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, their students’ needs, and the flexibility they are given in the classroom.
Unfortunately, in today’s test-driven educational climate, teachers are often given less freedom than ever before. Rigid curriculum guidelines and scripted programs can make it difficult to adapt instruction, leaving little room for meaningful engagement or enrichment.
My Experience Using Novel Studies in the Classroom
I experienced this challenge firsthand while teaching 4th grade in a high-poverty, low-performing school. Many of my students entered my classroom reading at a 1st–2nd grade level, and very few were on grade level.
The biggest obstacle wasn’t just skill; it was motivation.
Our district relied heavily on a basal reading program that felt unrelatable and uninspiring to students. The stories lacked emotional connection, and students saw reading as a chore rather than something enjoyable or rewarding.
I knew something had to change.
How Read-Alouds Spark a Love of Reading
I started small by implementing a daily read-aloud time. My goal wasn’t rigorous analysis; I simply wanted students to enjoy a story.
This shift made a huge difference.
Upper elementary students are often overlooked when it comes to being read to, yet they benefit tremendously from it. By choosing high-interest, often humorous books, I was able to create a positive reading experience. Soon, read-aloud became one of the most anticipated parts of our day.
Why Novel Studies Work Better Than Basal Readers
Once I saw the impact of read-alouds, I began incorporating novel studies alongside our required curriculum.
Instead of limiting students to short excerpts, I introduced full novels connected to the themes in our basal program. The results were immediate and powerful:
Students reading below grade level began attempting more challenging texts
Engagement and participation increased dramatically
Discussions became deeper and more meaningful
Students started choosing to read independently
It became clear that reading an entire book provides a richer, more rewarding experience than isolated passages.
Improved Critical Thinking Through Deeper Reading
One of the biggest advantages of novel studies is the ability to promote higher-order thinking.
With a full-length text, students can:
Analyze character development
Explore complex themes
Make predictions and connections
Engage in meaningful discussions
Using Bloom’s Taxonomy becomes far more natural when students are immersed in a complete story rather than a short excerpt.
Building Real-World Connections and Empathy
Perhaps the most powerful benefit of novel studies is their ability to build empathy and awareness.
Through literature, students can explore real-world issues in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. For example:
These stories stay with students far longer than any worksheet ever could.
Do Novel Studies Improve Test Scores?
While I didn’t conduct formal research, I can confidently say this: My students’ test scores did not decline, and their love of reading increased significantly.
And that matters.
Because when students enjoy reading, they read more. And when they read more, their skills naturally improve.
Key Benefits of Using Novel Studies in the Classroom
Incorporating novel studies into your curriculum offers numerous advantages:
Improved Reading Skills: Students build comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency through sustained reading.
Increased Student Engagement: Novels capture interest and create emotional investment in learning.
Stronger Critical Thinking Skills: Students analyze, infer, and evaluate as they explore complex texts.
Enhanced Writing and Communication: Discussions and written responses deepen understanding and expression.
Greater Cultural Awareness: Literature exposes students to diverse perspectives and experiences.
Development of Empathy: Students connect with characters and better understand others’ experiences.
Encouragement of Independent Reading: Engaged students are more likely to read on their own.
Final Thoughts: Why Novel Studies Matter
Using novel studies in the classroom is one of the most effective ways to transform reading instruction.
While standardized programs may check boxes, novels create meaningful learning experiences. They engage students, deepen understanding, and foster a lifelong love of reading.
And ultimately, that’s what great teaching is all about.
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!
If there is one novel that consistently transforms how upper-elementary and middle-school students see the world, it’s Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper.
The story introduces readers to Melody, a brilliant fifth-grader with a photographic memory. Melody has cerebral palsy and cannot speak, write, or walk—leading most people to underestimate her intelligence. When technology finally gives Melody a voice, her journey challenges readers to re-examine how they view ability, inclusion, and human connection.
Whether you are teaching this novel to a full class, leading small literature circles, or looking for a safe, high-interest book for homeschool that meets rigorous ELA standards, Out of My Mind is an essential addition to your 4th–6th grade curriculum.
Here is why this novel is a classroom powerhouse—and how you can teach it with zero prep time and total confidence.
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🌟 Why Out of My Mind is a great book to use in a novel study.
1. Builds Deep Social-Emotional Empathy & Inclusion
In upper elementary, students are rapidly developing social awareness. Melody’s perspective gives students a front-row seat to the frustration of being unheard and the power of perseverance. It naturally opens up conversations around kindness, disability awareness, and standing up for others.
2. Rich in Literary Analysis
Draper’s writing style is packed with vivid figurative language, metaphors, similes, and rhythmic repetition. It provides a seamless entry point for teaching literary devices, character development, and point of view without overwhelming reluctant readers.
3. High Engagement Across All Reading Levels
Because the plot is fast-paced and emotionally gripping, even reluctant readers stay hooked from chapter one. The accessible language structure makes it equally effective for general education, inclusion settings, and learning support classrooms.
🛡️ Navigating Today’s Classroom Climate with Confidence
In today’s educational landscape, many teachers feel cautious when selecting whole-class novels. Out of My Mind is a safe, age-appropriate, and deeply enriching text that builds empathy while remaining focused on fundamental literacy skills.
To help you teach with complete peace of mind, The Teaching Bank’s Novel Study Unit includes proactive Parent and Administrator Communication Letters.
These ready-to-send letters outline:
The educational and literacy standards addressed in the unit.
The positive social-emotional goals of the book (empathy, inclusion, resilience).
Clear context on how sensitive classroom discussions are facilitated responsibly.
📦 Inside the Out of My Mind Complete Unit (Print + Google Apps)
Teaching a comprehensive novel study shouldn’t mean spending your weekends grading and formatting worksheets. This 199+ page complete unit is designed for instant plug-and-play instruction—both in print and digitally via Google Slides™ and self-grading Google Forms™.
Ready to save hours of prep time while giving your students an unforgettable reading experience?
👉 Download a FREE Sample of the Out of My Mind Novel Study Unit Here
👉 Purchase the Complete Unit
💬 Join the Discussion!
Are you planning to teach Out of My Mind this school year? How do you approach teaching empathy and disability awareness in your classroom?
Come join us in our free Facebook community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to collaborate, swap lesson ideas, and connect with fellow 3rd–8th grade educators!
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Are your high school students prepared to manage money when they leave school?
Many teenagers know how to use a debit card, order something online, or receive a paycheck—but do they understand how checking and savings accounts work, what taxes are taken from a paycheck, how credit cards can lead to debt, or how their credit score can affect their future?
These are essential financial literacy skills for teens, yet they aren’t always taught in a way that allows students to practice applying them to real-life situations.
When my children were teenagers, I made a point of teaching them as much as I could about personal finance and money management before they left high school.
One day, I was helping my daughter complete the paperwork for a new job. As we worked through her W-4, she looked at me and essentially said, Why don’t they teach us this stuff in school?
She had a point.
Students spend years learning academic subjects, but many graduate from high school without knowing how to read a pay stub, understand a W-2, file a tax return, compare bank accounts, or use a credit card responsibly.
That experience made me realize just how important financial education for teenagers really is.
Why Financial Literacy Matters for Teens
Financial literacy isn’t simply about knowing how to save money.
It’s about giving students the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions as they begin adulthood.
A financially literate teenager should understand concepts such as:
Earning and managing income
Checking and savings accounts
Direct deposit
Budgeting and saving
Debit and credit cards
Credit card interest
Credit scores
Taxes and tax forms
Paychecks and pay stubs
W-4 and W-2 forms
Making responsible financial decisions
Understanding the long-term consequences of borrowing money
Teaching these concepts before students graduate allows them to practice financial decision-making before they’re making those decisions on their own.
1. Teach Teens About Savings Accounts
One of the easiest places to begin teaching financial literacy is with a savings account.
Whether students are saving money from an allowance, gifts, a part-time job, or another source of income, they should understand why saving is important and how a savings account works.
Students can learn to compare different accounts and consider factors such as:
Interest rates
Minimum balances
Fees
Accessibility
Account features
How interest can help money grow
These may seem like simple concepts, but learning them early helps students develop good money-management habits.
2. Teach Teens How Checking Accounts Work
Once students get their first job, they’ll likely need a checking account.
Many employers use direct deposit, so understanding how a checking account works is an important part of preparing for employment.
Students should know how to:
Deposit and access money
Use a debit card
Read an account statement
Understand account balances
Recognize banking fees
Use direct deposit
Track spending
Avoid overdrawing an account
A classroom lesson on checking accounts can give students a chance to practice these skills before they’re responsible for managing their own money.
3. Help Students Understand Their First Paycheck
Getting that first paycheck is exciting—until students realize that their gross pay isn’t the amount that actually lands in their bank account!
This is a perfect opportunity to teach students about gross pay, net pay, deductions, Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax.
Students should also understand the paperwork that comes with starting a new job.
That includes learning about:
W-4 forms
Direct deposit forms
Pay stubs
Gross income
Net income
Tax withholding
W-2 forms
These are real-world financial skills that students will use almost immediately after entering the workforce.
4. Teach Teens About Taxes
Taxes can be confusing for adults—so imagine how overwhelming they can be for a teenager filing a tax return for the first time!
Students should understand that earning money generally means dealing with taxes.
They can learn how to read a W-2 and understand the basic information reported on it. They can also learn how a Form 1040 is used to file a federal income tax return.
Even if a student doesn’t earn enough to owe federal income tax, they may still need to file a return to receive a refund of money that was withheld from their paycheck.
Allowing students to practice completing a tax return in high school can make the process much less intimidating when they eventually have to do it themselves.
5. Explain the Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards
Teenagers are surrounded by opportunities to spend money.
Online shopping, food delivery, subscriptions, entertainment, and social media all make spending incredibly easy.
That’s why students need to understand the difference between debit cards and credit cards.
With a debit card, money generally comes directly from the student’s bank account.
With a credit card, the student is borrowing money and agreeing to repay it.
That distinction is critical.
Students also need to understand what happens when they don’t pay a credit card balance in full.
6. Show Students How Credit Card Debt Can Grow
One of the most valuable financial literacy activities you can do with teenagers is demonstrate how credit card interest works.
A purchase that seems affordable can become much more expensive when interest is added, and the balance isn’t paid off.
Rather than simply telling students that credit card debt is dangerous, let them see the numbers for themselves.
Students can calculate how long it could take to pay off a balance while making minimum payments and how much interest they could ultimately pay.
This turns an abstract financial concept into a real-world lesson students are much more likely to remember.
7. Teach Students About Credit Scores
A credit score may seem like something that only matters when students are older, but the financial choices they make as young adults can have long-term consequences.
Students should understand:
What a credit score is
Why credit scores matter
What can affect a credit score
How responsible credit use can help establish good credit
How missed payments and excessive debt can hurt credit
Why a poor credit score can make borrowing money more expensive
A strong credit history can affect future financial decisions involving things such as cars, housing, loans, and credit cards.
The earlier students understand this connection, the better prepared they are to make responsible choices.
Make Financial Literacy Relevant to Teenagers
The best financial literacy lessons aren’t simply lists of vocabulary words or worksheets defining financial terms.
Students need opportunities to use financial information to solve realistic problems and make decisions.
For example, instead of asking students to define “credit score,” give them a scenario involving two people with different credit scores and ask them to compare the cost of borrowing money.
Instead of simply defining “net pay,” give students a sample paycheck and have them determine how much money they actually take home.
Instead of telling students that taxes are withheld from their paychecks, let them examine a pay stub and identify the deductions.
Looking for Financial Literacy Activities for High School?
If you’re looking for ready-to-use financial literacy activities for teens, I’ve created a collection of resources designed to make these concepts practical and engaging for high school students.
The activities cover essential topics including:
Savings accounts
Checking accounts
Credit and debit cards
Credit scores
Jobs and taxes
W-4 and W-2 forms
Federal Form 1040
Real-world money management
Students aren’t just reading about financial concepts. They research, calculate, problem-solve, and apply what they’re learning.
Several of the units also include interactive escape room activities, giving students a more engaging way to review and apply financial literacy concepts.
Financial literacy becomes much more meaningful when students can see how it applies to their own lives.
Financial Literacy Bundle
If you want to teach multiple financial literacy topics, you can save by getting all five units together in the Financial Literacy Bundle.
The bundle includes financial literacy activities covering checking accounts, savings accounts, credit and debit cards, credit scores, and jobs and taxes.
It’s designed for high school personal finance, financial literacy, economics, consumer math, career readiness, and life skills classes.
Give Teens the Financial Skills They Need for Adulthood
We can’t assume that students will automatically learn how to manage money once they graduate.
They need opportunities to learn—and practice—these skills while they’re still in school.
Teaching teenagers about saving, banking, credit, taxes, income, and responsible money management can give them a stronger foundation as they enter college, the workforce, and adulthood.
Because knowing how to manage money isn’t just a nice skill to have.
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!
For years, I employed the Daily Oral Language sentences to reinforce grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills in my classroom as part of our bellwork routine. Witnessing noticeable progress in my students’ everyday writing validated the effectiveness of these short morning lessons. Notably, this improvement extended to their performance in standardized tests throughout the year. Despite its effectiveness, both my students and I found this method rather dull. I realized there had to be a more engaging approach.
During my search for alternatives, I stumbled upon an article in the Los Angeles Times discussing the impact of texting on the grammar abilities of tweens and teens.
This particular quote caught my eye: “Basically, kids aren’t able to “code switch” — shift between standard grammar and the abbreviations used in text messages, Sundar said. Those abbreviations have essentially become the words for them.
Adults not raised on text-friendly abbreviations in their formative years are able to shift between formal and informal language, Sundar said. Kids consuming a steady diet of “textual adaptations” aren’t.”
We’re well aware that teens often use “text speak” to convey thoughts in the fewest characters possible, causing chaos in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It can be quite challenging to read at times! Unfortunately, this shorthand finds its way into their everyday classroom writing. It’s crucial for students to grasp proper writing conventions essential in the professional world.
How do we guide our students to “code switch,” allowing them to employ the convenience of texting while maintaining proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation?
I devised a method that merges DOL-style practice with “text speak.” This approach lets students engage in practice that feels more intriguing and relevant to them—in their own “language,” so to speak. Simultaneously, they learn that while “text speak” suits casual texting, formal writing demands adherence to conventional rules. It truly offers the best of both worlds!
The structure mirrors the DOL format I previously employed: about two sentences per day for bellwork. I prepare a weekly sheet featuring 10 sentences composed in “text talk,” requiring correction using standard writing conventions. Each morning, students independently rectify two sentences, followed by a class review as part of our daily routine.
For example:
Passage: n Aug he didnt nvr do gud
Answer: He didn’t do well in August.
This might seem like an alien language at first glance! For tweens and teens, though, it’s their language and a sort of puzzle to translate it into proper English. It reinforces the notion that their “text speak” is valid for casual communication, yet emphasizes its unsuitability for formal writing in school or the professional sphere. This clear distinction aids in understanding the disparity between the two modes of communication.
For an engaging and practical approach to offer grammar, punctuation, and spelling practice to your middle/high school students, explore Text-to-English Grammar Activities. The complete product is available for purchase by quarter, semester, or for an entire year! Every download comprises printable, interactive notebook, and digital formats compatible with Google Drive™!
What if you could mail yourself across the country?
That sounds impossible—but in Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, Stanley Lambchop discovers that being flat comes with some pretty unusual advantages. After an accident leaves Stanley flat as a pancake, he discovers that he can be folded, rolled, and even mailed to California!
While the idea of mailing a child across the country sounds like something straight out of a children’s book, real-life children were actually sent through the U.S. mail more than 100 years ago.
And that’s just one of the reasons Flat Stanley makes such a fun and engaging novel to teach in the elementary classroom.
Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown is a fun book that is wonderful to use in the classroom.
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The Real-Life Flat Stanley Connection
In Flat Stanley, Stanley is mailed to California rather than traveling by train or airplane. The idea saves money—and gives Stanley quite an adventure.
Believe it or not, there is a fascinating connection between Stanley’s fictional adventure and actual U.S. postal history.
In 1913, the United States Post Office introduced Parcel Post, which allowed Americans to send larger packages through the mail. Before Parcel Post, the postal system primarily handled letters and smaller items.
The new service was useful for businesses and families, but some people quickly discovered an unusual loophole: children could technically be sent through the mail as long as they met the weight requirements.
One of the most famous examples occurred in January 1913, when a baby was reportedly sent by Parcel Post to his grandmother about a mile away. The baby weighed just under the 11-pound limit, and the postage was only 15 cents.
Pretty unbelievable, right?
This strange piece of postal history makes an excellent opportunity to take a fictional story and connect it to informational reading, history, math, and writing.
Turn Flat Stanley Into a Cross-Curricular Learning Experience
Flat Stanley isn’t just a fun read-aloud or elementary novel. The story can become the starting point for meaningful ELA and math activities.
Students can explore questions such as:
How much would it cost to travel to another state?
Would it be cheaper to travel by car, train, airplane—or mail?
How has transportation changed over time?
How can we distinguish between information from a fictional story and information from an informational text?
How would you describe Stanley’s personality and adventures?
What would happen if you could become flat for a day?
These kinds of questions encourage students to move beyond basic comprehension and apply what they’re reading to real-world situations.
A Fun Flat Stanley Math & Writing Activity
One of my favorite extensions to the book combines informational reading, math, research, and writing.
Students first learn about the real children who were sent through the postal system during the early 1900s. Then they get to imagine what it would cost to send themselves to a destination today.
Students calculate the cost of traveling to a selected destination by:
📬 Postal mail
🚗 Car
🚆 Train
✈️ Airplane
They compare the costs and then complete a related writing activity.
It’s a wonderfully quirky way to connect Flat Stanley to real-world math and informational text while giving students something memorable to talk and write about.
Bring Flat Stanley to Life With a Novel Study
Another fun way to extend the book is with a traditional Flat Stanley project.
Students can create their own flat characters—often personalized versions of themselves—and send them on adventures with family members or friends.
The results can be fantastic.
A family member might take a Flat Stanley on vacation, to a sporting event, sightseeing, or even just around town. Students can then share photographs and stories about their character’s adventures with the class.
This creates authentic opportunities for students to practice writing, speaking, listening, geography, and presentation skills while connecting their own experiences to the novel.
Flat Stanley Novel Study for Grades 2-4
If you’re looking for a way to make teaching Flat Stanley easier, a complete Flat Stanley novel study can take care of the lesson planning and preparation for you.
My Flat Stanley Novel Study is designed for Grades 2-4 and combines reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing, assessment, and engaging extension activities.
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What’s Included?
The complete novel study includes:
Chapter-by-chapter reading comprehension
Vocabulary and spelling activities
Writing activities
Reading assessments
Answer keys
Teacher lesson plans and pacing support
Common Core standards alignment
Printable activities
Google Drive™ versions
A special real-life Flat Stanley math and writing activity
The goal is simple: give you ready-to-use materials so you can spend less time planning and more time teaching.
Want to see if this Flat Stanley novel study is a good fit for your students?
You can download a free sample and take a look at the activities before purchasing the complete unit.
Flat Stanley is a particularly fun choice for elementary students because it invites them to suspend reality, laugh at Stanley’s unusual adventures, and then use those adventures as a springboard for deeper learning.
From reading comprehension and vocabulary to math, writing, informational text, and real-world connections, this classic children’s book offers plenty of opportunities to turn reading into an engaging cross-curricular experience.
So, would you mail yourself if you could?
Your students might be surprised by what they discover!
Connect with Fellow Educators!
Are you teaching Flat Stanley this school year?
Join our free community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to share ideas, grab freebies, and connect with 3rd–8th grade teachers using novels in the classroom!
*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
The new service was useful for businesses and families, but some people quickly discovered an unusual loophole: children could technically be sent through the mail as long as they met the weight requirements.
Connect with Fellow Educators!