Summer Reading
It’s no secret that students experience a loss of reading proficiency over summer holidays. Here are a few resources to help keep their reading skills sharp during the break.
Reading and Literacy
The Benefits of Large Print Books
I thought large print titles would be good for students with visual impairments or for struggling readers. I had no idea how many regular education students would enjoy them too.
Using Urban Legends to Engage Struggling Readers
After teaching high school reading intervention courses for many years, I know that starting with a novel is a mistake—it’s too long. Instead, I use urban legends.
Collaborating in a School With No Library
Do you remember the first time you entered the school library as a child? I do. There were books everywhere.
Expressive Writing on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
My students needed to experience success. And they needed to see that their writing could impact a broader audience than the one held captive each day in their classroom.
The Evolving Role of Librarians
These days, more schools are transforming traditional libraries into learning commons—places where students collaborate and participate in learning.
Creating a Reading Culture (Even When You’re Low on Time and Funds)
"Why read when you can watch the movie?" In my eight years as an educator, no other sentiment has been quite so crushing to hear from children.
Learning with Podcasts
Podcasts are increasingly popular: one-third of Americans say they’ve listened to one in the past month. This emerging technology could play a key role in the K–12 classroom.
Teaching the Real Purpose of Writing
In English classes, which require students to sit and read or write for extended periods of time, it can be challenging to get them to want to do their work.
Sit. Stay. Read: How Dogs Can Help Improve Literacy
One of the best literacy teachers Jane Swire knows is her dog, Blizzard. She and Blizzard visit the local library once a week during the school year as part of a reading program.