Unlock Peace and Joy with Reading

Picture this: your most energetic class is quiet, engaged, and acquiring language at a level you didn’t think was possible. And with a little front end set up, you have zero prep for it the rest of the year. Yeah right, you think. Not MY freshmen. And how much work and planning does this takeContinue reading “Unlock Peace and Joy with Reading”

Speed dating “libro-style”

(This blog was originally posted in 2019. The best practices never go out of style!) As a way to mix it up and let kids review more books in a short period of time, today we did “speed dating” of books for FVR (free voluntary reading) in the future. I adjusted it a bit fromContinue reading “Speed dating “libro-style””

Demi got a glow up!

Do you know Demi Lovato’s story? I personally have this in my library and my students love it. Lovato’s talents have brought them fame, but happiness hasn’t come easy. Through their struggles with personal tragedy, mental health and substance abuse, it has been a long road. Follow Demi on their journey of activism, benevolence andContinue reading “Demi got a glow up!”

So much more than an avatar

You would kind of have to live under a rock not to have heard of Zoe Saldaña. The Dominican-Puerto Rican actress is the highest grossing actress of all time and starred in 4 of the 6 highest grossing films of all time! Seriously! But did you know she speaks Italian too? She married Italian artist,Continue reading “So much more than an avatar”

Why no music during FVR?

If you even dip your foot into the research on FVR, or “free voluntary reading”, it sounds like pure magic. As a teacher, the most powerful and effective tool I can wield is something the students do all by themselves? Yes, please! However, we have all surely had the kid who always has headphones going,Continue reading “Why no music during FVR?”