Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite topics- independent reading. And more specifically, how to make it work alongside your full-class novels.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to lit circles or you’ve been using them for a while, this episode is full of tips and tricks for everyone

Highlights:

• Use Independent Reading Time as a Daily Bellringer
• Try a Genre-Based Literature Circle
• Connect Your Novels Through Literary Elements
• Compare and Contrast in Key Assignments
• Show That Independent Reading Matters

Resources Mentioned:

Genre Based Literature Circles - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Genre-Based-Units-for-Literature-Circles-Book-Clubs-Independent-Reading-12714838?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2035%20-%20Genre-Based%20Literature%20Circles%20Bundle

100 YA Books to Add to Your Classroom Library Freebie - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5ebd6642fb8a970026998fa5

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Your new favorite unit has arrived!

Grab your ready-to-use collection of three engaging mini-units that dive into the worlds of dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy. Each unit comes with genre introductions, discussion guides, and engaging projects like a dystopian society brochure, a sci-fi character analysis, and a hero’s journey exploration for fantasy. Plus, there are brand new Rate That Book activities to help students discover what they love to read! You can find it by heading to my Teachers Pay Teachers shop, Samantha in Secondary, and searching for speculative fiction.

Tune in to hear five practical and budget-friendly ways to stock your shelves, along with some of my own favorite strategies that helped me create a diverse and engaging collection of books—without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your library with new titles, this episode is packed with ideas to help you build a literary haven for your students.

Highlights:

• Make Secondhand Stores Your Best Friend
• Shop Online for Hidden Deals
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Donations
• Library Sales Are a Hidden Treasure
• Apply for Book Grants

Resources Mentioned:

100 YA Books to Add to Your Classroom Library Freebie - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5ebd6642fb8a970026998fa5

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Your new favorite unit has arrived!

Grab your ready-to-use collection of three engaging mini-units that dive into the worlds of dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy. Each unit comes with genre introductions, discussion guides, and engaging projects like a dystopian society brochure, a sci-fi character analysis, and a hero’s journey exploration for fantasy. Plus, there are brand new Rate That Book activities to help students discover what they love to read! You can find it by heading to my Teachers Pay Teachers shop, Samantha in Secondary, and searching for speculative fiction.

Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating fantasy and contemporary novels, including A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, and Letters to the Lost. Her books have a way of pulling in teens and adults alike.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about Brigid’s own journey to becoming a joyful reader and what makes the speculative fiction genre so fascinating for audiences of all ages. Plus, she’ll share insights into her own writing process and teasers about upcoming projects.

So, whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or just a fan of incredible YA, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

Defy the Night - https://amzn.to/41JupZt

A Curse So Dark and Lonely - https://amzn.to/3QMtNMA

Letters to the Lost - https://amzn.to/3QMtPUI

Connect with today's guest:

Website - www.brigidkemmerer.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/brigidkemmerer

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Your new favorite unit has arrived!

Grab your ready-to-use collection of three engaging mini-units that dive into the worlds of dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy. Each unit comes with genre introductions, discussion guides, and engaging projects like a dystopian society brochure, a sci-fi character analysis, and a hero’s journey exploration for fantasy. Plus, there are brand new Rate That Book activities to help students discover what they love to read! You can find it by heading to my Teachers Pay Teachers shop, Samantha in Secondary, and searching for speculative fiction.