I knew that a Hunger Games literature study would be the perfect way to start our year. My oldest, Kayleigh, was in 7th grade and this would be the perfect series to engage her at the beginning of the year. It also helped that I planned a monthly school-year book club with her friends and…
Finding Christmas books for teens that are worth reading can be quite a challenge. At this point, books often include too much foul language or inappropriate content, so I am not quite ready to hand them to my teenager. But out there in the world of young adult literature, there are also fantastic gems for…
This creative book club for The Green Ember by S. D. Smith was a delightful part of our ongoing monthly book clubs for kids. This first book in an epic adventure series inspired a fun celebration and discussion for both my girls’ and boys’ book clubs. I have no doubt they will remember these characters…
Before I found the Brave Writer Curriculum, I felt like Tarzan. Or Jane. Swinging all day from various trees in the language arts forest, never knowing if it was going to be enough. I was leaping from workbook to workbook to cover these skills, but what was I achieving? Spelling. Vocabulary. Comprehension questions. Grammar. Writing….
This collection of graphic novels for elementary school children is the perfect way to find a title that will engage your youngest readers. But don’t be surprised when older children find themselves immersed in these titles as well. And while an engaging graphic novel is a great way to encourage a reluctant reader, don’t limit…
Reading Shakespeare’s plays with kids is a fantastic way to lay the foundation so your children can learn to appreciate and enjoy Shakespeare. Unfortunately, the words and the language of Shakespeare’s plays can be intimidating for adults, making it intimidating to introduce the plays to children. Do not let that stop you from tackling this subject with…
Reading Shakespeare with kids can be fun. Yes. I said FUN. Shakespeare was a master wordsmith and his creative use of language is a fantastic way to introduce your kids to The Bard. From his creative words that we still use today to his amazing insults, reading Shakespeare can be a ton of fun and…
