even more amazing is that somehow, Phineas survived the ordeal, and lived another 12 years after the accident!
The book follows Phineas after his accident, describing the personality and mental changes he experienced as a result of his injury. It also describes the amazing amount of brain research that Phineas was part of, and how this research led to the discovery of new information about how the brain works and what certain parts of it control.
It really is a fascinating story. Gruesome, as the title warns, but fascinating. Eighth graders would eat it up. It had just the right amount of gross, cool, interesting, and relatable to keep them engaged as we read through the text. It lent itself to a great opportunity for cross-curricular instruction and gave students a chance to learn some really cool things about the brain.
We always started the unit with a little background knowledge on the brain. I would show some real MRI scans and we’d map out and learn the different parts of the brain and what their functions are. We would learn about early beliefs about how the brain works and talk about how far our knowledge of the brain has come.
During the unit, we would discuss personality, sleep, brain development, and decision making. I would show short videos talking about how crucial sleep is for proper brain development, and videos about the teenage brain. I had students complete their own personal “mind map” where they filled a head-shaped outline with words and drawings of things that made them who they are. We would dive into how surgical protocol and procedures have changed for the better over time; they were always amazed that medical procedures were performed under such non-sterile conditions (as was I!).
We always ended our book study and unit with a research paper. Their topic was fairly open, as long as it was written about anything that had to do with the brain, its function, its science, etc. I would have papers turned in about dreams, the effects of music or art on the brain, learning deficits, speech disorders, cognitive and other disabilities, and so on.
It truly was an engaging unit, filled with so many opportunities to learn new information as well as make connections to what they already knew. I loved that it was a unit that combined English and Science, and that students were given the chance to use many different methods of learning: reading, research, video/technology, art, and critical thinking.
Even if you’re not in the market for a good non fiction book to teach to your class, keep it in mind for when you are or for when a student wants a recommendation for a good book to read. You can also add it to your own personal To-Be-Read list and watch as your mind becomes engrossed with this fascinating and true story!
Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s been so fun sharing Valentine’s themed activities for you to do with your students or children. Before the day ends, I wanted to share a few Valentine’s Day themed books that I thought were fun for kids of all ages!
Love Monster by Rachel Bright
This darling book follows a cute monster who feels like he doesn’t fit in where he lives. Everyone around him is cute and fluffy, and everyone seems to like cute and fluffy things, NOT hairy google-eyed monsters. He sets out on a quest to find someone who is just like him, but doesn’t have any luck. After searching high and low and everywhere in between, he finally decides to go back home, and is pleasantly surprised to find another monster just like him when he arrives!
Love From the Crayons written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Another book from the Crayons series, this book talks about the different colors love can be. Sometimes love is pink because it is silly. Sometimes it is blue because it feels stormy. Other times, love is white because it’s hard to see. This sweet book teaches that love isn’t always perfect and it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Love can be many things!
I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home written by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustrated by Kristina Litten
This book gives a sweet reminder of just how long a grown up will love their child. It goes through several animals, describing fun adventures they might go on, and how the adult will love the child until all those adventures have ended. The illustrations are cute and fun and will catch your attention. The story itself is a perfect book to read at bedtime or any other time a child needs a reminder of how much they are loved.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatchwritten by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
Mr. Hatch is a single man, living a very ordinary, very lonely, very predictable life until he receives a package one day. Inside the package, he finds a large heart shaped box filled with chocolates. Along with the package is a note that says, “Somebody loves you.” Mr. Hatch’s view on life completely changes. He starts to smile and laugh. He interacts with his neighbors and coworkers. He willingly helps people around him. People are astounded by this new person Mr. Hatch seems to be. They love it! One day a while later, the postman comes back to Mr. Hatch’s home to admit that he accidentally delivered the heart package to the wrong address. Mr. Hatch is saddened by this news, and returns to his old ways. The townspeople are confused and wonder what happened to Mr. Hatch. The postman explains the mix-up with the package and comes up with an idea to help Mr. Hatch feel loved again. Together, the town surprises Mr. Hatch with an unforgettable celebration and reminder that he really is loved.
Because Narwhals Can’t Kiss written by Catharine Day, illustrated by Lucy Pirogova
This heartwarming, adorable story teaches the different ways that love can be shown. Narwhals can’t kiss because of their tusks, so they find other ways to show their love for others– sharing, helping, playing together, hugging, and saying kind words. Children learn that love isn’t just hugs and kisses, and that love can be shown in so many ways.
What are your favorite Valentine’s Day books? Happy reading!
One a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most, how much did you enjoy doing book reports as a student? I’d bet that the majority of people would say they are at a 4 or lower. Traditional book reports are just so… boring. They aren’t fun to students to write, and if I’m being totally honest, I’d bet that most teachers don’t enjoy grading them.
So rather than having your students write a traditional essay style book report, try something new! Students always appreciate when things get jazzed up a bit, and I promise you that alternative book reports are a whole lot more fun to grade. Plus, different kinds of “reports” get students to think about their books in different ways. Rather than just a summary, they get to use more critical and imaginative thinking skills to complete their assignment.
I taught junior high English for a long time, and quickly learned how to change up the boring book report and make it into something fun. Book assignments that feel more like a fun time (but are still assessing learning) rather than a monotonous summary of a book are a sure fire way to get students more engaged and more willing to do the work.
So if you are a teacher who has students complete an assignment based on a book they’ve read, give some of these a try! I have used all but a couple of these ideas myself in my classroom with my students, so I assure you that they are fun and engaging for students!
Hopefully one or more of these ideas will be useful to you. If anything, it’s given you a reason to think about the way you assign book assignments and how you might be able to change things up a bit!
With Martin Luther King, Jr. Day approaching, I thought it would be a good time to provide you with a few ideas you can use in your classroom to help your students understand and honor the life and impact of Dr. King. These ideas can be used and adapted for all ages and grades.
Watch the video of Dr. King giving his famous “I have a dream” speech
Sometimes hearing and seeing an event take place can make a greater impact than just talking about it. For younger students, have them listen to and watch the speech and listen for the things Dr. King hoped for.
For older students, have them watch the speech, then provide them with a physical copy of it. Put them into small groups and have them do a close reading of the speech and discussing what makes this speech so powerful.
You can find the speech here.
Have students create their own “I have a dream” piece
This activity can be presented many ways. Students can create their own speech about their hopes and dreams. You can also have students create a “dream board” where they make a collage of pictures and words showing their dreams. You might also have students write a poem about the things they hope for.
Talk about what “the content of their character” means
Together as a class, brainstorm positive characteristics of people they know. Talk about what character is and how it can shape who you are. Then, have students write (length will depend on age and ability) about the content of their own character and what they hope to be remembered and known for.
This gives students a great opportunity to analyze what makes a good person and reflect on their own characters. It provides an excellent text-to-self connection.
Create a timeline of the life of Dr. King
Have students— either in groups of individually— create a timeline of events in the life of Dr. King. Have them use the internet to gather pictures and information to create their timelines.
This activity provides students a chance to research, learn, then practice putting things in chronological order.
Talk about bravery and courage
Dr. King was incredibly brave and courageous for doing the things he did. Talk with students about times they have had to be brave. Discuss what it means to have courage. Have them write about their own experiences with bravery and courage.
Discuss equality vs. equity/fairness
Many students don’t understand the difference between equality and equity. Take the opportunity to teach them the difference and why it matters. The discussion opens up a world of possibilities in talking about how we should treat people and how people need different things to succeed based on their own personal circumstances. Students can create a piece of art or writing showing their knowledge and understanding of these concepts.
Research famous quotes by Dr. King
Have students research famous things Dr. King said. Let them pick their favorite, then have them write it out and create a piece of art around the quote. Encourage them to match their art to the feeling of the quote.
Plan a day of service
Dr. King was a big proponent of service and believed that everyone could serve. To honor this legacy, plan a day of service with your students. If possible, plan and execute a large scale service project together. If not, encourage students to find smaller ways to serve and help those around them. Service is something that benefits both the server and the served. It provides students with an incredible chance to look outside themselves and see others in a different light.
However you choose to, I hope you take a minute to at least talk about and acknowledge the impact that Dr. King had and continues to have on our world. His legacy is one to not be forgotten, and it’s important that we continue to teach the rising generation that everyone matters and everyone has a voice.
When it’s time to pick a book, how do you know what’s good for you? Here are a few ideas:
Bonus: Read many of the book lists that we’ve curated here on our blog! Books are a big part of our lives and sharing them with you brings us joy.
My complete list of books read in 2022. If you’ve read any, let’s chat about it! I wanted to write up my thoughts about every single book on this list, but then it would get too lengthy and no one would have time to read this post in its entirety. If you want to know more about a certain book, I am always open to talk about it and discuss. Reading books is my favorite hobby! If you want to learn more about how I was able to accomplish reading so many books, check out my last post.
Key:
📘 eReader books
👂🏼 Audiobook
📕 Physical book
1. 📘Curvy Girls Can’t Date Quarterbacks by Kelsie Stelting
2. 📘Luna’s Rescue by Erica Richardson
3. 👂🏼Educated: a Memoir by Tara Westover
4. 📘👂🏼Seven Perfect Things by Catherine Ryan Hyde
5. 📘He’s Just a Friend by Karly Stratford
6. 👂🏼The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
7. 👂🏼Night Road by Kristin Hannah
8. 👂🏼That Summer by Sarah Dessen
9.📘The Orphan Keeper by Cameron Wright
10. 👂🏼A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
11. 👂🏼Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
12. 👂🏼 Orphan Train Rider by Andrea Warren
13. 👂🏼 The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff
14. 📘👂🏼 Anxious People Fredrik Backman
16. 👂🏼Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman
16. 👂🏼American Royals book #1 by Katharine McGee
17. 👂🏼My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
18. 👂🏼Forever Boy by Kate Swenson
19. 👂🏼Majesty: American Royals book #2 by Katharine McGee
20. 👂🏼 Inheritance: American Royals by Katharine McGee
21. 👂🏼 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
22. 📘👂🏼 The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
23. 👂🏼Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
24. 👂🏼 Where the Deer and the Antelope Play by Nick Offerman
25. 👂🏼 Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
26. 📕The Stolen Sisters by Louise Jensen
27. 👂🏼The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
28. 👂🏼Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
29. 📕Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
30. 👂🏼Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline
31. 👂🏼The One Hundred Years of Leni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
32. 👂🏼Book Lovers by Emily Henry
33. 📘He’s Just My Ex by Karly Stratford
34. 👂🏼The Help by Kathryn Stockett
35. 👂🏼To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han
36. 📕P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han
37. 📕Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Jan
38. 👂🏼To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
39. 📕The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
40. 📕 Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
41. 📕28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
42. 👂🏼The Book Haters Book Club by Gretchen Anthony
43. 👂🏼I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
44. 👂🏼Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
45. 👂🏼Thirst by Scott Harrison
46. 📕In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Lauren Graham
47. 👂🏼The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
48. 👂🏼People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
49. 👂🏼Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
50. 👂🏼Have I Told You This Already? By Lauren Graham
51. 👂🏼Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
52. 👂🏼My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
53. 👂🏼 Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Photo by Caio