Episodes
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I’ve got some great books to share today that I know are going to help your students fall in love with historical fiction, so hang on, joyful readers, you’re going to want to hear all about these recs! You’ll likely have a student or three in mind who you’re dying to suggest a title to.
Today's episode includes recs for:
The History BuffThe Adventure SeekerThe Empathetic ReaderThe Critical ThinkerThe Fantasy EnthusiastsGrab my ready to go Historical Fiction Unit HERE
Take a closer look at the books mentioned in today's episode:
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys - https://amzn.to/3zyD8CB
Refugee by Alan Gratz - https://amzn.to/3XKceQj
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - https://amzn.to/3XD2cAt
Hope and Other Punchlines by Julie Buxbaum - https://amzn.to/3XNYm7M
Us in Ruins by Rachel Moore - https://amzn.to/4doPZoS
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
Your joyful readers can use my historical fiction unit!
If you're ready to make your students fall in love with historical fiction...
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Over the next few episodes, we’re going to talk about a new genre that I’ve personally witnessed help to shape lifelong readers. I know that sharing this genre in your classroom is going to hook an entirely new set of students. Settle in, joyful reader, because today I’m going to encourage you to introduce your students to historical fiction.
Highlights:
Why Study Historical Fiction? What Makes Fiction Historical? Characteristics & Critiques of Historical FictionResources Mentioned:
Take a closer look at my Historical Fiction Unit HERE
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
Your joyful readers can use my historical fiction unit!
If you're ready to make your students fall in love with historical fiction and engage in meaningful discussions, this is the resource you’ve been looking for. Grab it today and watch your classroom come to life with the magic of history and storytelling!https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Historical-Fiction-Literature-Circles-or-Choice-Reading-Unit-9204028?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Historical%20Fiction%20Ad%20Segment%202024
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
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Missing episodes?
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I know it often feels like you just don't have time to do all the things in your classroom. And it’s true, you don’t! But you do have plenty of time to choose a few things to do well. Today we’re going to talk about a few supplementary activities to include in your mystery unit and which skills are targeted through these purposeful additions. Hope you’re ready for some fresh ideas today, joyful readers, because I’m here to deliver.
Highlights:
Case File ProjectHigh Interest Close ReadingsEnola HolmesResources Mentioned:
--> Try the Mystery Case File Project with your learners
--> Dive into History's Mysteries in your classroom
--> Learn more about close reading in this blog post
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
Your joyful readers can use my historical fiction unit!
If you're ready to make your students fall in love with historical fiction and engage in meaningful discussions, this is the resource you’ve been looking for. Grab it today and watch your classroom come to life with the magic of history and storytelling!...
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Maybe you’d love to try literature circles in your class, but you just don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’ve tried them before, but they didn’t go over well. Today I’m going to walk you through my framework for planning and executing a flawless literature circle in the mystery genre. Get ready, joyful readers, it’s going to be a good one!
Highlights:
What should literature circles look like in the mystery genre?
How do I know which books to include in my literature circle?
Resources Mentioned:
--> Try the Mystery Case File activity in your classroom
--> Grab a copy of my full mystery unit
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
Your joyful readers can use my historical fiction unit!
If you're ready to make your students fall in love with historical fiction and engage in meaningful discussions, this is the resource you’ve been looking for. Grab it today and watch your classroom come to life with the magic of history and storytelling!https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Historical-Fiction-Literature-Circles-or-Choice-Reading-Unit-9204028?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Historical%20Fiction%20Ad%20Segment%202024
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
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Like most other teachers, I was absolutely frightened when I was told I needed to run a choice reading unit. How will I keep track of everything? How do I manage a class full of students reading different books? These questions kept me up at night! I then realized that I was expected to do this alongside my regular curriculum and then my mind was REALLY blown. Thankfully, after years of trial and error, I got pretty good at it and it helped me realize why this is such a powerful practice.
In today’s episode, I’m going to give you my best recommendations for anchor texts in the mystery genre and then I’m going to give you practical strategies I learned over years of practice to implement these novels seamlessly beside a choice reading unit in the same genre. Buckle up, joyful readers, you’re in for a good one.
Highlights:
3 Mysteries That Appeal to a Wide Range of Students
How to Use the Mystery Genre to Leverage the Anchor Text/Lit Circle Connection
Resources Mentioned:
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Grab this ready to teach unit for We Were Liars
We Were Liars - https://amzn.to/3XHPZM0
Truly Devious - https://amzn.to/47rI0pF
Firekeeper’s Daughter - https://amzn.to/4d446zJ
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
Your joyful readers can use my historical fiction unit!
If you're ready to make your students fall in love with historical fiction and engage in meaningful discussions, this is the resource you’ve been looking for. Grab it today and watch your classroom come to life with the magic of history and storytelling!https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Historical-Fiction-Literature-Circles-or-Choice-Reading-Unit-9204028?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Historical%20Fiction%20Ad%20Segment%202024
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for...
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Mysteries continue to dominate best-selling book lists worldwide. Huge names like James Patterson, Stephen King, Riley Sager, Freida McFadden, and so many more are consistently seen leading the charts when it comes to book sales. Why do people love this genre so much and how can we leverage that enthusiasm in the classroom? Stay tuned for today’s episode! We’re going to dig into all things mystery and discover how you can use this genre to get your students excited about reading.
Highlights:
Two Camps of Mystery LoversMystery SubgenresWhy is the mystery genre great for the classroom?Resources Mentioned:
--> Take a closer look at the Mystery Genre Study Resource and the Mystery Genre Introduction Activities
--> Read more about Why Mystery Books are so Satisfying in this article by Tana French
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
Your joyful readers can use my historical fiction unit!
If you're ready to make your students fall in love with historical fiction and engage in meaningful discussions, this is the resource you’ve been looking for. Grab it today and watch your classroom come to life with the...
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You've got questions about independent reading and in today's episode I've got answers. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the practice or a seasoned veteran, this episode has helpful strategies no matter where you are on your journey.
Episode Highlights:
How do I know this book will be appropriate for my students?How do I make sure students are reading books that are the right fit for them?How do I make sure students start and finish their books around the same time?Resources Mentioned:
--> The parent letter I used in my classroom can be found HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Independent-Reading-Parent-Letter-Editable-Templates-4910095?st=5b62570e62846b39df06267333fd6e59&utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%206%20-%20Parent%20Letter%20Template
--> Learn more about titles students are interested in on Goodreads and Common Sense Media
https://www.goodreads.com/
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
--> Reach out on Instagram any time you need help vetting a title:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Keep a copy of this book list handy so your classroom library is stocked with all the best YA Books:
www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books
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Watching the power of literature circles in molding lifelong readers was transformative for me. Lit circles aren’t new. Maybe you’ve heard of them, but have been too afraid to try them, or maybe you’re a seasoned pro and have been running lit circles for a long time. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, tune into today’s episode because I’m going to break down exactly why this practice belongs in your 21st century ELA classroom and how we’re going to leverage it to create joyful readers.
Episode Highlights:
A Bit of History Behind Literature CirclesWhy My Literature Circles are DifferentWhy Genre?Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
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It’s hard to be in education right now. Anyone who has been inside of a school lately knows that it is not for the faint of heart. Teachers currently need more support than ever. This includes having tried-and-true strategies and relevant resources ready to implement so that you can feel confident and successful in helping students become joyful readers. Today’s episode is going to talk all about how this podcast is going to help.
Resources Mentioned:
--> Learn more about close reading HERE:
https://www.samanthainsecondary.com/2021/03/18/teaching-close-reading-in-secondary-english-language-arts/
--> Read more research about the current literacy crisis HERE:
https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
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Creating a strong culture of reading in your classroom can feel like a daunting task, but today’s episode will walk you through a couple of actionable steps you can take to get started. Buckle up, joyful readers, you’re not going to want to miss this one!
Resources Mentioned:
--> Take a look at my favorite bookish tapestries in THIS ETSY SHOP and don't forget to use the code SAMANTHAINSECONDARY at checkout
https://www.etsy.com/shop/tiffinthemiddle
--> Join my email list HERE to access the monthly roundup as well as my list of 100 YA books to add to your curriculum or classroom library
www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
--> Shop for YA Quote Posters HERE
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Young-Adult-Literature-English-Language-Arts-Quote-Poster-Set-9281063?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%202%20-%20YA%20Quote%20Posters
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
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Pop Quiz: What do you call the instructional practice where students self-select a book or choose from a list of pre-selected titles before reading it independently and completing some kind of assessment? Did you know that most of the people listening to this podcast right now probably have a different answer? We’re going to dive into this strange conundrum today. Stay tuned.
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
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This podcast has been on my heart for a few years and I’m so excited to finally be able to bring it to you now. I’ve been working hard to plan episodes and create content that I know is going to help you nurture a love of reading with your students. I have so much to share and I’m confident that these episodes are going to be both helpful and relevant to your practice.
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
Mentioned in this episode:
--> Did you grab my FREE Young Adult reading list already?
Are you ready to take your classroom library to the next level? I’ve got an exciting freebie just for you! It’s called "100 Young Adult Novels to Add to Your Curriculum or Classroom Library," and it’s packed with fantastic titles that will captivate and inspire your students.Imagine the look on their faces when they discover a new favorite book, all thanks to you! Head to www.samanthainsecondary.com/books to grab your free copy and start transforming your classroom library today.www.samanthainsecondary.com/books
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This is the podcast for secondary educators who want to inspire a lifelong love of reading in their students.
Each week, we’ll chat about the amazing benefits of independent reading, dig into the latest literacy research, cover practical tips and strategies to nurture lifelong readers, break down projects that help students show off what they’ve learned in creative ways, and highlight some fresh YA books you can snag at Target right now to keep your students excited.
Tune in every Monday to find inspiration and practical tips to light that reading spark in your students. Remember, each book we introduce and every reading experience we create can change lives and foster lifelong readers.
--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary
--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/
--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary
