Middle school reading lessons can be challenging to plan. Looking to breathe new life into classroom reading without reinventing the wheel? This blog post has you covered! I’ve gathered together some of my top blog posts related to reading including library setup, tips and tricks for increasing student engagement and comprehension, recommended reading lists, and more. You’ll also find links to some of my top-rated, reading-focused, Teachers Pay Teachers products including book reports and an independent reading journal.
Lesson Ideas
Keeping middle school students engaged during reading can be challenging. This blog post provides several suggestions on how to increase engagement during guided reading.
Why Classroom Libraries are Important
Classroom libraries are important because not all schools have a physical library space, students need frequent access to books and they provide a venue for book recommendations.
Sticky Notes + Reading Material = Increased Comprehension
Silent reading can be difficult if students are not engaged in the text or the activity they are asked to complete during or after reading. Sticky notes are an inexpensive way to bring engagement and energy back into silent reading time.
Make Silent Reading (DEAR) Meaningful
Silent reading is not a time-filler activity, it is an important part of any middle school English Language Arts classroom. Make the most out of your student’s independent reading time by trying out these four tips.
Help Canadian students find well-written and age-appropriate reading material by utilizing book lists created by the Ontario Library Association.
Independent Reading Tips and Tricks
Helping students become good independent readers is not a quick task. It requires time, patience and effort. Read about the great ideas shared by other teachers on how they keep students engaged during independent reading.
Teaching Resources
Independent Reading Journal Assignment
Keep your students organized during independent reading. This independent reading assignment is a collection of 6 Independent Reading Tracking Forms and 1 Reading Journal Assignment. Find this resource on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Help your students dive deeper into their reading with these 12 different book report assignments. Each assignment enables students to showcase their creativity while meeting your curriculum standards. This book report set covers both Fiction and Non-Fiction Genres. Find this resource on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Students love social media and YouTube culture. Use their knowledge and excitement to promote reading in your classroom. Students select 3 – 5 books they have read and unbox them for the class. Students can present this information in a video format or a live presentation. This can be used with any fiction or non-fiction book. Find this resource on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Help students showcase their thinking about their reading with this Book Flatlay (sometimes called a Book Bento) Assignment. Students will learn how to create a Book Flatlay image and then justify their prop choices by finding evidence in the text to support their ideas. This assignment is a great book report alternative or a creative way for students to showcase their learning after completing an independent reading novel, literature circle book, or whole class novel. Find this resource on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.