Engaging Middle School Students: How Read Alouds and Middle Grade Books Foster a Love of Reading
Discover the benefits of middle school read alouds, how they impact student learning outcomes and suggestions on how to make them fun. Learn why author visits for elementary schools can be a powerful tool in an educator's arsenal!
Attention all teachers and school librarians!
As part of my ongoing commitment to encourage a love of reading (for fun) in our kids, I have a special offer for all school librarians and teachers.
If you send me a receipt of your order of The Ice House you plan to read aloud with your class, I will schedule a free 30 minute virtual Zoom Q + A with your students at the time of your choosing this upcoming school year.
All you have to do is send a proof of your purchase (screenshot of your receipt, order, etc.) here and include your name, school, and age of your class and I will follow up with scheduling info!
As I’ve been working on my latest writing project, I’ve also been doing literacy research as part of my day job as a UX Researcher. I've been delving into studies on how to increase student engagement in reading, especially in the middle school years. In a recent post, I shared my thoughts on the research that kids reading for fun is at an all time low and my determination to do what I can to turn things around. So far, this has looked like organizing author visits and spreading awareness about proven strategies that encourage middle schoolers to read for fun.
To that end, I've been reaching out to ELA teachers and literacy coaches for interviews, and digging into research studies that provide efficacy data. In doing so, I’ve been really excited to come across research on the benefits of Read Alouds for middle schoolers. In this post, I’m synthesizing what I’ve learned both from study data and the teachers I’ve spoken to on the topic.
Disclaimer: I’m continuing to learn more about this topic, and I’m so open to feedback and ideas!
The Benefits of Read Alouds for Middle School Students
My investigations into this whole topic really came from interest in proven strategies that increase student engagement in independent reading. The research I found reminded me of my masters degree work in special education and the importance of exposing students to a variety of texts in as many forms as possible. Many teachers face expectations from their admin that make it difficult to rationalize carving valuable instructional time out to dedicate to read alouds. In fact, my own fear of surprise observation drop-ins sometimes dissuaded me from activities that I felt someone might perceive as “less than rigorous.” But the research shifted my thinking here. Important skills are being modeled and practiced during class read alouds.
When students’ only task is to listen to the story being read, not worrying about pronunciation, taking turns reading, and decoding new vocabulary, comprehension becomes the sole focus. Teachers can take advantage of the fact that many students have a higher listening capacity level than reading level.
The Power of Read Alouds: Empowering Students and Enhancing Learning
When students enter middle school, it's not uncommon for the disparity in classmates’ reading abilities to become more pronounced and challenging. For those students with learning differences or dyslexia, read alouds can serve as a communal experience where everyone in the class is engaged in the same story. Regardless of reading level, every kid in the class can participate as a listener, can contribute to classroom conversations, jot down thoughts, or reflect on what they’ve learned.
One teacher I spoke to shared that read alouds are framed as a reward for good behavior in her middle school ELA classroom. Kids start to associate listening to her read as a treat and look forward to continuing the story. When everyone in the class gets to be an active participant, it becomes a classroom bonding experience that creates positive associations. Numerous studies have found that middle school students prefer teacher read-alouds and that they can foster positive attitudes toward reading (Albright & Ariail, 2005; Ariail & Albright, 2006; Ivey, 2003).
During read-alouds, teachers become models for positive reading behaviors and provide scaffolding for connecting the text to real life (Burgess & Tracey, 2006). This method also allows for supporting student responses and guiding higher-level thinking. Additionally, read-alouds expose students to new language and literature, giving them the chance to enjoy the text without the pressure of reading solo.
How does this create more engagement? When a major part of the work of reading is removed and students are focused on listening to a story unfold, they are given the chance to get caught up in a book and its characters purely for enjoyment.
Choosing the Right Middle Grade Novel for Your Class
With the abundance of fantastic middle grade novels available, it can be overwhelming for teachers to select the best ones for their classrooms. It’s important to make informed choices based on your students and their interests and experiences, as well as the thematic goals you have in mind for classroom discussions.
The first factor to consider when picking a middle grade novel is the relatability of the characters. Can your students see themselves in the story? Can they relate to the protagonist? Is there an element of the book that could create buy-in?
Next, ponder over the theme and message of the novel. The book you choose should be capable of imparting valuable life lessons and promoting empathy and understanding among students.
The maturity level of the class should also be taken into account. Middle grade novels cover a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from light-hearted adventures to serious issues like death, racism, and bullying. It is essential to select a book that matches the class's maturity level and keeps them engaged.
Building Engagement Around Read Alouds
It’s really important that once you’ve selected your read aloud, it’s time to get your students excited about the novel! Introduce the book with enthusiasm and offer fun activities to go along with the reading. You can use the novel as a teaching tool, incorporating various activities to make the learning process more fun. For example, have students create character sketches or draw their favorite scene from the book. By making the reading experience fun, your students will be more invested in the story and will look forward to reading time in class.
References
I’ve linked some of the studies referenced in this post for you to look into further!
Tapping the Potential of Teacher Read Alouds in Middle School
Read Alouds in the School Setting
Just Plain Reading
As part of my ongoing commitment to reinvigorating a love of reading in our kids, I have a special offer for all school librarians and teachers.
If you send me a receipt of your order of The Ice House you plan to read aloud with your class, I will schedule a free 30 minute virtual Zoom Q + A with your students at the time of your choosing this upcoming school year (2023-2024).
All you have to do is send a proof of your purchase (screenshot of your receipt, order, etc.) here and I will follow up with scheduling info!
Bringing Words to Life: The Benefits of Author Visits in Elementary Schools
I’ve been getting questions lately about when to consider bringing an author into a classroom, and about whether I think author visits in elementary schools really matter for kids. I think in the abstract, the answers seem obvious, but I’ve been really thinking about my answer these days, especially when virtual author visits are becoming more and more common.
The Ice House, my middle grade novel, made its debut during the pandemic. This made connecting with readers tricky, as many traditionally in-person book sales events were either postponed, canceled, or made virtual. As a former teacher, I was expecting to be able to hear feedback (the good, and, if necessary, the bad) from real kids. I wanted to hear from teachers about how their class responded to the story of The Ice House and how in resonated with their students. Not having had as many opportunities to connect with many real middle grade readers of The Ice House initially has made a real impression on me, shaping the way I view school visits now.
As a writer, one of my favorite experiences is visiting schools to talk with students about storytelling, creativity, and the power of their words. There's something magical about walking into a classroom and seeing the spark of interest in students when they realize they're about to meet a "real author."
One of my top priorities during author visits is to help students understand that being a “real” author or writer is all about telling your own unique stories, and not about someone giving you permission to call yourself one. A writer is someone who writes. If my school visits make any impact at all, I hope it’s by encouraging kids to use their voice to tell their stories.
What is the real benefit of author visits to schools?
To be totally honest, I think a real benefit of an author visit to a school or a classroom depends on that specific group of students. For some kids, read alouds are their favorite part of the school day. They may or may not love reading, but they enjoy listening to stories, and regardless of their foundational writing skills, love playing with stories of their own. For these students, meeting someone who writes stories of their own professionally is usually pretty thrilling. They get to ask questions about the writing process, where authors come up with story ideas, and for thoughts about whether they themselves can have a career in writing one day. I’ve also noticed that kids in this group are eager to tell the visiting author their own book ideas, which is a very sweet (though sometimes time consuming) aspect of connecting with readers.
For students that don’t especially enjoy reading and who shy away from writing, the right author’s visit can have a really huge impact. When authors confess their own disinterest in certain school subjects, or their own struggles to figure out how to approach a story, or admit just how exhausting and annoying writing can sometimes be, they provide a different perspective to students. For these students, an author visit can be refreshing and inspiring, especially if they connect with the author on a personal level. Yes, reading and writing are mandatory parts of school, but shifting kids’ thought process away from required assignments to the freedom writing and reading skills afford you can make a big difference for reluctant readers and writers. Meeting someone who can embody the impact that freedom can have on someone's life can be a meaningful result of an author’s visit.
And, having been a teacher myself, I will be real with all of the teachers and librarians who struggle with behavior management issues in their classroom. Of course, an author’s visit is not going to captivate each and every student in your class. It should, at the very least, provide an enriching activity for the majority of your class. Novelty might benefit some of your students not in a space to fully benefit from an author’s visit now. For the others, I think it’s beneficial to give an author a head’s up to expect some light interruption if there are some behavior management plans that could impact the visit, but speaking from experience, authors who spend time visiting classrooms and schools will not be phased by interruptions.
Meeting and interacting with a real-life author who can share their passion, experience and knowledge will inspire some students to develop their own writing skills and potentially pursue a career in writing. They can also provide a unique insight into the writing process, which can help students understand the importance of research, planning, and editing.
When should teachers or librarians book an author visit?
Author visits can be beneficial at any time of the year. I’ve loved some October visits where school librarians have introduced me to students to get them excited about the school year ahead. It’s always nice if a class has read The Ice House and has specific questions for me about the book, so that can impact when a visit might be best as well.
I have found through conversations with my fellow authors as well as with teachers, that most author visits are a success as long as they provide the chance for students to connect with a writer and hear firsthand accounts from someone who writes for a living. Just make sure that students get to ask questions, hear advice, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating stories.
Teachers and librarians looking for ways to engage their students and promote literacy should consider booking an author visit any time they can fit one into their schedule. Many authors, including myself, are willing to work with schools to ensure these visits are accessible and affordable for all.
FAQs About Author Visits for Elementary School
Q: Why should my school consider having an author visit?
Author visits can enhance literacy skills, improve the reading culture in the school community, and promote creativity in students. It is also a great way to connect authors with readers, and students with real-world writing careers.
Q: How should I prepare my students for an author visit?
Before the visit, make sure to introduce the author and their work to your students. Read some of the author's books, watch videos of the author, and encourage discussion about their writing and the themes in their works. Additionally, remind students about appropriate behavior during the event.
Q: What will the author do during the visit?
During the visit, the author will share their writing and publishing journey, read from their books, answer questions, and participate in activities related to their books or writing in general. The author may also offer writing tips and advise students on how to become writers.
Q: How long does an author visit last?
The length of the visit can vary depending on the author's schedule and the school's preference. Some visits may last one hour, while others may go on for an entire day.
Q: Can my school afford an author visit?
Many authors offer different packages that cater to schools of different budgets. Additionally, some schools may combine resources with nearby schools to split costs and bring in an author they otherwise could not afford.
Q: How can I book an author to visit my school?
Most authors have booking information on their websites. If not, contact the author's representative, agency, or publisher. You should book an author well in advance of your desired visit date.
As an author, I come with a passion for storytelling and a wealth of knowledge about the publishing industry, and I can tailor my talks to fit the specific needs and interests of each group I work with. I can provide writing prompts and activities that will get students excited about putting their own stories on paper, or resources and tips for educators who want to encourage more reading and writing in their classrooms. If you’re interested in booking an author visit with me, please check out this link for more information!
All in all, author visits are one of my favorite parts of being a writer. Not only do I get to share my love for books and storytelling with young readers, but I get to see firsthand the impact that those visits can have on their lives. If you're a teacher or librarian looking to bring a little magic into your classroom, I encourage you to book an author visit. And if you're a writer yourself, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to inspire the next generation of story creators. Together, we can help turn students into lifelong readers and writers who will continue to carry the magic of books with them throughout their lives.
4 Transferable Skills to Help Teachers Transition to a New Career
Breaking the Mold: How Teachers Can Turn Transferable Skills into Competitive Advantages
Thanks so much for reading the first two posts in my series, I Quit Teaching, Now What - I've loved hearing your feedback and your questions. I plan to continue this series to dedicate time to helping you think further about how to best evaluate your teaching experience and skill set.
If you've landed on the decision that you are ready to explore leaving the education space and taking on a new career path, congrats! Acknowledging this is the first brave step toward shaping the next phase of your life.
Maybe, now that you've landed here, you feel unsure if you'll be able to utilize your skills in a different industry or role. If so, rest assured that as a teacher, you have so many transferable skills that you can apply to your next career.
P.S. I created my FREE downloadable guide Your Strategic Career Transition Toolkit just for you. It includes:
Your Skill Translation Cheat Sheet
Networking Quick-Start Guide
Industry and Career Ideas for Teachers
Methods for transforming classroom skills into corporate language for resumes and interview
The summer I quit teaching, I spent at ton of time applying to jobs. Even though I'd decided I wanted to be a UX Designer, was in a UX training program, and was working on my first freelance projects, I applied to any and every job that seemed remotely open to me. Looking back I can see I just wanted some confirmation that I wasn't unemployable outside the education realm and hadn't ruined my life by quitting.
During interviews, I felt like an imposter speaking with any sort of authority about the soft skills I'd gained teaching and how I would use them to benefit a new employer.
Eventually, mostly out of desperation, I decided to employ the fake it till you make it approach to interviews; I had nothing to lose.
How? In order to boost my self belief and sell my claims, I developed tangible examples from the classroom that explained how I would be able to use my skill set in the role I was applying for.
Developing these real life examples not only helped the interviewer to visualize how useful my skillset could be, but also empowered me to believe in myself and what I was saying as an interviewee. I realized that my background in education had afforded me with problem-solving skills that addressed a wide range of situations. I had an almost endless supply of anecdotes that illustrated my social skills, organizational skills, and collaboration skills that I could apply to so many alternative careers.
I'm sharing my own experience here as evidence of someone who successfully transitioned out of a teaching job and created a career in UX design. There are so many relevant skills you can bring to any range of careers outside the education sector. A big piece of marketing your transferable teaching skills successfully is determining what your career goals are for this next phase of your life.
At this point in my UX career, I've had the pleasure of interviewing many former classroom teachers for design roles. I see patterns in these candidates: strong public speaking skills, a high level of emotional intelligence, and effective communication skills.
I have a working theory that after you've run a classroom for a few years and handled all of the responsibility that goes with being a teacher, you can handle any career.
When I've felt overwhelmed in my post-teaching career, I like to remind myself of the unique stress that comes with transporting 30 first graders on the subway through Times Square. Nothing I've faced as a designer, researcher, or writer has come close to that level of overwhelm and responsibility.
Reflect on that for a second. In what other situation would you ever have to successfully monitor the well being of thirty or more children, employ strong time management skills to ensure a smooth field trip, utilize emotionally intelligent interpersonal skills to navigate talks with parent chaperones, navigate directions, manage your own stress levels, all while providing your students with a solid educational experience?
No other career expects its professionals to juggle so many nuanced responsibilities all at once.
With that in mind, let's get ready for some career exploration and skill reflection as I outline some of the top transferable skills teachers can bring with them to their future careers and how these valuable skills will empower you as you explore paths outside the classroom.
4 Essential Transferable Skills for Teachers, Explained and Reimagined
Transferable Teacher Skill #1: Communication
Communication skills are obviously crucial in every aspect of our lives, but are especially important in teaching. When you start to develop your own teaching style, you generally realize that your relationships with students have a real impact on student progress. This might also mean shifting your communication approach many times throughout the day as you interact with different students, colleagues, and parents.
The ability to communicate effectively with others is actually much more involved than it may seem at first, and when you're describing your soft skills, it's important to draw these nuances out.
Effective communication requires you to read others and adapt to their needs. This is a key skill that comes in handy in many roles, but is specifically useful in client-facing positions. Knowing how to approach a client or stakeholder, present work or deliverables to those stakeholders, and ensure that they feel heard when they provide feedback is not natural to many people. Chances are, it's something you've learned to do based on the number of people in different positions you interact with on a daily basis.
Few positions outside of teaching require such consistent face-to-face interaction with so many people in order to cultivate a successful career in a school community. Speak to this in interviews! Explain how this will benefit their team if they hire you, because believe me, it will!
Transferable Teacher Skill #2: Leadership Qualities
Being a leader is inherent in teaching. You have to command attention in order to present lessons to students. You have 20-30 eyes focused on you most of the day. Let's face it, if you don't develop leadership qualities, your students will probably learn to walk all over you.
As a teacher, you use your leadership skills to motivate students, cultivate a positive classroom culture, and promote academic success. You delegate resources and manage classroom supplies to ensure your students can have enriching, hands-on experience in their classroom environment.
Take a look at some job descriptions in job listings for positions in some of the alternative career paths you've been considering. Some people work their entire careers to gain technical skills required to become a manager. You've been prac
These are all outcomes that any workplace in any industry would strive for. Motivating colleagues, sharing your knowledge to benefit others, cultivating a positive team culture, and encouraging your coworkers to keep the end goal in mind are some tangible examples of how you can use these qualities to benefit your new role, whatever it might be.
Transferable Teacher Skill #3: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Knowing how to navigate conflicts and negotiate successfully can make you a valuable asset in any workplace. Of course, you've honed these skills under some of the trickiest conditions. Kids that are arguing, colleagues that can't see eye-to-eye, your own issues with administration. How do you communicate this specific set of skills in an interview? Being able to keep calm under pressure, focus on an ideal outcome, and reason with the unreasonable.
I'm sure it isn't hard for you to think of a few examples of conflict resolution if you reflect on the past day or two, but I would challenge you to come up with some examples that involve complicated politics or personality management. How have you negotiated what you think is best for your students and the requirements you are facing due to state standards or school mandated initiatives? When have you managed to be a voice of reason when your grade team wasn't seeing eye-to-eye on approaching a unit or breaking down work responsibilities? What have these moments taught you about how to interact with others moving forward, especially when you know that your ultimate goal is the same, though your approaches may be different?
Transferable Teacher Skill #4: Organization and Planning
Good organization and planning skills are transferable to virtually any career path, and you've probably been operating in a highly planned environment for as long as you've been teaching. Even if you don't feel like a particularly organized teacher (join the club!), chances are you rely on systems and routines to ensure student success on a daily basis. You've adhered to lesson plans while managing to accommodate a wide range of learning styles.
In interviews, you can outline how you've developed systems to align your classes toward achieving common goals. You've leveraged classroom management to ensure high-quality student learning while also handling classroom dynamics, curriculum requirements, and effective time management. These are huge accomplishments, and you should own them!
Unlocking Career Opportunities: How Transferable Skills for Teachers Can Open Doors
As a teacher, it's easy to believe that our work experience isn’t applicable to careers in other fields. Don't sell yourself short or limit your potential at finding a more fulfilling career. Your experiences have equipped you with versatile skills that will help you thrive on any career path you choose. Embrace your strengths and focus on finding a job that excites you.
Remember, it’s all about how you frame and present your experiences! Highlight how what you’ve learned and accomplished as an educator has equipped you to be a valuable team player in your next position.
What questions do you have about transferable teacher skills? Drop them in the comments below!
And as always thanks for reading — it means so much!