2025 Holiday Gift Giving Guide
Books, stocking stuffers, & More Holiday gifts for Every Reader The holiday season is here, and if you’re scrambling with last-minute shopping for the young readers in your life, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re shopping for your students, your own children, or fun stocking stuffers for…
2026 Newbery Award Winner
My Early Picks for 2026 Newbery Award It might still be fall, but that hasn’t stopped me from diving into some amazing middle grade reads and making my early predictions for the 2026 Newbery Award. There’s been mystery, mischief, mythology, and more than one story that had me…
The Ultimate Teacher Toolkit
Live Cams, Music, and Podcasts Back-to-school season is bananas, right? Between lesson plans, bulletin boards, and that inevitable “Wait…what did I plan for today?” moment, it can feel like there’s hardly time to breathe. That’s why today we’re bringing you a one-stop roundup of resources to make your…
Secret to Student Success
Why Spiral review is key to your instruction The start of a new school year always brings a mix of excitement and nerves—for teachers and students alike. Whether you’re arranging desks, prepping bulletin boards, or already welcoming a new group of learners, one big question always comes up:…
Start the School Year with Stories
Must-Read Books to Kick Off Your Classroom Community As back-to-school prep kicks into gear and your lesson plans are coming together, there’s no better way to break the ice, ease jitters, and build classroom community than with a really great read-aloud. The right story can set the tone…
Setting Up a Reading Classroom for Success
Tips for New and Seasoned Teachers Alike Summer may still be bringing the heat, but for many teachers, the mental shift toward back-to-school is already beginning. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or simply looking to refresh your space and systems, now is the perfect time to start thinking…
The Power of Root Words
Boosting Vocabulary the Smart Way While summer break is still in full swing–filled with sunshine, popsicles, and maybe a few extra hours of sleep–many educators and parents are already thinking about the upcoming school year. Whether you’re preparing lesson plans, exploring supplemental tutoring materials, or planning your homeschool…
Building Vocabulary Through Play
Why Word Games Like Word Noodles Belong in Every Classroom We all know that vocabulary is a cornerstone of strong reading skills. The larger a student’s vocabulary, the better they’re able to comprehend what they read, express themselves clearly, and engage deeply with the world around them. Vocabulary…
Supporting Students Through Summer
3 Practical Ways to Prevent the summer Slide Happy Fourth of July! Today, we pause not just to enjoy fireworks, cookouts, and well-earned summer rest—but also to reflect on the true meaning of Independence Day. It’s a day to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy, to honor those who…
How Do I Keep My Students Reading After They Leave My Classroom?
As teachers, we pour our energy into helping students grow into strong, confident readers. So it’s tough on our teacher’s heart to watch those gains fade over a few months away from school. Supporting students’ reading lives after the school year wraps up is so important (also why…
Beverly Cleary and Katherine Applegate…pure magic!
Celebrating Beverly Cleary, D.E.A.R. Day, and The One and Only Family Some authors have a way of creating stories that stay with us forever. Their words linger in our minds, shaping our love for reading and storytelling. For many generations, Beverly Cleary was one of those authors—capturing the…
And the Winner is…
Exciting news in the literary world: Erin Entrada Kelly has clinched her second Newbery Medal with her latest masterpiece, The First State of Being. This captivating novel whisks readers back to 1999, blending the nostalgia of the pre-millennium era with a thrilling time-travel twist. I adore this book…
My first Mid-Year Newbery contender pick
Don’t you worry! You know I have more than one! I just had share my first mid-year pick as the potential Newbery Award Winner for 2025: The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. Imagine this: it’s 1999, Y2K is looming large, and our Michael is grappling with more…
Summer Time Reads
A Summer of Sun, Sand, and Stories I recently returned from a wonderful family beach vacation on Kiawah Island, and I have to say, it was absolutely amazing. There’s nothing quite like the combination of sun, sand, and some much-needed relaxation. One of the best parts of the…
Parent Conference Guide
Who is getting ready for Parent Conferences? I loved end-of-the-year parent conferences! I know- I’m strange! But, I truly fell in love with each of my students and couldn’t wait to share that love with their parents one final time as we celebrated all their growth. You are an…
DiCamillo and Entrada Kelly Writing Classics for a New Generation
Writing Classics for a New Generation Kate DiCamillo and Erin Entrada Kelly do it again! Here in Virginia, the weather has been warmer, the trees are flowering and the sunsets have been incredible! (I just had to share!) It is the PERFECT time to grab a few books…
Caldecott Winner: BIG
Refresh your classroom community and promote Self-Love with BIG by Vashti Harrison Bringing some happy back to the class! I don’t know about you- but at this point during the long, winter months my students need a refresher in all the community-building- friendship- respect lessons that we hit…
The Best Middle Grade Books of 2023!
Stand outs for the year of 2023 for your middle-grade reader. I am so excited to present to you five amazing new novels published this year. These are five completely different books. I’ve even included one non-fiction! The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln has been much…
Holiday Gift Guide for Middle-Grade Readers
Best Books for your readers ages 10-14! Also, check out my Best Books of 2023 for Middle Graders post! When recommending books for 10-14-year-olds (middle-grade readers) I am always drawn to a variety of fiction books that span different interests. Children love new, fresh stories… complicated, emotional stories…and…
Gifts for 8-10-year-olds This Holiday Season
Something for every reader! So many books…so little time! My students would never believe I narrowed this list down to just 10 books. When looking at buying a book for an 8–10-year-old, their reading level and maturity level must be considered. Best Series for Your Young Reader If…
The Best Books of 2023 for Upper Elementary!
Stand-out books of 2023 for 8-10 year olds. Some of my favorite books of 2023 for 8-10 year olds are from literary giants, and one newcomer, Beth Lincoln. Peter Brown, Katherine Applegate, Jennifer Choldenko, Rebecca Stead, and Wendy Mass are five of the premiere children’s authors to grace…
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Drama?
Reader’s Theatre in an elementary classroom Reader’s Theatre Scripts & Activities available for purchase below. Using Reader’s Theatre in my classroom is one of my favorite ways to work on reading skills without the students realizing it! The holidays is a great time for Reader’s Theatre in the…
