Using Urban Legends to Engage Struggling Readers

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2019 Issue

By Sarah Hastings Morley

No matter what subject you teach, the beginning of the school year is filled with fun getting-to-know-you activities, establishing class routines, and fostering student-teacher relationships. It’s an exciting and hopeful time, but after the whirlwind ends, I get anxious. I worry that my lessons won’t live up to the start-of-the-year activities.

Like me, many teachers may fear the transition into actual work. That it may bore their students, especially if you teach high school reading intervention classes like me. So, what’s a teacher to do to keep the momentum going? The answer is: urban legends. “Hey class, so the other day I heard from my cousin’s friend, that…”

After teaching high school reading intervention courses for many years, I know that starting with a novel is a mistake—it’s too long. Literature circles are also a wonderful opening unit, but I found that introducing them too early often derailed my lesson plans and created absolute chaos. Then I tried beginning with Urban Legends, a unit I usually do at the end of the year. It became so successful that now I always start with it.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Sarah Hastings Morley is both a Reading Specialist and a high school English Composition Teacher. This is her 13th year teaching in the northern suburbs of Chicago, IL. She earned her Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education from Illinois State University, and her Master’s in Education: Reading and Literacy from Benedictine University.

Education News

Reading Engagement Insights Added to Beanstack’s AI-Powered Benny

Beanstack expands its responsible use of AI to measure students’ positive experience with reading.

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Sarah Hastings Morley
Sarah Hastings Morley
Sarah Hastings Morley is both a Reading Specialist and a high school English Composition Teacher. This is her 13th year teaching in the northern suburbs of Chicago, IL. She earned her Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education from Illinois State University, and her Master’s in Education: Reading and Literacy from Benedictine University.

Advertisement

Read More

Reading Engagement Insights Added to Beanstack’s AI-Powered Benny

Beanstack expands its responsible use of AI to measure students’ positive experience with reading.

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.
lo gan binh duong | social | exciter son mau dep | dell inspiron 3542 ram slots | tần xuất hay tần suất | lotsa slots free vegas casino slot machines | casino trực tuyến uy tín cvproducts | zombie xxx | xsmn 18 4 2023 | vegas casino resort | nz paysafe casino | eagle pass casino hotel | 2fb live | kêt qua xô sô mb | lotsa slots | wyandotte nation casino | du doan trung thuong xsmb | jackpotcity com casino en ligne | ngây thơ miền bắc | slot technician | ruby fortune casino nz | sòng bạc casino | doc bao24h hom nay | download zalo | chơi pikachu online | cây lưỡi hổ | tải trò chơi đua xe | lịch thi đấu u23 châu a 2024 | live casino free play | VNQ8 lừa đảo | 5 homestay vũng tàu | game casino trực tuyến | wrest point casino | casino machine games | venus casino cambodia | how do slot tournaments work | doraemon nobita và cuộc chiến vũ trụ tí hon 2021 | casino potsdamer platz | casino night decorations | corona resort & casino phú quốc | slot studio | bingo slots uk | ketqua24h vn index | slot demo | du doan xsmn dai phat | live2 7msport | xin một slot | yêu nhầm chị dâu tập 13 |