On April 3rd, my mother-in-law died due to COVID19 complications. Here in New Jersey, flags are flying at half-staff to honor those who have succumbed to the virus, a number which now exceeds that of state residents who died on September 11, 2001. Prior to sheltering in place with my family, and long before […]
Category Archives: Top Ten Lists
April
10
Picture Books in Grief and Crisis: A COVID19 Reflection by Oona Marie Abrams
posted by CBethM
March
28
Ten Picture Books to Change Your Reading Life by Angie Moore
posted by CBethM
I would never have thought five or six years ago that picture books would become such an essential part of my reading life. But my life changed four years ago when I decided to go back to college to get my teaching degree. I love to read, but with all of the additional schoolwork I […]
March
14
10 Ways KidLit + STEM Thinking Stimulates Inclusion by Patricia Newman
posted by CBethM
When I taught remedial math in a rural high school, I knew my students read below grade level. I introduced word problems to help them practice reading comprehension. One freshman named Mark said, “Ms. Newman. What is all this reading $%#@. This is math class.” Mark unwittingly emphasized the boundaries between subject areas that always […]
March
07
Funny Realistic Fiction Novels for Middle Grades by Arianne Costner
posted by CBethM
We need more laughter in this world. As an author of funny books, I may be biased, but I’ve always extra-appreciated a book that can make me giggle. These stories are worthy of study and acclaim. It’s hard to create humor, and laughter is not only enjoyable, but it’s good for your health! (hyperlink: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm) […]
October
05
Top Ten Quick-Start Books for Middle School by Cindy Christiansen
posted by CBethM
“Mrs. Christiansen, I need a book that starts fast! Can you help me?” I heard that request from my sixth graders many times last year. They want to be hooked right away when they begin reading, and this is especially true for my reluctant readers. My students and I created the following list of our […]
September
28
Top Ten Books for Current Foodies and Future Chefs by Kacy Smith Paterson
posted by CBethM
“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are,” stated French politician and gastrome Brillat-Savarin. Food keeps us alive, but it also represents our culture, values, and history. America’s food culture is expanding, and food is connecting us among our cultures, values, and histories. Whether you have a little kitchen helper […]
August
24
Ten Interactive Books to Engage Little Readers by Megan Overman
posted by CBethM
There is no denying the importance of reading to a child at a very early age, but how do we engage our little readers? I have spent the past year reading many children’s books to my one-year-old son and the books he loves the most are the ones that get him involved! Below is a […]
August
17
Ten Ways to Get Reluctant Adolescent Readers Reading by Sherri K. Wilcox
posted by CBethM
I teach high school English, grades 9-12, on a Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DAEP) campus. Talk about a tough audience! Many of my kids arrive at our campus with huge gaps in their education from skipping school, being suspended numerous times, or being placed in In-School Suspension repeatedly. They are in my classroom for approximately […]
August
10
Creating a Reading Culture in the Classroom by Ann Hagedorn
posted by CBethM
When students walk into my classroom, I want them to see that I value reading and books and that my goal is for them to do the same. There is a sign that hangs in the front of my class that states, We read every day. I have a large classroom library that spans the […]
June
29
Top Ten Picture Books According to Fourth Graders by Kim Haines
posted by CBethM
For the past two school years, I have embarked on the #classroombookaday challenge. Each and every day of the school year, my fourth grade class reads a picture book, sometimes two, and we end the year having read 180 titles together as a community. I engage in this daily practice for many reasons. Provide mentor […]
