Let’s face it: “informational text structure” isn’t exactly a phrase that makes students jump for joy. It usually ranks right up there with diagramming sentences on the excitement meter. We know it’s crucial for reading comprehension. Students need to know if an author is comparing two things, listing a sequence of events, or describing a…
Let’s be honest: Is there any book that grips a middle school reader quite like Hatchet by Gary Paulsen? There is something about Brian Robeson’s journey—alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a windbreaker and a hatchet—that resonates deeply with students. It’s the ultimate story of resilience, problem-solving, and growing up. But as teachers,…
Is there any book that captures a student’s imagination quite like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? The moment you mention Hogwarts, you have their full attention. It’s the perfect novel for diving deep into literary elements because J.K. Rowling’s characters are so incredibly rich and distinct. You have the courageous (if sometimes reckless) Harry,…