Exploring Nature and Building Character with A Week in the Woods
As an educator, you're always on the lookout for ways to engage your students and spark their curiosity. One way to do that is by using literature in the classroom. Andrew Clements' A Week in the Woods is a book that is not only engaging and fun to read but also has...
A Teachable Moment with Little House in the Big Woods
If you are a child of the 1970s and '80s like me, you grew up with the revered Little House books (and TV series) by Laura Ingalls Wilder. As times have progressed and changed, we've looked back at these stories with a new perspective in regard to racial issues they...
The Fight for Freedom of Speech with The Landry News
The Landry News comes with themes about First Amendment rights, the role of a newspaper in society, and balancing truth with mercy. It’s a thought-provoking story that your students will find a truth that they can relate to.
Take a Journey to Self-acceptance and Growth in The Summer of the Swans
The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars is a great coming-of-age novel to use in your classroom or homeschool for a whole class novel study, in small book groups, or with individual book studies to explore the character's path to self-acceptance and the growth to...
There is No Greater Joy In Children’s Literature than Harry Potter
There's no doubt about it—my absolute favorite book series, regardless of whether it's for children or adults, is undeniably the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. From the moment I delved into the pages of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, released in 1997, I...
The School Story through the Eyes of a Tween
The School Story by Andrew Clements is an engaging story, with relatable characters, and the potential to teach valuable lessons about the writing process. It is a great book to use in your classroom or homeschool for a whole class novel study, small book groups, or...
Summer Self-Care for Teachers: Strategies to Recharge and Rejuvenate
The end of the school year can be an overwhelming time for teachers. After months of hard work and dedication, it's important for educators to take some time for themselves over the summer break. Self-care is crucial for teachers to recharge, reflect, and return to...

