Teaching Plot & Setting to Middle & High School Students Posted by The Literary Maven at January 24, 2021 Labels: literary elements, plot <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQqKfxVsUvE/YAQrXXEnPnI/AAAAAAAAU00/M-neIlDpdyIPm0PP9KsKngexTvFwPnDjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use these ideas for teaching plot and setting to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQqKfxVsUvE/YAQrXXEnPnI/AAAAAAAAU00/M-neIlDpdyIPm0PP9KsKngexTvFwPnDjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide2.png" title="Use these ideas for teaching plot and setting to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." /></a></div><br />It is easy to teach students literary vocabulary and assess them on the meaning of those terms, but for students to truly understand literary elements, students need to practice using that vocabulary in ways that deepen their understanding of how stories work. Students need multiple opportunities to read and write about the vocabulary related to plot and setting. I detailed the many ways I introduce and reinforce plot and setting in <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/08/teaching-literary-elements-plot-setting.html" target="_blank">this previous blog post</a> and you can find even more ideas below.<br /><br /><u><b>Build Up From The “SWBST” Strategy To A Plot Diagram</b></u><br />The “Somebody Wanted But So Then” strategy is one way to summarize a text by identifying and describing key story elements. You can find an example of a "SWBST" chart in <a href="https://www.waterford.org/resources/6-strategies-for-teaching-story-structure/" target="_blank">this blog post</a>. Once students are comfortable summarizing a story this way, introduce them to the more sophisticated parts of the plot diagram: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Use can find a free plot diagram graphic organizer here. You can have some groups use a "SWBST" chart and other groups use a plot diagram, and then compare how each breaks down the story.<br /><b><u><br /></u></b><div><b><u>Analyze Through Graphic Organizers</u></b><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-or-Print-Setting-Graphic-Organizers-for-Literary-Analysis-2241619" target="_blank">Graphic organizers</a> are the perfect tool to dive deeper into a story's meeting. With a variety of graphic organizers for setting, each student can choose the best way to showcase their understanding of a story. Plus, graphic organizers naturally provide scaffolding. Often, I use graphic organizers as a form of prewriting for larger literary analysis. </div><div><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/elaclassroom/" target="_blank">*Recommended by Lauralee, Language Arts Classroom</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cD3MW491HUc/YAQr4vokZNI/AAAAAAAAU1E/nn72bdDRYbo-qp-sNDIIe-7FsNjFpPQLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/SettingPic2%2B-%2BLauralee%2BMoss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use these ideas for teaching plot and setting to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cD3MW491HUc/YAQr4vokZNI/AAAAAAAAU1E/nn72bdDRYbo-qp-sNDIIe-7FsNjFpPQLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/SettingPic2%2B-%2BLauralee%2BMoss.jpg" title="Use these ideas for teaching plot and setting to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." /></a></div><div><br /><b><u>Make It Visual With Color Coding</u></b><br />In <a href="https://www.teachinginroom6.com/2014/09/teaching-about-plot.html" target="_blank">this blog post from Teaching in Room 6</a>, one of the strategies she uses to help students differentiate the parts of plot is to have students highlight each part of a short story with different colors. You can find several short (one page) stories <a href="https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/free-reading-worksheets/story-structure/story-structure-worksheets/" target="_blank">here</a> that would be perfect for that. Similarly, you could have students use different color sticky notes to mark the different parts of plot in children's books. </div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>Reinforce Skills With An Escape Room</u></b><br />One way to introduce, teach, or review plot and setting with students is through an engaging, hands-on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Elements-of-Fiction-Escape-Room-Activity-5666617" target="_blank">escape room activity</a>. This resource works best in the middle school or lower-level high school English classroom, and it is an ideal way to review various elements of fiction -including plot and setting. In this escape room, students work their way through a series of elements of fiction tasks, including plot and setting. Once they emerge from the escape room activity, they are ready for any short story or fiction teaching unit.</div><div><i><a href="http://thedaringenglishteacher.com" target="_blank">*Recommended by Christina, The Daring English Teacher</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gr0R2vQBBfY/YAQsYVxCO1I/AAAAAAAAU1U/1aB0nl9LoVwp9x886XEkIR3hGljhlFsOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0007%2B%25281%2529%2B-%2BChristina%2BSchneider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use these ideas for teaching plot and setting to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gr0R2vQBBfY/YAQsYVxCO1I/AAAAAAAAU1U/1aB0nl9LoVwp9x886XEkIR3hGljhlFsOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_0007%2B%25281%2529%2B-%2BChristina%2BSchneider.jpg" title="Use these ideas for teaching plot and setting to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." /></a></div><div><br /><b><u>Examine The Overall Impact Of Changing One Plot Element </u></b><br /><a href="https://www.flocabulary.com/lesson/plot-elements/" target="_blank">This lesson from Flocabulary</a> includes a great introductory video with accompanying notes, a handout with a short story to diagram, and other suggestions for practice. The best part of the lesson and the higher level thinking activity is when students are asked to change one plot element in a story and then examine how that change would impact the rest of the plot. You could have students decide which element they would change or pick at random from a hat. Once one element has changed, they would have to rewrite the rest of the story as needed. This might work best with fairy tales or other well known stories so that students can share and appreciate each others' rewrites.<div><br /></div><div>You can find all of my resources for teaching plot and setting <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Literary-Maven/Category/-Skill-Plot-Setting-242377?utm_source=The%20Literary%20Maven&utm_campaign=Teaching%20Plot%20%26%20Setting%20to%20MS%20%26%20HS" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXpDA56GCBE/YAQrhVGnJ1I/AAAAAAAAU04/wXg5kL9_6v8rzVRT5JgI5F9hOokPqdVYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1443/Slide2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use these ideas for teaching plot and setting to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXpDA56GCBE/YAQrhVGnJ1I/AAAAAAAAU04/wXg5kL9_6v8rzVRT5JgI5F9hOokPqdVYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide2.png" title="Use these ideas for teaching plot and setting to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>
More From The Blog Teaching Characterization to Middle & High School Students Posted by The Literary Maven at January 16, 2021 Labels: character, literary elements <p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyTSNZzMHCs/YAOpwYb8fgI/AAAAAAAAU0U/q8IrKswcdBMz0m327a-mOKIVuDm25NHxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use these ideas for teaching characterization to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyTSNZzMHCs/YAOpwYb8fgI/AAAAAAAAU0U/q8IrKswcdBMz0m327a-mOKIVuDm25NHxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide1.png" title="Use these ideas for teaching characterization to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." /></a></b></div><br />Characterization is the way we come to know the characters of a short story, novel, or drama. While sometimes revealed directly, most of what we learn about characters is revealed through their actions, dialogue, thoughts and feelings, appearance, and their effect on other characters. I detailed the many ways I introduce and reinforce characterization in <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2017/09/teaching-literary-elements-character.html">this previous blog post</a> and you can find even more ideas below.<br /><br /><b><u>Examining Action & Getting Into Character</u></b><br /><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/action-character-exploring-character-175.html?tab=1#tabs">This lesson from Read Write Think</a> first has students identify a character's traits based on their actions. The lesson includes samples as well as a student handout and an extensive list of character traits (adjectives). Part two of the lesson has students imagine that they are one of the characters and generate a list of character traits they would use to describe themselves and three of their co-characters. Students then read over each other's lists and try to guess which character would describe themselves and others that way.<div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>Analysis Through Graphic Organizers</u></b><br /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-or-Print-Characterization-Graphic-Organizers-for-Literary-Analysis-1979971" target="_blank">Graphic organizers</a> are the perfect tool for literary analysis. With a few well-placed questions, the teacher can advance thinking for a student who has a firm grasp on the story. With a bit of scaffolding or alternatives to writing (pictures, color symbolism), students who struggle with comprehension can soar. Characterization graphic organizers allow for all students to find success. <br />*Recommended by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elaclassroom/">Lauralee, Language Arts Classroom</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGzleUe-M-g/YAQbqicq8aI/AAAAAAAAU0o/_Y0BIyVXLLIVZI2nrJ87-pCd5rvfu4uLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CharacterPic4%2B-%2BLauralee%2BMoss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use these ideas for teaching characterization to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGzleUe-M-g/YAQbqicq8aI/AAAAAAAAU0o/_Y0BIyVXLLIVZI2nrJ87-pCd5rvfu4uLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/CharacterPic4%2B-%2BLauralee%2BMoss.jpg" title="Use these ideas for teaching characterization to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." /></a></div><div><br /><br /><b><u>Practicing With An Animated Short Film</u></b><br />The Adventures of Hopscotch: Hopscotch Begins <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animated-Short-Films-Hopscotch-Begins-Short-Characterization-Video-Lesson-6060456" target="_blank">animated short film and characterization activities</a> provide a comprehensive set of engaging, rigorous resources for literacy instruction. The materials don’t just tell Hopscotch’s story through an animated short film. They use that story to explicitly teach literacy skills. Students eager to learn about Hopscotch’s adventures will receive an instructional lesson about characterization as they view the video, which means they can replay it if they need to see or hear it again. Meanwhile, the story’s design will give students many opportunities to practice characterization. The accompanying activities provide the resources to offer them those chances. They are also supplied in an editable template so that they can be applied to a separate, written core text. Students will be able to engage with them independently or with the teacher and in any instructional model, including in-person or virtual formats. Therefore, the Hopscotch video and characterization activities not only provide a comprehensive set of materials to teach character throughout the year but also will make Hopscotch a welcome member of your class.<br />*Recommended by <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lit-Lessons">Lauren, LIT Lessons</a><br /><br /><b><u>Create Opportunities For Collaboration</u></b><br /><a href="https://www.teachbetweenthelines.org/read-from-the-blog-1/2020/1/20/3-unique-creative-and-collaborative-mini-lessons-for-teaching-characterization">This blog post from Teach Between The Lines</a> has not one or two, but three great ideas to get students thinking, discussing, and working together. Idea number one is The Great Motivation Debate, which allows student to collaborate in small groups to become detective and attorney in. First, students play detective to find the true motivation of a character and find evidence to support this assessment. Then, they play attorney as they use that evidence to craft mini-arguments to debate in the ‘courtroom.’ Idea number two asks students to look at a character through the perspectives of other people in the scene/moment with them and consider how the characterization might be interpreted by other characters. Idea number three is a discussion centered around character displacement: taking a character out of their “world” or “text” and place them in another. Students discuss how a character would interact with others outside their own story, which requires a deep understanding of the character.<br /><br /><b><u>Spark Students' Imagination With A Visual</u></b><br />Rather than using a text to have students explore characterization, this activity begins with a pair of shoes. You can use images of shoes found online or collect them from home or from colleagues to create a selection of shoes to represent people of all ages and walks of life. Students will pick a pair to analyze and create the character that the shoe belongs to. <a href="https://secondaryenglishcoffeeshop.blogspot.com/2020/02/5-ways-to-teach-characterization-and.html">The Secondary English Coffee Shop</a> has a list of questions to accompany this activity and get students creative juices flowing. You could do a similar activity with bags, lunches, lockers, etc.<div><br /></div><div>You can find all of my resources for teaching characterization and character types <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Literary-Maven/Category/-Skill-Conflict-Character-242376?utm_source=The%20Literary%20Maven&utm_campaign=Teaching%20Character%20to%20MS%20%26%20HS" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6skl6qr4YU/YAOp5K4FLpI/AAAAAAAAU0Y/iV86L9izDKwQ1jIeKgBwdd-40owzUC7mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1443/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use these ideas for teaching characterization to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6skl6qr4YU/YAOp5K4FLpI/AAAAAAAAU0Y/iV86L9izDKwQ1jIeKgBwdd-40owzUC7mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide1.png" title="Use these ideas for teaching characterization to middle and high school students with any short story, novel, or drama." /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>
What I'm Reading & Teaching in January Posted by The Literary Maven at January 01, 2021 Labels: <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1t6XAvTz_RU/X--FvXLt6fI/AAAAAAAAUjo/Zuw2iZGhgKcji6CFu9TEyLliW9eY_ABUACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="In my classroom in January, students will write an informational essay and participate in literature circles themed around "facing fear."" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1t6XAvTz_RU/X--FvXLt6fI/AAAAAAAAUjo/Zuw2iZGhgKcji6CFu9TEyLliW9eY_ABUACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide1.png" title="In my classroom in January, students will write an informational essay and participate in literature circles themed around "facing fear."" /></a></div><br /><div>Happy new year! 2020 was a wild year and I'm interested to see how this one will turn out. More than ever this past year, books were my escape. I didn't meet my reading goal last year, but I've set my goal again at 104 books, which is 2 books a week or about 8.5 books a month. I don't usually set teaching goals, but I put a few measures in place before winter break began to make sure I'm starting off the year by offering even more support to students who are struggling. <br /><br />Wednesdays are our asynchronous days, and I've set up parent meetings to check in with the parents of students who are still struggling with virtual learning or whose performance has declined. I host office hours two days a week (it's a mandatory part of my teaching schedule) and I sent out Google Calendar invites to those students who are still struggling with virtual learning or whose performance has declined to encourage them to attend my office hours. <br /><br /><b><u>Reading in January</u></b><br /><br />Much of my reading is in the form of audiobooks and those I select based on what is available through the Libby app, but I also have stacks of physical TBR piles I'd love to work through. Since my audiobooks are primarily fiction middle grades and young adult titles, these physical books include adult and nonfiction titles to help balance things out a bit. Here's some books I'm hoping to read this month.<br /><br />1. <a href="https://amzn.to/3hDEMFx"><i>Tokyo Ever After</i></a> by Emiko Jean (young adult, available May 2021)<br />2. <a href="https://amzn.to/2KRNiF2"><i>Hurricane Summer</i></a> by Asha Bromfield (young adult, available May 2021)<br />3. <a href="https://amzn.to/38RkqF1"><i>A Woman of No Importance</i></a> by Sonia Purnell (nonfiction)<br />4. <a href="https://amzn.to/3b0rGAU"><i>How to Think Like Shakespeare</i></a> by Scott Newstok (nonfiction)<br />5. <a href="https://amzn.to/38QUdq6"><i>White Rage</i></a> by Carol Anderson (nonfiction)<br />6. <a href="https://amzn.to/38PN7C9"><i>The Challenging Riddle Book for Kids</i></a> by Danielle Hall (nonfiction)<br />7. <a href="https://amzn.to/3n6RttM"><i>Writers on Earth</i></a> by Elizabeth Kolbert and Write the World (nonfiction)<br />8. <a href="https://amzn.to/3hBfuYx" target="_blank"><i>Tight</i></a> by Torrey Maldonado (middle grades)<br />9. <a href="https://amzn.to/350rWfz" target="_blank"><i>To Night Owl From Dogfish</i></a> by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer (middle grades)<br /><br /><b><u>Teaching in January</u></b><br /><br />I use the <i>Collections</i> curriculum for sixth grade and we'll be finishing up the "Facing Fear" collection (themed unit) when we return from winter break. We worked through some of the fiction and poetry pieces from the collection as well as a nonfiction piece and a video text before the break. The nonfiction piece and video introduce students to the science of fears and phobias and we'll continue that focus with a few more nonfiction pieces the first week back from break. You can read more about how I make the most of the <i>Collections</i> curriculum <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2020/07/hmh-collections-curriculum.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>By week two of January, we'll be ready to synthesize all of those nonfiction readings on fears and phobias in an essay. My students are constantly writing text dependent analysis responses of various lengths, but I try to balance that throughout the year with at least one essay of each of the three types of writing: informational, argument, and narrative. This essay will satisfy the informational type, but also allow students to practice research skills. Students will include information from their readings about fears and phobias and do some additional research about a phobia of choice. <br /><br />Having my students pull information primarily from texts they've already read produces better quality writing. Students are already familiar with the information and are better able to put it into their own words. This is especially helpful for my special education students. I also provide a list of websites for students to use as a starting point for their research to ensure that my students are able to find quality information about their phobia of choice. Having students write from sources and limiting their research also makes the writing process less drawn out. We can go from selecting a topic to formatting a bibliography in about two weeks.<br /><br />By the final week of January, we'll be ready to kick off our literature circles connected to the "Facing Fear" collection. Students have a choice of reading one of six novels:<br /><br />1. <a href="https://amzn.to/3rFrrBn" target="_blank"><i>On My Honor</i></a> by Marion Dane Bauer <br />2. <a href="https://amzn.to/3hwRciC" target="_blank"><i>Maybe He Just Likes You</i></a> by Barbara Dee<br />3. <a href="https://amzn.to/2L9AdH4" target="_blank"><i>Black Brother, Black Brother</i></a> by Jewell Parker Rhodes<br />4. <a href="https://amzn.to/3rMO4ni" target="_blank"><i>The Only Road</i></a> by Alexandra Diaz<br />5. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2JA1e5S" target="_blank">A Good Kind of Trouble</a></i> by Lisa Moore Ramée<br />6. <a href="https://amzn.to/2KWmG5H" target="_blank"><i>Under A Painted Sky</i></a> by Stacey Lee</div><div><br /></div><div>The literature circles will span four weeks with each week focused on a different literary skill: character, conflict, point of view, and plot. Students will engage in skill based writing and activities each week and participate in discussions with their literature circle group twice a week. I'll draw many of the activities from <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/06/literature-circle-activities.html" target="_blank">this list of ideas</a> that have worked successfully in the past.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lu7ZMhQqF1A/X--F3Wdd4WI/AAAAAAAAUjs/yQ0v14f4-mgrAPn21s9J3vGMeCervCMSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1443/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="In my classroom in January, students will write an informational essay and participate in literature circles themed around "facing fear."" border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lu7ZMhQqF1A/X--F3Wdd4WI/AAAAAAAAUjs/yQ0v14f4-mgrAPn21s9J3vGMeCervCMSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide1.png" title="In my classroom in January, students will write an informational essay and participate in literature circles themed around "facing fear."" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>
Top 20 Reads of 2020 Posted by The Literary Maven at December 29, 2020 Labels: book list <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzpCX1cgvyE/X-v6hN0mamI/AAAAAAAAUgo/br1wi9sS1nIi77GdrryVZdWittkgn_NWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="While I may not have reached my reading goal for 2020, I still read so many amazing books. Here's my top 20 including middle grades, young adult, and adult titles." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzpCX1cgvyE/X-v6hN0mamI/AAAAAAAAUgo/br1wi9sS1nIi77GdrryVZdWittkgn_NWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide1.png" title="While I may not have reached my reading goal for 2020, I still read so many amazing books. Here's my top 20 including middle grades, young adult, and adult titles." /></a></div><br />My reading goal for 2020 was to read 2 books a week, a total of 104 books. I won't make it; I'm hoping to make it to at least 80 (I'm at 77 books with 3 days to go), but no matter the number, I still read so many amazing books this year. Here's my top 20.</div><div><br /></div><b><u>Middle Grades Picks</u></b><div>Despite being a middle school teacher, I often find myself just liking, not loving titles targeted at this age group. Frequently the narrators annoy me with their immaturity and their trivial conflicts. I know they are young and it isn't their fault, but based on the titles listed below I think it is clear that I prefer books that tackle tough topics<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/2WVaFQo">1. <i>Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus</i> by Dusti Bowling</a><br />I listened to this one as an audiobook and loved the spunky narrator. Aven is born without arms and has recently moved so that her parents can manage a Western theme park. She navigates the challenges of middle school, disability, and friendship—all while solving a mystery. I enjoyed the second book in the series well, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2JrXcwk" target="_blank">Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus</a>, </i>and I'm currently listening to <i><a href="https://amzn.to/37XnErf" target="_blank">The Canyon's Edge</a></i>.<br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/3prrlv4">2. <i>Lily and Dunkin</i> by Donna Gephart</a><br />My students and I had the privilege of attending an author visit from Donna Gephart last October and when I spotted this audiobook this spring, I was eager to give it a listen. The book is narrated by the two main characters: Lily, a transgender girl, and Dunkin, a boy dealing with bipolar disorder. It can be difficult to find a middle grades title that tackles gender identity or mental health issues, and Gephart does an excellent job with both.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2L59oUp" target="_blank">3. <i>The Wild Robot</i> by Peter Brown</a></div><div><div>This was another audiobook listen. My four year old daughter and I were both charmed by Roz, a robot trying to survive in the wilderness. The book is full of humor but also beautiful scenes of the robot's learned harmony with animals and nature. This would make an excellent read aloud.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2L5qfGo" target="_blank">4. <i>The Only Road</i> by Alexandra Diaz</a></div><div>This title was recommended to me after the <a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/american-dirt-book-controversy-explained.html" target="_blank">controversy surrounding <i>American Dirt</i></a> earlier this year.</div><div>Inspired by true events, <i>The Only Road</i> is just as gripping and feels much more realistic and authentic than the adult novel. I listened to it on audiobook and ended up choosing it as a title for my upcoming literature circles themed around facing fear.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3aODq9G" target="_blank">5. <i>Genesis Begins Again</i> by Alicia Williams</a></div><div>And another audiobook listen (perhaps I am also influenced by a great narrator)! This novel reminded me of an old favorite, <a href="https://amzn.to/3aUZC1Q" target="_blank"><i>The Skin I'm In</i> by Sharon Flake</a>. Genesis (like Maleeka of <i>The Skin I'm In</i>) is uncomfortable in her dark skin due to the colorism that exists in her own family and that she experiences at school. A move to a new school gives her a chance to start over and she doesn't want to mess it up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvZoKXwLUZw/X-v6qMthoaI/AAAAAAAAUgs/9O2Ovkn3Eu8dv5FGfRNvCObwU4y-UJptACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="While I may not have reached my reading goal for 2020, I still read so many amazing books. Here's my top 20 including middle grades, young adult, and adult titles." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvZoKXwLUZw/X-v6qMthoaI/AAAAAAAAUgs/9O2Ovkn3Eu8dv5FGfRNvCObwU4y-UJptACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide2.png" title="While I may not have reached my reading goal for 2020, I still read so many amazing books. Here's my top 20 including middle grades, young adult, and adult titles." /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Young Adult Picks</u></b></div><div>Maybe it is because I started out as a high school teacher or maybe it is because in my head I'm forever 21, but no matter the reason, young adult literature is what I read and enjoy most. Many of these picks I had the opportunity to enjoy before they were even published thanks to my continued relationship with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/macmillanreads/" target="_blank">Macmillan Publishers</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3n08jKJ" target="_blank">6. <i>Cracked Up To Be</i> by Courtney Summers</a></div><div><div>I devoured Courtney Summers' thriller from last year, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/37YMcA2" target="_blank">Sadie</a></i>, so I wasn't surprised that her debut novel had the same effect on me. In <i>Cracked Up to Be</i>, it is Parker against the world until her world comes crashing down (think Holden Caufield of <i>Catcher in the Rye</i>, but without all the whining). Parker is a teenage girl struggling with the pressure to be perfect; a feeling so many young women can relate to. You can read about my thoughts <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDm651rhnSL/" target="_blank">here</a> on Instagram.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2WQANMt" target="_blank">7. <i>Fountains of Silence</i> by Ruta Sepetys</a></div><div>I don't think I could pick a favorite Ruta Sepetys book before, and after reading <i>The Fountains of Silence</i>, I know I definitely can't! I love how Sepetys writes historical fiction that focuses on lesser known historical events. Like <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3nXIU5P" target="_blank">Salt to the Sea</a></i>, this novel follows several characters some visiting and some living in Spain during the fascist reign of General Francisco Franco. Centered around a hotel designed to attract Americans, the plot includes corrupt politicians, adoption schemes, a passion for photography, and a secret romance. Find out which Ruta Sepetys book others love best in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzJGCoByii/" target="_blank">this Instagram post</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3pCWiN7" target="_blank">8. <i>Under A Painted Sky</i> by Stacey Lee</a></div><div>This is one of three Stacey Lee novels I listened to on audiobook this year and they are all amazing. I could have easily included <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3mTU5et" target="_blank">The Downstairs Girl</a></i> or <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3rAIhRL" target="_blank">Outrun the Moon</a></i> on this list. All three historical fiction titles are clearly the result of impeccable research and tackle the issues of race and gender equality. <i>Under a Painted Sky</i> is essentially a Western novel full of adventure and a little romance, but with a Chinese female teenager as the main character.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/35amWVV" target="_blank">9. <i>Mirage</i> by Somaiya Daud</a></div><div>I was completely hooked on this cross between science fiction and fantasy (think royalty on other planets) and its gorgeous descriptions, skillful character development, and intriguing plot lines. Amani is kidnapped by the cruel regime ruling over her planet and becomes a body double for the empire's princess, Maram. What begins as a relationship filled with hatred transforms into respect and eventually friendship as Amani attempts to help Maram shift the course of her future as queen. I listed to book two in the series, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2KKkqP0" target="_blank">Court of Lions</a></i>, and wished there was a third!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3rFYh4T" target="_blank">10. <i>The Closest I've Come</i> by Fred Aceves</a></div><div><div>This was a very recent audiobook listen and I loved that the book centered around a male protagonist, and his struggles without being focused on sports. <i>The Closest I've Come</i> is funny, yet at times also heartbreaking and deals with the themes of friendship, abuse, and machoism. Marcos keeps it real 100% of the time.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/35anpr9" target="_blank">11. <i>When I Was The Greatest</i> by Jason Reynolds</a></div><div><div><div>Is there anything that Jason Reynolds has written that isn't pure gold? Seriously though, I love his <a href="https://amzn.to/3prG5Kq" target="_blank">Track series</a> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3rFe0Bt" target="_blank">As Brave As You</a></i> for my sixth graders. They are full of humor and characters who have struggles, but could also be role models because of their strong values. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3rFH8bs" target="_blank">All American Boys</a></i>, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2WT5tMT" target="_blank">Long Way Down</a></i>, and this one, <i>When I Was The Greatest</i> are amazing reads for upper middle school and high school with anti-violence themes that young people need to hear, written in a way that makes them think rather than feel like they are being preached at. I read and also enjoyed <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3mVMbkM" target="_blank">The Boy in the Black Suit</a></i> shortly after this one. Read more of my review <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2020/08/review-when-i-was-greatest.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2WQBZiV" target="_blank">12. <i>Girl, Serpent, Thorn</i> by Melissa Bashardoust</a></div><div><div>I love twists on fairy tales and <i>Girl, Serpent, Thorn</i> blends together elements of Persian culture and myths to create a story where the princess is the monster. After spending much of her life in isolation because of her curse, Soraya falls in love and breaks her curse, but ends up cursing her family instead. As she struggles to outwit her captor, she falls in love again and realizes that perhaps her curse was actually more of a gift.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2WVovSQ" target="_blank">13. <i>I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter</i> by Erika L. Sánchez</a></div><div><div>After finishing <i>I'm Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter</i>, I couldn't help but think of it as a sister to <i>The Poet X</i> and an older cousin to <i>The House on Mango Street</i>. The narrators push back against the expectations of their gender and race and all three have aspirations to become a writer. Read more of my review <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2020/07/review-i-am-not-your-perfect-mexican-daughter.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3pL11fR" target="_blank">14. <i>American Street</i> by Ibi Zoboi</a></div><div>The novel is narrated by Fabiola who has an innocence about her as she has just immigrated from Haiti with her mother, though her mother is detained forcing Fabiola to join her three cousins and aunt in Detroit alone. The narrative is interspersed with other characters’ backstories with their own unique voices and infused with Haitian voodoo and magical realism. Read more of my review <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2020/07/review-american-street-ibi-zoboi.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3rDdVOv" target="_blank">15. <i>13 Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All</i> by Laura Ruby</a></div><div>This historical fiction novel is set during WWII (my favorite kind of book), but is not just another war story. The novel focuses on life in a Chicago orphanage, but weaves in the issues of race relations and the treatment of women, plus there's ghosts, angry, protective ghosts. Read more of my review <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2020/08/review-thirteen-doorways-wolves-behind-all.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3pvRqJy" target="_blank">16. <i>Fable</i> by Adrienne Young</a></div><div><div>Set in the fantasy world of the Narrows, Fable is a fierce teen determined to prove her worth to her father, the most feared and respected trader in the realm, but she must do so without revealing their relationship to anyone else. She teams up with West, a young trader (who turns out to be hired by her father to keep an eye on her) and his crew. Together they face off against enemies and claim a treasure lost in the most treacherous of straights. Filled with action, adventure, romance, a diverse cast, and pirates, it's a must read fantasy novel and I can't wait for its follow up, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3aTlGKu" target="_blank">Namesake</a></i>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/34PHz9u" target="_blank">17. <i>The Insomniacs</i> by Marit Weisenberg</a></div><div><div>This novel was part sports drama, part suspense, and all parts excellent. I really appreciated the diverse cast of characters and the author's detailed character development. Nothing superficial here. I loved Ingrid, the main character, but also Caroline, her competition in the pool and also for the attention of Van, Ingrid's neighbor, former friend, and long time crush. The book's plot development is just as strong as its characters. At the start, Ingrid suffers a concussion at a diving competition which leaves her pool side for a month and a case of insomnia, which she rides out with Van. But there is also something strange going on in the abandoned house next door and Ingrid is desperate to remember what threw off the dive that caused her injury. The big reveal at the end of the book caught me off guard as much as it did Ingrid. Read more of my review <a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2020/09/review-insomniacs-marit-weisenberg.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdOQUSG-Su8/X-v6wxFBKYI/AAAAAAAAUgw/HZ4-HgBtUD0YPMtg6VrKa_f49oa2jiubgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="While I may not have reached my reading goal for 2020, I still read so many amazing books. Here's my top 20 including middle grades, young adult, and adult titles." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdOQUSG-Su8/X-v6wxFBKYI/AAAAAAAAUgw/HZ4-HgBtUD0YPMtg6VrKa_f49oa2jiubgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide3.png" title="While I may not have reached my reading goal for 2020, I still read so many amazing books. Here's my top 20 including middle grades, young adult, and adult titles." /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Adult Picks</u></b></div><div>I could probably count the number of adult titles I read this past year on one hand, but the ones I did read were really, really good. Okay, I counted; I read five and the three below are making the cut for my top 20 reads of this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3aTmK0W" target="_blank">18. <i>The Nickel Boys</i> by Colson Whitehead</a></div><div>My husband gifted me this book last Christmas thanks to his newly found love of NPR and it was haunting. Based on the real story of a reform school that operated for 111 years and warped the lives of thousands of children, <i>The Nickel Boys</i> tells the story of Elwood Curtis, a black boy growing up in 1960s Tallahassee, and is unfairly sentenced to a juvenile reformatory called the Nickel Academy, where he suffers horror after horror.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/38F80zS" target="_blank">19. <i>Salvage the Bones</i> by Jesmyn Ward</a></div><div>Loosely based on the author's own experiences during Hurrican Katrina, this novel focused on a 15 year ld girl who learns she is pregnant in the days before the hurricane hits. The language and description is beautiful. If I was still teaching high school and <i>To Kill A Mockingbird</i>, I'd replace it with this. Her <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2020/08/jesmyn-ward-on-husbands-death-and-grief-during-covid" target="_blank">essay in <i>Vanity Fair</i></a> about the death of her husband is also a must read.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2WTb5Xt" target="_blank">20. <i>Long Bright River </i>by Liz Moore</a></div><div>This one was a gift this Christmas from my mother. I was immediately intrigued because the author is a local who teaches at my alma mater, Temple University, and the novel is set in Philadelphia. The main character, Mickey, is a police officer in Kensington where drugs and prostitution are ingrained in the neighborhood and Mickey's sister Kacey is guilty of both. When her sister goes missing, Mickey finds herself in the middle of police corruption that also brings her past missteps to light.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geMllSn1Hwk/X-v7PDO-B6I/AAAAAAAAUhI/qjLaPF0DxrsC12S8xGME8OXZdzsIAlWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1443/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="While I may not have reached my reading goal for 2020, I still read so many amazing books. Here's my top 20 including middle grades, young adult, and adult titles." border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geMllSn1Hwk/X-v7PDO-B6I/AAAAAAAAUhI/qjLaPF0DxrsC12S8xGME8OXZdzsIAlWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide1.png" title="While I may not have reached my reading goal for 2020, I still read so many amazing books. Here's my top 20 including middle grades, young adult, and adult titles." /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
A Holiday Gift Guide For Your Favorite Ethical, Bookish Teacher Posted by The Literary Maven at December 05, 2020 Labels: teachers <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3sTZAq_qVw/X8xObpI1TiI/AAAAAAAAUMw/MzTOXQ4A1WwY4MX8W1MjyBDoorq2tw2WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="If the loved one you are looking for a gift for is a teacher who loves books and doing good in the world, then look no further than this list." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3sTZAq_qVw/X8xObpI1TiI/AAAAAAAAUMw/MzTOXQ4A1WwY4MX8W1MjyBDoorq2tw2WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide3.png" title="If the loved one you are looking for a gift for is a teacher who loves books and doing good in the world, then look no further than this list." /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: small;">Note: This blog post contains affiliate links. </i></div><div><i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i></div><div>During this holiday season, I find myself wanting to be even more generous and give gifts that are even more meaningful and personalized than ever to show my appreciation for my closest loved ones during this difficult time period. If the loved one you are looking for a gift for happens to be a teacher who loves books and doing good in the world, then look no further than this list.</div><div><br /></div><b>1. <a href="https://amzn.to/3gFkE5D" target="_blank">Bamboo Tray Table</a></b><br /><br />Being able to work comfortable anywhere is critical as a teacher right now. This tray table can be used if you are sitting on your bed, sitting on the floor, or on top of a desk or table to create a standing desk (which is how I'm using it right now as I write this post). The tray table is 100% natural solid bamboo and the legs fold up, making it easy to transport. While there's lots of options out there, this particular tray table is made by <a href="https://www.emerging-green.biz/natureshome" target="_blank">Emerging Green</a>, a small family business and 70% of their products are made of environmental friendly and sustainable sources.<br /><br /><b>2. <a href="https://amzn.to/3a6Q5Eo" target="_blank">Notebooks</a></b><br /><br />Because so much of teaching work has to be done on the computer right now, I find myself taking notes by hand and planning on paper any chance I get. This set of 3 notebooks, made of 100% recycled paper and are also produced by <a href="https://www.emerging-green.biz/natureshome" target="_blank">Emerging Green</a>, are the perfect size for slipping my teacher bag. <br /><br /><b>3. <a href="https://birdandstone.com/collections/shop-all" target="_blank">Statement Jewelry</a></b><br /><br />Teachers are passionate about <a href="https://birdandstone.com/pages/shop-by-cause2" target="_blank">so many causes</a> and these necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories are the perfect way to show what is important to you. All of the pieces are ethically made by a family owned factory in the United States and Bird + Stone donates 10% of each purchase to trusted nonprofits like Planned Parenthood, Equal Justice Initiative, NAACP's Legal Defense Fund, and The Trevor Project. I love that the bracelets come in different sizes because I have tiny wrists, and my personal favorite is <a href="https://birdandstone.com/collections/black-lives-matter/products/black-lives-matter-onyx-arrow-bracelet-set" target="_blank">this equal justice set.</a><br /><br /><b>4. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=book%20sleeve" target="_blank">Book Sleeve</a></b><br /><br />I'd never seen or heard of a book sleeve until a recent search on Etsy for gifts for family members. A book sleeve is basically a fabric pouch to slip your book into to protect it, so they are perfect for anyone whose books do a lot of traveling. I've ordered two from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CPickeringCo?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">CPickeringCo</a> and can vouch for their excellent quality. I opted for the larger size, 9 x 11 inches, with pockets. The shop has over 60 choices of fabric to choose from and the sleeves come with a button loop closure. <br /><br /><b>5. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=classroom%20book%20stamp">Classroom Book Stamp</a></b><br /><br />For any teacher that is building a classroom library, a personalized book stamp is a must. I have the inside cover of any book I've purchased for my classroom library stamped with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/698169478/from-the-library-of-this-book-belongs-to?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=classroom+book+stamp&ref=sr_gallery-1-24&organic_search_click=1&frs=1&bes=1" target="_blank">this stamp</a>. It says "read it, love it, return it," and you can personalize it with your name.<br /><br /><b>6. <a href="https://amzn.to/3oMZZ26" target="_blank">Kindle Paperwhite</a></b><br /><br />I've had mine for years and use it primarily to check out e-books from my public library through OverDrive. I find it especially convenient when I'm traveling because I can have an infinite number of books to choose from without books taking up space in my bag or weighing down my suitcase. The newest model is even waterproof. Hello to reading in the tub! I also love being able to read in the dark and one handed. There's debate over the environmental benefit of having an e-reader over purchasing physical books. However, for the number of books I read a year and the length of time I've had my Kindle and will continue to have it, plus saving on electricity by reading in the dark, I think it is a worthwhile investment.<br /><br /><b>7. <a href="https://amzn.to/37TCe1E" target="_blank">Book Light</a></b><br /><br />If you don't have a Kindle, then a good book light like this <a href="https://amzn.to/3a4u09J" target="_blank">Lumino Lite</a> is a must. This light has 3 different levels of brightness, a flexible neck with a padded clip, and be recharged via USB. Goodbye batteries! This is perfect for reading in bed or in the car at night. <br /><br /><b>8. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=literary%20art" target="_blank">Book Art</a></b><br /><br />There are so many options when it comes to art inspired by literature, but my favorites are the primarily black and white prints from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ObviousState?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=521404292" target="_blank">Obvious State</a>. The illustrations are stunning and focus on famous lines from the classics. The paper used to make the prints are made of made of environmental friendly and sustainable sources.<br /><br /><b>9. <a href="https://www.thriftbooks.com/giftcard/" target="_blank">ThriftBooks Gift Card</a></b><br /><br />I no longer purchase books for personal consumption; everything I read comes from my local library whether it is a physical book, e-book, or audio book, but <a href="https://www.thriftbooks.com/" target="_blank">ThriftBooks</a> is my go to for purchasing books for my classroom. They have millions of new and used titles available and ship in 100% recyclable packaging. If there is no demand for a book, ThriftBooks donates it to charity or recycles it.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOv82z0vCrs/X8xP86mrGkI/AAAAAAAAUM8/hSRmq349dY0OYSQCiinbWk9cWNNUHJFAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1443/Slide3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="If the loved one you are looking for a gift for is a teacher who loves books and doing good in the world, then look no further than this list." border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOv82z0vCrs/X8xP86mrGkI/AAAAAAAAUM8/hSRmq349dY0OYSQCiinbWk9cWNNUHJFAACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide3.png" title="If the loved one you are looking for a gift for is a teacher who loves books and doing good in the world, then look no further than this list." /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
Shifting Hands-on Stations to Digital Collaboration Posted by The Literary Maven at November 21, 2020 Labels: stations <p></p><div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yp56eV_M4E4/X7l9V7pD19I/AAAAAAAAUBo/8zDXvvYGRKkGo2SsKuDVdaAPRibe2BR9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Activities that were once hands-on are now digital with three possibilities for collaboration: small group lessons, partner work, or peer review." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yp56eV_M4E4/X7l9V7pD19I/AAAAAAAAUBo/8zDXvvYGRKkGo2SsKuDVdaAPRibe2BR9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide1.png" title="Activities that were once hands-on are now digital with three possibilities for collaboration: small group lessons, partner work, or peer review." /></a></div>My pre-pandemic classroom was a place where students moved freely around, worked with partners or small groups almost daily, and frequently engaged in hands-on activities. Now I'm alone in my classroom, partners and small groups are in virtual breakout rooms, and even when we return in person, hands-on activities will have to be limited.<br /><br />This summer, in an effort to prepare for these changes, I reenvisioned my skill-based stations for digital use. The manipulatives that students would normally sort and match at the desks can now function similarly on their computer screen.<br /><br /><b>1. Small Group Lesson</b><br /><br />One way to use these stations digitally would be in a small group lesson. Share the link to the Google Slides version of the stations with students in the group and then share the slides on your screen. Students can take turns moving the manipulatives. As a group you can discuss the correct and incorrect moves. What would be one station in person is usually broken up over several slides, so you could also assign students a slide within a station and then review all of the slides for each station together. Don't forget to move the pieces back to the work area before using the slides with the next group.<br /><br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYuvczYgt8U/X7l-e7sSj3I/AAAAAAAAUB0/I1tVwZwPRXIazJv9dnxcQUiaEW74l9RoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Slide2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Activities that were once hands-on are now digital with three possibilities for collaboration: small group lessons, partner work, or peer review." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYuvczYgt8U/X7l-e7sSj3I/AAAAAAAAUB0/I1tVwZwPRXIazJv9dnxcQUiaEW74l9RoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Slide2.png" title="Activities that were once hands-on are now digital with three possibilities for collaboration: small group lessons, partner work, or peer review." width="400" /></a></div><br />2. Partner Work With Whole Class Review</b><br /><br />Another way to use these stations digitally would be to assign them on Google Classroom so that each students gets their own copy of the slides. Pair students together in breakout rooms and allow them to share their screens to make working together easier. Students can discuss the stations and collaborate on their answers, and are still accountable for completing their own work. After students have had time to work through the stations with their partners, bring the class back together and review the correct answer as a whole class.<br /><br /><b>3. Independent Work With Peer Review</b><br /><br />A third way to use these stations digitally would be to again assign them on Google Classroom so that each students gets their own copy of the slides. Before pairing students off to review, let students first work through the slides independently. After students have completed their work on their own, pair them up in a breakout room to review the assignments. Students will complete a Google Form as they discuss their work and indicate whether their answer were the same or different. If students' answers differ, they will explain the mix up or confusion. They also have the option to indicate that they'd like to review specific stations with the teacher.<br /><br />You can find all my stations activities, which all include print and digital versions, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">here</a>.</div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2c9fOt1C8U/X7l-njohdWI/AAAAAAAAUB4/wUuXfYCcXVoS8qTJBekTd7Kt5N6GV9zvACLcBGAsYHQ/s1831/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Activities that were once hands-on are now digital with three possibilities for collaboration: small group lessons, partner work, or peer review." border="0" data-original-height="1831" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2c9fOt1C8U/X7l-njohdWI/AAAAAAAAUB4/wUuXfYCcXVoS8qTJBekTd7Kt5N6GV9zvACLcBGAsYHQ/w336-h640/Slide1.png" title="Activities that were once hands-on are now digital with three possibilities for collaboration: small group lessons, partner work, or peer review." width="336" /></a></div><div class="separator"><br /></div>
On My Bookshelf: More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn Posted by The Literary Maven at November 09, 2020 Labels: my bookshelf, young adult literature <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7WEGK9fP98/XxSiqJN4s_I/AAAAAAAAScc/ooLUINj3SrIGX_wyHRY9Z72PCQdF2z28QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slide7.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="In More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn, readers will cheer when Luke and Vada make their feelings known. Read on for my review and ideas for classroom use." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7WEGK9fP98/XxSiqJN4s_I/AAAAAAAAScc/ooLUINj3SrIGX_wyHRY9Z72PCQdF2z28QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Slide7.png" title="In More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn, readers will cheer when Luke and Vada make their feelings known. Read on for my review and ideas for classroom use." /></a></div> <b>The basic plot from Amazon: </b>Growing up under his punk rocker dad’s spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn’t in front of a crowd, it’s on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.<br /> <br /> Vada’s got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom’s boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil’s music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley’s prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor’s summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out of this world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her?<br /> <br /> In <i>More Than Maybe</i>, Erin Hahn’s swooniest book yet, Luke and Vada must decide how deep their feelings run and what it would mean to give love a try.<br /> <br /> <div> <div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yezaMp1gpQ/XxSikPRUxEI/AAAAAAAAScU/N2-khRAWv_Az3HP0fMkO5Q1gQgVXqNZyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slide4.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="In More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn, readers will cheer when Luke and Vada make their feelings known. Read on for my review and ideas for classroom use." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yezaMp1gpQ/XxSikPRUxEI/AAAAAAAAScU/N2-khRAWv_Az3HP0fMkO5Q1gQgVXqNZyACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Slide4.png" title="In More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn, readers will cheer when Luke and Vada make their feelings known. Read on for my review and ideas for classroom use." width="400" /></a></div> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b>Why I liked it: </b>In </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3egd8uS" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">More Than Maybe</a><i> n</i>arration alternates between Luke and Vada. Luke hosts a podcast talk show with his twin brother,Cullen who happens to be dating his best friend Zach. Students who identify as LGBTQ+ will appreciate seeing a solid relationship. Both young men are out and accepted by those around them. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Luke is a talented songwriter, vocalist, and pianist, but does not want his talents to take him into the spotlight of stardom. His father was part of a famous group, but Luke has no interest in that life. Vada works at a local music venue and writes music reviews on her blog. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Both Vada and Luke have liked one another for some time, but have been too shy and nervous to initiate any kind of relationship. Fans of <i><a href="https://www.theliterarymaven.com/2018/04/review-when-dimple-met-rishi.html" target="_blank">When Dimple Met Rishi</a> </i>will enjoy the banter of equal minds. Readers will cheer when they finally do get together.<br /> <i><br /></i> <b>Classroom application: </b>Music fans will enjoy all of the song references and the setting of the music scene. There is some mature language, but would be appropriate for upper middle school and up. While it is a romance novel, the romance in it is very PG. Possible topics of discussion would be alcoholism, divorce, the dangers of social media, and the power of copyright.<br /> <br /> If you are interested in purchasing a copy of <i>More Than Maybe</i> for yourself, you can find it on Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/3egd8uS" target="_blank">here</a>.</div> <i><br /></i> <i>Note:</i> I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHk4_-PR90M/XxSieiUaj-I/AAAAAAAAScM/S7x94vbNidg5XOYOLEWqaf1bTeDweQy9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slide6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="In More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn, readers will cheer when Luke and Vada make their feelings known. Read on for my review and ideas for classroom use." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHk4_-PR90M/XxSieiUaj-I/AAAAAAAAScM/S7x94vbNidg5XOYOLEWqaf1bTeDweQy9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/Slide6.png" title="In More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn, readers will cheer when Luke and Vada make their feelings known. Read on for my review and ideas for classroom use." width="266" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /></div> <style></style></div>
