Milo’s Museum was recommended by our counselor during my time as a remote teacher of fourth graders. Initially I thought it might be better for younger students, but the depth of conversation it promoted left me feeling very inspired. I broke my lesson into four parts: IdentityA Sense of Belonging DiversityAction Identity For identity, I opened… Continue reading Equity Work with Milo’s Museum by Heather Rader
Author: Heather Rader
Heather is fueled by her passion for 'staying curious.' She's been teaching writers, readers, mathematicians, scientists and world changers for over 20 years. Whether it's kindergarteners, college students or her current fourth graders, Heather shares her love for the power of language. She's authored books including, Side by Side: Short Takes on Best Practices for Teachers and Literacy Leaders and a retired blog on instructional coaching. She's looking forward to the new collaborative project for TBR: Teachers, Books and Readers!
Sharing Fry Bread with 2nd and 4th Graders
“Fry bread is...food, shape, sound, color, flavor, time, art, history, place and nation. Fry bread is everything; fry bread is us.” Fry Bread is doubly gifted. It’s a simple, short-verse picture book that even the youngest readers will enjoy, but it’s also an informational book through an extended author’s note for older readers. The author… Continue reading Sharing Fry Bread with 2nd and 4th Graders
Noise and Summer Reading
A Teacher's Thoughts: I just finished the oddest school year in my 25 years of teaching and that’s saying a lot. My students and I made heart shapes with our fingers toward the camera and promised to say “See you soon” instead of goodbye. Then I pressed, “End meeting for all” and my school year… Continue reading Noise and Summer Reading
Sports of the Paralympic Games
Sports of the Paralympic Games by Aaron Derr was published in 2020 as the next installment of the Gold Medal nonfiction collection. A Teacher's Thoughts: As an educator, especially one who offers access to the world through a classroom library, I know representation matters. Three years ago when I returned to the classroom I realized… Continue reading Sports of the Paralympic Games
Worry Moves On by Liz Haske
Worry Moves On is the second book in Liz Haske's "Worry Series" following When Worry Takes Hold. As pictured on the cover, Sophia is that kid who loves school and can't wait to do it all again the next day. Unfortunately when Worry arrives, the once-confident Sophia crumples and doesn't feel sure of what she… Continue reading Worry Moves On by Liz Haske
Roll With It by Jamie Sumner
Teacher Thoughts: As the mom of a son who uses a wheelchair and the teacher of many children who are differently abled, I am encouraged by the increasing representation of characters with disabilities in middle-grade books. I pre-ordered Roll With It months before it was out after reading the summary and learning that the author… Continue reading Roll With It by Jamie Sumner
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Teacher Thoughts: The first time I read The Undefeated, I knew I’d be using it for multiple purposes in my classroom. Author Kwame Alexander wrote the poem that became this beautiful picture book after the birth of his daughter. He wrote it to remind her to never give up and was inspired by the words… Continue reading The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez
Teacher Thoughts: When I got my copy of Stella Diaz Has Something to Say, I included it at the last minute to our read aloud vote versus Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan and Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. To my surprise, it won. The themes of having a best friend end up in a… Continue reading Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez
Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes
Teacher Thoughts:Author Jessica Kensky says, “Kids have been so fascinated by us. When they see three metal legs and a dog in a red cape in a grocery store they are just so overwhelmed with new sights. They literally have walked into walls.” Rescue and Jessica is the story of Jessica and her husband Patrick… Continue reading Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes