The One and Only Ruby: A Meaningful Novel Study for Your Classroom
f you're looking for a high-interest novel that will engage upper elementary readers while providing meaningful opportunities for reading comprehension, discussion, writing, and critical thinking, add The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate to your classroom...
How to Teach Ban This Book by Alan Gratz: A Novel That Sparks Critical Thinking
Looking for a high-interest novel that will get your students reading, thinking, discussing, and writing? Ban This Book by Alan Gratz is an excellent choice for upper elementary and middle school readers. This engaging novel introduces students to big ideas such as...
Bunnicula Novel Study: A No-Prep ELA Book Unit for Grades 3–5
Looking for a Bunnicula novel study that will keep your students engaged while making your reading instruction easier? Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe is a fun, humorous, slightly spooky chapter book that makes a great choice for an upper-elementary novel study....
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen: A Complete Hoot Novel Study for Grades 5–8
Are you looking for an engaging novel study for upper elementary or middle school ELA? Hoot by Carl Hiaasen is an excellent choice for students in grades 5–8. With humor, mystery, friendship, environmental issues, and plenty of opportunities for discussion and...
The Power of El Deafo: Why Cece Bell’s Graphic Novel Belongs in Your Classroom
In today’s classrooms, fostering empathy, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating differences are more vital than ever. Literature has always been our most effective tool to build these connections—and few books do it as masterfully as Cece Bell’s Newbery Honor-winning...
Teaching Empathy and Understanding with Refugee by Alan Gratz
Looking for a powerful middle school novel that builds empathy, encourages critical thinking, and connects literature to real-world history? Refugee by Alan Gratz is an excellent choice for grades 5-8. This compelling historical fiction novel follows three...
How to Teach Novel Studies Part 4: The Extras!
Some of my most vivid childhood memories of school were the novel studies I read for various subjects. It was my favorite way to learn skills, history, and any topic! I love books, and being allowed to read an entire book from cover to cover as a school assignment put...
I’m Shelley from The Teaching Bank. I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades.
My goal is to provide lessons and units for K-12 that are practical and ready to teach with minimal prep needed.