If you’re looking for an engaging and thought-provoking novel to use in your classroom, Carl Hiaasen’s Hoot is an excellent choice. Hoot is a middle-grade novel that tells the story of a boy named Roy who befriends a group of young environmental activists as they try to save a colony of endangered burrowing owls from a construction site.
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Hoot is a great choice for your classroom
Hoot is a great way to engage your students with environmental issues: In today’s world, environmental issues are becoming more and more pressing. By using Hoot in your classroom, you can help your students understand the importance of protecting our environment and the impact that humans can have on the natural world. The novel is full of vivid descriptions of the Florida wilderness and the wildlife that lives there, making it a great choice for students who are interested in nature and ecology.
Hoot encourages critical thinking and discussion: The novel raises a number of important ethical questions, such as whether it is ever right to break the law in order to protect the environment, and whether the ends justify the means when it comes to activism. By using Hoot in your classroom, you can encourage your students to think critically about these issues and engage in meaningful discussions about them.
Hoot is a fun and engaging read: Although Hoot deals with serious issues, it is also a humorous and entertaining novel. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep your students engaged and interested.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Hoot 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.
Hoot is an excellent choice for the classroom, providing students with an engaging and thought-provoking look at environmental issues and activism, including themes of friendship, teamwork, adolescence, corporate corruption, environmentalism, and integrity, all told in a writing style that tweens and teens can relate to and enjoy.
I highly recommend this non-fiction resource about burrowing owls offered by Utah Roots to complement this novel study. You can find this resource HERE.
You can purchase this novel study which contains both a printable and a Google Drive™ format 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!
In today’s diverse and ever-changing world, fostering empathy, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating differences are more important than ever. Literature is a powerful tool that can help achieve these goals, and one book that stands out in this regard is El Deafo by Cece Bell. This graphic novel has the potential to be a valuable addition to any classroom curriculum, offering a unique perspective on disability, friendship, and acceptance.
A while back, I partook in a discussion on Facebook about the factuality of the novel Wonder. I love the book Wonder and feel it has a solid place in the classroom, but how the author addresses hearing loss is concerning. I addressed this in my novel study by adding a non-fiction article to help portray the real side of hearing loss so that students reading the novel understand the mistakes made by the author.
While discussing my feelings on Facebook, another person asked if I had read the novel El Deafo by Cece Bell. She was curious about how real and factual it is to a person who walks in the shoes of hearing loss, such as me. She said her students overwhelmingly love the Newbery Honor-winning graphic novel. I immediately ordered the novel to read and am so happy I did!
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I have been living with hearing loss for over 25 years. It is a daily struggle to communicate with my family and the world. I have lost many things due to my hearing loss, including my teaching career. El Deafo is the autobiographical story of Cece Bell’s struggles with hearing loss told in a graphic novel format that is a perfect way to get the true feelings across. The book highlights how Cece embraces these struggles and turns them into a superpower! Even though Cece is in elementary school in the book, and I am well beyond that age, I found myself shaking my head in agreement and relating to Cece like I never have before in any other story I have read. It’s like so many of the things she was saying I have said or felt so many times!
The message that volume does not equal better hearing was strong in this book, and it is a message that the hearing world really fails to understand yet really needs to! Talking louder, talking slower, talking more pronounced DOES NOT HELP! It makes it much more difficult for those like Cece and myself who rely on lip-reading to understand. If the only message that you take away from this story is NOT to turn up the volume for those with hearing loss, the world will be a better place! That’s not the only message, as there were so many I could relate to, including isolation, feelings of shame, embarrassment, avoidance of situations, putting up with things and people only due to fear, and on and on. Cece embraces her differences and turns them into a superpower that draws people to her. I just loved everything about this book. You don’t have to have hearing loss to relate to and love this book, in fact, it is better for those with no hearing loss to read so they can better understand.
Benefits of Using El Deafo in Your Classroom:
Promotes Disability Awareness and Understanding: El Deafo is a heartfelt and engaging memoir that chronicles the author’s own experiences growing up with a hearing impairment. By introducing students to Cece Bell’s personal journey, teachers can help them gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with a disability. This can lead to more compassionate and empathetic students who are better equipped to interact with people of all abilities.
Encourages Empathy: One of the most powerful aspects of El Deafo is its ability to evoke empathy in readers. Cece’s struggles and triumphs are relatable to many, regardless of their own experiences. By exploring the challenges faced by the protagonist, students can develop a greater sense of empathy towards those who may have different life experiences, fostering a more inclusive and understanding classroom environment.
Celebrates Differences: In El Deafo, Cece Bell uses her superhero alter ego, “El Deafo,” to navigate the complexities of her hearing impairment. This unique perspective not only celebrates diversity but also highlights the importance of embracing one’s differences. By discussing the book in class, teachers can promote self-acceptance and encourage students to appreciate the qualities that make each individual unique.
Enhances Literacy Skills:El Deafo is a graphic novel, which makes it an excellent choice for promoting literacy skills, especially for reluctant readers. The combination of text and illustrations helps students engage with the story on multiple levels, improving their comprehension and critical thinking skills. Teachers can use the book to teach literary devices, character development, and narrative structure.
Fosters Classroom Discussions: Using El Deafo as a classroom resource can spark meaningful discussions about a wide range of topics, including friendship, communication, resilience, and bullying. These discussions can encourage students to express their thoughts and opinions, promoting a more open and inclusive learning environment.
Supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Social and emotional learning is a crucial aspect of education, and El Deafo can be a valuable tool for addressing SEL competencies. Through the story, students can explore themes such as self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills. Teachers can create activities and discussions that align with SEL goals, helping students develop essential life skills.
El Deafo is a powerful and impactful novel that offers a unique perspective on the experiences of the hearing-loss community. Its accessible format, relevant themes, and emotional connection make it an ideal choice for a novel study in the classroom.
El Deafo by Cece Bell is a powerful and engaging graphic novel that has the potential to enrich the classroom experience in numerous ways. By using this book as part of their curriculum, teachers can promote disability awareness, encourage empathy, celebrate differences, enhance literacy skills, foster meaningful discussions, and support social and emotional learning. Ultimately, El Deafo can help create a more inclusive, empathetic, and understanding classroom environment, preparing students to be compassionate and open-minded individuals in an increasingly diverse world.
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!
In today’s diverse and interconnected world, it is essential for educators to foster empathy, understanding, and global awareness among their students. One powerful tool for achieving this goal is literature. Refugee by Alan Gratz is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that not only captivates young readers but also provides a unique opportunity for teachers to explore important themes like empathy, resilience, and the refugee experience.
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It is crucial for educators to foster empathy, promote global awareness, and instill a deep understanding of history in their students. Alan Gratz meets these needs with Refugee.
Benefits of Using Refugee in Your Classroom
Contains Timely and Relevant Themes: In today’s global context, issues related to refugees and immigration are more relevant than ever. Refugee weaves together the stories of three young refugees from different time periods and backgrounds, highlighting the universal nature of the refugee experience. This novel allows students to explore the contemporary relevance of these themes and fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees in the world today and in the past.
Fosters Empathy and Perspective-Taking: One of the key benefits of using Refugee in the classroom is its ability to foster empathy. Through the stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, students are transported into the lives of young refugees and can relate to their struggles, fears, and hopes. This empathy-building experience encourages students to develop a greater appreciation for diversity and a stronger sense of social responsibility.
Provides Cross-Curricular Opportunities: Teachers can use Refugee as a versatile tool for cross-curricular learning. It can be integrated into various subjects, such as social studies, history, language arts, and geography. By incorporating the novel into different parts of the curriculum, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the refugee experience and its historical and geographical contexts.
Sparks Critical Thinking and Discussion:Refugee‘s compelling narrative is an excellent catalyst for class discussions and critical thinking. Teachers can use Refugee to engage students in conversations about topics like immigration policies, human rights, and the power of storytelling. This, in turn, encourages students to develop their analytical skills and the ability to express their ideas and opinions. These discussions empower students to engage with the world and become informed, active citizens who can contribute to positive change.
Offers Diverse and Relatable Characters: Alan Gratz skillfully creates well-developed characters whom readers can connect with. By following the journey of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, students of various backgrounds can find characters with whom they can identify. This diversity allows students to see the common humanity that transcends cultural, ethnic, and geographical differences.
Implements a Multidimensional Learning Experience: One of the outstanding benefits of Refugee is that it provides students with a multidimensional learning experience. The novel weaves together the stories of three young refugees from different time periods and locations: Josef in 1930s Nazi Germany, Isabel in 1994 Cuba, and Mahmoud in 2015 Syria. By following these characters on their perilous journeys to find safety, students gain an appreciation of the universal themes of displacement, resilience, and the quest for freedom.
Addresses Critical Historical Events: Using Refugee in the classroom allows teachers to connect literature with history. The novel introduces students to significant historical events such as World War II, the Cuban Revolution, and the Syrian Civil War. By examining these events through the eyes of young protagonists, students can develop a more personal and relatable connection to history, making the lessons more memorable and impactful.
Enhances Reading and Writing Skills: As a work of historical fiction, Refugee challenges students to analyze and evaluate historical context while honing their reading and writing skills. Students can engage in activities such as character analysis, thematic exploration, and creative writing, which strengthen their critical thinking and communication abilities.
Refugee by Alan Gratz is an exceptional novel that provides a unique opportunity for teachers to foster empathy, understanding, and critical thinking among their students. By exploring timely and relevant themes, encouraging perspective-taking, and offering cross-curricular opportunities, this novel serves as a valuable educational tool. Its diverse and relatable characters, along with the abundance of complementary resources, make Refugee an ideal choice for teachers looking to inspire their students and create a more inclusive and compassionate world. Introduce Refugee into your classroom and embark on a journey of empathy and learning with your students.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Refugee, which includes informational WebQuests to learn more about the Sturmabteilung (SA), Kristallnacht, Hitler’s Youth, the MS St. Louis, Fidel Castro and Cuba, and the Syrian Civil War 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 Refugee
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!
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz is an engaging, thought-provoking novel that tackles censorship, freedom of expression, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. This novel is a powerful tool for educators looking to inspire students to think critically about literature, free speech, and activism.
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Benefits of Using Ban This Book in Your Classroom
Encourages Critical Thinking About Censorship: Ban This Book tells the story of a young girl, Amy Anne Ollinger, who discovers that her favorite book has been banned from her school library. This sparks a movement where she and her friends fight back by creating their own “banned books” library. Through this storyline, students learn about censorship and its implications on knowledge and freedom. Encouraging students to think about why certain books are banned helps them engage in deeper discussions about what makes content controversial and how to navigate sensitive topics.
Promotes Advocacy and Empowerment: One of the strongest messages in Ban This Bookis the power of student activism. Amy Anne’s decision to stand up for what she believes in, despite fear and uncertainty, sends a clear message to young readers: they can make a difference. By using this book in the classroom, teachers can promote themes of empowerment and advocacy, encouraging students to speak up about issues that matter to them. This can lead to meaningful classroom discussions about social justice, equality, and personal responsibility.
Introduces Complex Themes in an Accessible Way: Censorship and free speech can be difficult topics for younger students to understand, but Gratz does an excellent job of breaking these themes down into an age-appropriate, accessible narrative. Ban This Book uses relatable characters and real-world scenarios to introduce these complex ideas in a way that engages students and makes the topics feel relevant to their own lives. This makes it easier for teachers to introduce discussions on the First Amendment and freedom of speech.
Fosters a Love of Reading: By highlighting banned books that many students may already know and love, Ban This Book fosters curiosity about literature that has been challenged or removed from libraries. It inspires students to read widely and explore books they may not have otherwise considered. This message is invaluable in encouraging reluctant readers to pick up a book and explore its content.
Connects to Real-World Events: The issue of banning books is not a thing of the past. Censorship and book challenges continue to be hot topics in schools and libraries across the country. By teaching Ban This Book, educators can connect students with current events, demonstrating that these issues are ongoing and relevant. This real-world connection helps students see the importance of defending intellectual freedom and access to diverse ideas.
Aligns with ELA Standards: Ban This Book is not only a fun and relevant read but also aligns with many educational standards in English Language Arts (ELA). Teachers can use it to cover essential skills such as analyzing characters, understanding plot development, identifying themes, and engaging in persuasive writing. Students can write essays or engage in debates about the merits of banning books, giving them the chance to practice key writing and communication skills.
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz is a timely and engaging novel that offers many benefits for the classroom. It encourages critical thinking, promotes student activism, introduces important themes like censorship and free speech, and connects to current events. Most importantly, it fosters a love for reading and allows students to explore diverse perspectives through literature. Adding this book to your curriculum will not only engage your students but also inspire them to stand up for the right to read.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Ban This Book, 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 Ban This Book
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!
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Teachers are always looking for innovative ways to engage and inspire their students. One exceptional method is integrating contemporary novels into the curriculum. A prime example of such a novel is Ghost by Jason Reynolds. This captivating story holds immense potential for enriching classroom experiences while fostering essential skills in students.
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The Benefits of Using Ghost in Your Classroom:
Contains Relatable Themes: Ghost by Jason Reynolds touches upon relatable themes that resonate with young readers. Addressing topics like friendship, identity, and perseverance, the novel provides a lens through which students can examine their own lives and experiences. Teachers can leverage these themes to initiate discussions that encourage empathy, critical thinking, and self-reflection.
Showcases Diversity and Representation: Diversity in literature matters, and Ghost excels in portraying a diverse range of characters. This representation offers a unique opportunity for teachers to introduce students to different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Through the characters’ journeys, students can develop a broader understanding of the world around them, fostering inclusivity and empathy.
Enhances Literacy Skills: Integrating Ghost into the curriculum can significantly enhance students’ literacy skills. The novel’s engaging narrative style and accessible language make it an ideal tool for teaching literary elements such as characterization, plot development, and figurative language. By analyzing Reynolds’ writing techniques, students can develop a deeper appreciation for storytelling and improve their own writing skills.
Can Spark Meaningful Discussions: The novel’s compelling narrative invites thought-provoking discussions about important topics such as family dynamics, socioeconomic challenges, and personal growth. Teachers can utilize these discussions to create a safe space for students to share their thoughts and opinions. This not only enhances their communication skills but also encourages them to consider different viewpoints.
Cultivates Critical Thinking:Ghost presents complex characters and situations that require critical thinking to fully understand. Encouraging students to analyze characters’ motivations, decisions, and conflicts fosters critical thinking skills essential for their academic and personal growth. These skills can translate into improved problem-solving abilities across various subjects.
Integrates with Other Subjects: The versatility of Ghost enables teachers to integrate the novel across multiple subjects. In history classes, discussions about the characters’ backgrounds can offer insights into different time periods and social contexts. In art classes, students can create visual representations of pivotal scenes. This interdisciplinary approach enhances students’ learning experience and highlights the interconnectedness of knowledge.
Inspiring a Love for Reading: One of the most significant benefits of incorporating Ghost into the classroom is its potential to ignite a passion for reading. The relatable story, combined with its fast-paced narrative, hooks reluctant readers and captivates even the most avid readers, alike. Once students experience the thrill of connecting with a story, they’re more likely to explore other works of literature, expanding their literary horizons.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds isn’t just a novel; it’s a powerful tool that can revolutionize classroom dynamics and enrich students’ educational journey. By addressing relatable themes, promoting diversity, enhancing literacy skills, sparking discussions, cultivating critical thinking, and facilitating interdisciplinary learning, this novel opens doors to a more engaging and holistic education. Incorporating Ghost into the curriculum can help educators foster a love for reading, a thirst for knowledge, and a lifelong passion for learning in their students.
I offer a novel study for Ghost that includes both a printable and a Google Drive format, for you to use in your classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Ghost
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!
