How to Teach Novel Studies Part 2: Vocabulary
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...
Fish in a Tree Novel Study: Activities, Comprehension Questions & Lesson Plans
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” This a great quote that is often mistakenly attributed to Albert Einstein. He didn't say this, but the quote is powerful, just the...
Number the Stars Novel Study: Teaching Lois Lowry’s Historical Fiction Novel
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a powerful historical fiction novel that gives upper-elementary and middle-grade students an opportunity to explore courage, friendship, resistance, empathy, and standing up against injustice. Set in Denmark during World War II, the...
How To Teach Novel Studies: Part 1 Comprehension
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...
Genesis Begins Again Novel Study: Teaching Identity, Resilience, and Self-Acceptance
Looking for a Genesis Begins Again novel study, lesson plans, and activities for your upper elementary or middle school ELA classroom? Alicia D. Williams’s Genesis Begins Again is a powerful middle grade novel that gives students opportunities to explore identity,...
Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom: A Hilarious Novel for Engaging Readers
If you're looking for a funny, engaging novel to read with your elementary students, Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom by Louis Sachar is a fantastic choice. After more than forty years, Louis Sachar returned to the wonderfully wacky world of Wayside School—and...
Benefits of Novel Studies: How to Improve Reading Engagement and Critical Thinking
The reality of educational research is this: if you look hard enough, you can find support for almost any teaching strategy. Rarely is there a clear-cut answer about what works best. In most cases, effective teaching comes down to a teacher’s professional judgment,...
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.