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Why Sideways Stories from Wayside School Should Be a Must-Read in Your Classroom

Why Sideways Stories from Wayside School Should Be a Must-Read in Your Classroom

Sideways Stories from Wayside School is a beloved children’s book written by Louis Sachar. It’s a funny and engaging book that is perfect for elementary school students. Using Sideways Stories from Wayside School in your classroom is an excellent way to provide your students with valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and develop essential skills.

 

How can Sideways Stories from Wayside School Benefit Your Students?

  • Engages Students’ Creativity and Imagination: Sideways Stories from Wayside School engages students’ creativity and imagination. The book is full of imaginative characters, wacky scenarios, and unexpected twists and turns that will keep students on their toes. They will be encouraged to think outside the box and come up with their interpretations which will help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Engaging and Entertaining: Children will be hooked by the book’s humor and will enjoy reading about the peculiar characters and bizarre events that take place at Wayside School.
  • Improves Reading Comprehension: Sideways Stories from Wayside School is a perfect book for improving students’ reading comprehension. The chapters are short, easy to follow, and filled with humor, making them ideal for reluctant readers. By reading the book, students will be able to develop their vocabulary, improve their reading fluency, and gain a better understanding of different literary devices, such as foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism.
  • Teaches Valuable Life Lessons: Each chapter in Sideways Stories from Wayside School has a valuable lesson to teach. For example, in one story, a student learns the importance of honesty, while in another, a student learns the value of friendship. These lessons of honesty, kindness, and friendship are presented in a way that is fun and engaging, making it easier for students to understand and apply them in their daily lives.
  • Fosters a Love of Reading: Sideways Stories from Wayside School can help foster a love of reading among your students. The novel is engaging and fun, which will encourage students to read more and develop a love for books. This love of reading can have a significant impact on their academic and personal lives, as it will open up new worlds of knowledge and imagination.
  • Fosters a Classroom Community: Reading Sideways Stories from Wayside School as a class read-aloud can foster a classroom community joined through the humor in the book.

 

See what people are saying about the Wayside School Novel Studies by The Teaching Bank!

Using Sideways Stories from Wayside School in your classroom is an excellent way to engage students’ creativity, improve their reading comprehension, teach valuable life lessons, and foster a love of reading. By incorporating this book into your curriculum, you can help your students develop critical thinking skills and a lifelong love of learning.

Try a free sample of the novel study for Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Whether you use this book for the whole class, small group, or individual instruction, you will find your students laughing and truly enjoying reading. They are so much fun and really open up the reading world for those reluctant readers!

 

You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:

                                                                       

 

You can also buy all three units from the series together in a discounted bundle!



Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!

Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!

Click to join Book Talk with The Teaching Bank


*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.

Exploring Cultural Diversity and Valuable Life Lessons with The Horse and His Boy

Exploring Cultural Diversity and Valuable Life Lessons with The Horse and His Boy

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis is a great novel for teachers to use in their classrooms. This classic book has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers of all ages.

Why teachers should use The Horse and His Boy in their classrooms and how it can benefit students.
  • Introduces Students to Classic Literature: The Horse and His Boy is a classic piece of literature as book three of the Chronicles of Narnia series. The Chronicles of Narnia series has been beloved by readers for decades. Introducing students to classic literature like The Horse and His Boy can help them develop an appreciation for the art of writing and storytelling. This novel also provides a glimpse into a different era and allows students to explore different cultures and ways of thinking.
  • Teaches Literary Elements: The Horse and His Boy is a great book for teachers to use to teach literary elements such as plot, setting, and character development. The story follows a young boy named Shasta and his talking horse as they journey through the land of Narnia. The book has a clear plot with a beginning, middle, and end. The setting of Narnia is described in vivid detail, which can help students visualize the story. The characters in the book are well-developed, and students can analyze their motives and actions.
  • Engages Students with Adventure: The Horse and His Boy is an adventure story that will captivate students’ imaginations. The book is full of action, with Shasta and his horse facing many obstacles and challenges on their journey. This book can help students develop critical thinking skills as they analyze how the characters overcome these obstacles. The story also has a moral lesson about perseverance and courage, which can be a great discussion point in the classroom.
  • Improves Reading and Comprehension Skills: The Horse and His Boy is written at a level that is accessible to most students. This book can help improve reading and comprehension skills as students read and analyze the story. The book can also be used as a tool to teach vocabulary and grammar. Teachers can assign reading assignments and comprehension questions to help students better understand the story and develop their analytical skills.
  • Promotes Discussion and Critical Thinking: The Horse and His Boy is a great book to use in group discussions. The book has many themes that can be discussed, such as the importance of loyalty, the consequences of deceit, and the value of perseverance. Teachers can use the story as a tool to promote critical thinking and encourage students to share their opinions and ideas.

 

See what people are saying about the Chronicles of Narnia Novel Studies by The Teaching Bank!

Try a free sample of the novel study for The Horse and His Boy

 

The Horse and His Boy is a classic piece of literature that should be used in classrooms. The book can help students develop an appreciation for literature, teach literary elements, engage students with adventure, improve reading and comprehension skills, and promote discussion and critical thinking. Teachers can use this book to promote a love of reading in their students.

You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:

                                                                             

You can also buy the entire series of novel studies bundled together for a discount.



Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!

Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!

Click to join Book Talk with The Teaching Bank

 


*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.

The Teaching Bank’s Most Frequently Asked Questions-FAQ

The Teaching Bank’s Most Frequently Asked Questions-FAQ

Here are a few of the most frequent questions that I am asked from buyers, and potential buyers, about my resources. Hopefully, you will find these answers helpful.

If you cannot find the answer to your question. Please email me directly.Email The Teaching Bank

The Teaching Bank PDF FAQs5 The Teaching Bank PDF FAQs6

 

If you still have questions, please email me directly.Email The Teaching Bank

Sweeten Up Your Classroom with Chocolate Fever

Sweeten Up Your Classroom with Chocolate Fever

Chocolate Fever is a children’s book written by Robert Kimmel Smith that tells the story of a young boy named Henry who develops an obsession with chocolate. As he consumes more and more chocolate, Henry finds himself at the center of a wild adventure that teaches him the importance of moderation and self-control.

Chocolate Fever is much more than just a fun story for kids to enjoy. It also has many educational benefits that make it a valuable addition to any classroom.

 

Why you should consider using the book Chocolate Fever in your classroom:

  • Engaging Storyline: The first and most obvious reason to use Chocolate Fever in your classroom is that it is an engaging and entertaining story. Children love stories that transport them to new worlds and introduce them to interesting characters, and Chocolate Fever certainly delivers on that front. With its fast-paced plot, colorful cast of characters, and humorous tone, Chocolate Fever is sure to capture the attention of even the most reluctant readers. Additionally, the story’s theme of self-control and the consequences of indulgence is a valuable lesson for children to learn.
  • Relevance to Health Education: Chocolate Fever provides a unique and engaging way to teach children about the importance of moderation in their eating habits. Through the story of Henry, students can learn about the effects of consuming too much sugar and unhealthy foods, and the potential consequences for their health. This is especially important at a time when childhood obesity and other diet-related illnesses are becoming more common.
  • Develops Literacy Skills: Of course, reading for pleasure is only one part of the equation. As educators, we also want to ensure that our students are developing the necessary literacy skills to succeed in school and beyond. Chocolate Fever can help with that too. The book is written at a level that is accessible to most elementary school students but still contains enough challenging vocabulary and sentence structures to help them build their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Teaches Important Life Lessons: Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Chocolate Fever is the way it teaches important life lessons to children. The book’s central theme of self-control and moderation is one that is relevant to kids of all ages and is an important concept for them to grasp as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Additionally, the book touches on other important themes such as responsibility, friendship, and teamwork, all of which can help your students develop into well-rounded individuals.
  • Provides Opportunities for Discussion: Chocolate Fever can provide valuable opportunities for discussion and reflection. After reading the book, you can lead your students in a conversation about the themes and lessons it contains, and encourage them to share their own experiences with self-control and moderation. This type of open dialogue can help create a safe and supportive classroom environment, where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with their peers.
  • Integration with Other Subjects: Another reason to use Chocolate Fever in your classroom is its potential for integration with other subjects. The book can be used in language arts classes for reading comprehension and analysis, in science classes for discussions about health and nutrition, and in social studies classes for discussions about cultural attitudes toward food.

 

 

I offer a complete novel study to accompany Chocolate Fever for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.

Try a free sample of the novel study for Chocolate Fever

You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:

                                                                       

 

Chocolate Fever is a fun, engaging, and educational book that has a lot to offer to elementary school students. By incorporating it into your classroom, you can help your students develop their literacy skills, learn important life lessons, and create a positive and supportive learning environment. So why not give it a try? Your students are sure to love it!

Try a chocolate theme by incorporating reading Chocolate Fever along with The Chocolate Touch and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

 

See what people are saying about the Chocolate themed novel studies by The Teaching Bank!

Save when buying all three novel studies together as a bundle!



Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!

Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!

Click to join Book Talk with The Teaching Bank  


*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.

Enhance Your Students’ Learning and Appreciation of Literature with Sarah, Plain and Tall

Enhance Your Students’ Learning and Appreciation of Literature with Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sarah, Plain and Tall is a historical fiction novel set in the 19th Century Midwestern Plains written by Patricia MacLachlan. The story is a beautiful tale of exploring the themes of loneliness, loss, grief, and rebirth. This is a wonderful book to use for a novel study, literature circles, book clubs, or individual study in the classroom or home school.

 

 

Sarah Plain and Tall is a beloved children’s book that has been a staple in classrooms for years. It tells the story of a young girl named Anna and her family’s journey to find love and acceptance with the arrival of Sarah, a mail-order bride. This book has won numerous awards and is a perfect addition to any classroom.

Why you should use Sarah Plain and Tall in your classroom and how it can benefit your students.
  • Engaging and Accessible Content: One of the main reasons why Sarah, Plain and Tall is a great choice for classroom use is its engaging and accessible content. The book is written in simple language that is easy for young readers to understand, making it perfect for students in grades 3-5. The story is also full of interesting characters, vivid descriptions of the prairie, and themes of love, loss, and family that will capture students’ attention and imagination.
  • Teaches important life lessons: Sarah, Plain and Tall is a book about love, loss, and acceptance. It explores the idea of blending families, which is something many children can relate to. It also teaches children about the importance of being open-minded, accepting others, showing kindness towards others, and understanding that differences can be a source of strength.
  • Historical Significance: Sarah, Plain and Tall is set in the late 19th century, and as such, it provides a glimpse into life during that time period. The book touches on important historical themes, such as westward expansion and the mail-order bride system, making it a great resource for social studies lessons. Teachers can use this book to start discussions on the history of the American West, the Homestead Act, and the hardships faced by pioneers.
  • Integration with Other Subjects: In addition to its historical significance, Sarah, Plain and Tall can be integrated with other subjects, such as language arts and science. For language arts, teachers can use the book to teach literary elements, such as plot, character development, and theme. They can also use the book to teach writing skills, such as descriptive writing and dialogue. For science, teachers can use the book to teach about the ecology of the prairie and the plants and animals that live there.
  • Great way to introduce literary devices: Sarah, Plain and Tall is filled with literary devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification. This makes it a great way to introduce these concepts to young readers in a fun and engaging way.
  • Great way to start discussions: Sarah, Plain and Tall deals with complex themes and emotions that can be difficult for young children to understand. However, by using the book as a starting point, teachers can encourage children to discuss their own experiences and feelings, and learn from each other in the process.

 

See what people are saying about the Sarah, Plain and Tall Novel Study by The Teaching Bank!

Try a free sample of the novel study for Sarah, Plain and Tall 

Sarah Plain and Tall is a timeless classic that is a perfect addition to any classroom. Its engaging and accessible content, historical significance, integration with other subjects, and positive social themes make it an ideal resource for teachers. By using this book in your classroom, you can help your students develop a love of reading, a deeper understanding of history and science, and important social and emotional skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. It’s a beautiful, simple story of loss, grief, and taking the risk of opening yourself up to love again.

I offer a complete novel study to accompany Sarah, Plain and Tall for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.

You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:



Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!

Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!

Click to join Book Talk with The Teaching Bank


*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.

Transform Your Classroom with The Magic Finger: Engage and Inspire Your Students

Transform Your Classroom with The Magic Finger: Engage and Inspire Your Students

As a teacher, you are constantly searching for new and exciting ways to engage your students and make learning more enjoyable. One way to achieve this is by incorporating literature into your curriculum. And what better author to turn to than Roald Dahl? His works are not only entertaining but also packed with valuable lessons that can be applied in real life. The Magic Finger is a clever and creative novel by Roald Dahl. True to the Roald Dahl style, it is quirky, funny, and absolutely absurd. Students will be left thinking of all the things they might do if they too had the Magic Finger! It is a great book to use in your classroom or homeschool for a whole class novel study, small book groups, or individual book studies.

 

 

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl is a classic children’s book that can be an excellent addition to any classroom. This book is not only entertaining but also has several educational benefits.

Why you should use The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl in your classroom and how it can benefit your students.
  • Engaging Storyline: The Magic Finger has a captivating plot that will keep your students engaged and interested in the story. The book is filled with exciting events, unexpected twists, and valuable lessons that your students can learn from.
  • Develops Reading and Comprehension Skills: The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl is an easy-to-read book that can help develop your students’ reading skills. It has short chapters and simple language that can be easily understood by young readers. Additionally, the book has a unique and captivating storyline that can keep your students engaged while improving their comprehension skills.
  • Promotes Empathy and Understanding: The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl teaches valuable lessons about empathy, understanding, and acceptance. The story revolves around a young girl who possesses a magical ability to make people smaller or larger. Through the book, students can learn the importance of treating others with kindness, even those who are different from us.
  • Sparks Imagination and Creativity: The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl is a book that ignites the imagination and creativity of young readers. The magical aspect of the story can inspire students to think beyond the ordinary and dream up new possibilities. Encouraging students to explore their creativity can help them develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
  • Supports Social and Emotional Learning: The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl is an excellent resource for social and emotional learning (SEL). The book’s themes of empathy, acceptance, and understanding can help students develop their social and emotional intelligence. By discussing the story and its characters, students can develop their communication and social skills.
  • Provides Opportunities for Cross-Curricular Learning: The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl can be used to teach various subjects across the curriculum. For example, you can use the book to teach science by exploring the magical powers of the main character. You can also use it to teach history by discussing the book’s themes of discrimination and acceptance.

 

See what people are saying about The Magic Finger Novel Study by The Teaching Bank!

Try a free sample of the novel study for The Magic Finger 

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl is a fantastic book that can offer numerous benefits to your classroom. It is an easy-to-read book that can improve your students’ reading and comprehension skills. The book also teaches valuable lessons about empathy, understanding, and acceptance, promoting social and emotional learning. Additionally, it sparks creativity and imagination and provides opportunities for cross-curricular learning. As an educator, adding The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl to your classroom library can be an excellent investment in your students’ education.

I offer a complete novel study to accompany The Magic Finger for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.

You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:



Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!

Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!

Click to join Book Talk with The Teaching Bank


*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.