resources
FEATURED
Looking for fresh ideas and helpful tools? Below you'll find a collection of resources—articles, podcasts, books, and more—curated to support and inspire teachers. Cris is always adding new finds, so check back often for updates!
Science Annotation Strategies from Cris
Stop Your Students from Mind-Wandering When They Read Your Text
When reading complex text like science, adolescent readers need ways to “talk back” to the reading so their mind doesn’t wander. This helps them engage so they can remember and reuse what they have read. Often, students try to talk to science text like they would a novel and it just doesn’t work. Download these annotation sheets to help your student interact with their reading.
Sheet one helps kids know what to write when reading non-fiction. For the pros, the second sheet comes from teachers who work upper level grades, however, I use them with my striving readers too. If you found these helpful, fill out the contact form to let me know what you think!
In Community With Readers
Transforming Reading Instruction with Read-Alouds and Minilessons
Even though Community With Readers is recommended for grades 3-6, I found myself getting new ideas to freshen up my secondary literacy instruction. Authors Burkins and Sibberson are fierce advocates from all readers, bringing new insight into how reading instruction can be structured. For teachers who are trying to figure out what struggling older readers need, this book will provide you with amazing titles and ideas that can be used for read alouds, mentor texts, and engaging those students who “hate” to read. More importantly, it demonstrate ways to build community for those readers who never felt part of the “reading club.”
Seasons of Literacy
A Monthly Guide to Growing Lifelong Readers & Writers
Don’t walk—RUN to get Seasons of Literacy. Organized by month and motif, it’s packed with inclusive booklists, cultural calendars, QR codes, and reflection questions for planning and discussion. Julia E. Torres and Joellen McCarthy have done the hard work—just open and teach. Perfect for new and veteran teachers alike, this book saves time, builds community, and sparks fresh ideas all year long.
