classic books

Introducing Classic Literature to Middle Grade Students

Help Middle Grade Students Enjoy Classic Literature Classic Literature in the Middle School Reading Curriculum Introducing classic literature to middle grade students can be an engaging and educational experience. As long as you choose your reading material and classroom activities wisely, you can dispel the notion that classics are boring. Take a look at these lucky thirteen ideas for introducing classic literature to middle grade students: Adapted Literary Classics: The best way to introduce classic literature to middle schoolers is through revised classics. These are fun versions of popular classic literature, usually written at an accessible reading level and filled with young characters. Book-to-Film Comparisons: Show film adaptations of classic spooky novels and then have students compare and contrast them with the original text. This can foster discussions about how books are adapted into different media. Interactive Read-Aloud Sessions: Read a spooky classic novel aloud to the class, pausing to discuss key passages, themes, and character development. Encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts. Literary Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt that involves finding specific scenes or quotes from classic spooky novels. This can be a fun way to familiarize students with the content. Illustrated Classics: These are similar to the adapted classics described in #1 above, but they contain illustrations to provide added context. They may be in paperback or comic book format. Create Storyboards: Ask students to create storyboards for key scenes in a classic spooky novel. This can help them visualize the story and its progression. Write Alternate Endings: Challenge students to come up with alternative endings or twists to the plot of a classic spooky novel. This encourages creativity and deeper engagement with the text. Literary Discussion Circles: Divide the class into small groups to discuss specific chapters or sections of a classic novel. They can share their insights and interpretations…

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October 18, 2023
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Help Middle Grade Students Enjoy Classic Literature
Goodreads / Middle School Reading

Free Book for Middle School Teachers…

Free Goodreads for Middle Grades book Get your free book for middle school teachers, students, parents, authors and librarians by signing up for our monthly newsletter. Use the newsletter sign-up form below or at the top of the right-hand column and you will be sent a link for receiving your free Goodreads for Middle Grades Literacy e-book. You will also receive a monthly PurdyBooks newsletter with information about helping middle school students enjoy reading and helping them become efficient lifelong readers. If, at any time, you want to unsubscribe from the newsletter, you can easily do that with one click.The Goodreads for Middle Grades book contains the following chapters, and more:Goodreads Crash CourseNavigating GoodreadsHow to Use Each Portion of GoodreadsSpecific Chapters for Teachers, Students, Parents, Librarians and Middle Grade Authors Get Your Free Copy of the Goodreads for Middle Grades Literacy e-Book Sign Up for Newsletter & Free Goodreads for Middle School Teacher... Sign up for our newsletter using the form at left. Just provide us with your email and hit the subscribe button. We promise, we NEVER share email addresses. You will get one email that just asks you to verify that you are a real person. Once you have clicked the link in that email, you'll get a second email with a link to the Goodreads for Middle Grades book. You will then have the option of reading the book directly on a DropBox web page or of downloading an e-pub file of the book. Then you will be able to read the book on your favorite e-book reader. (on your phone, computer, Kindle, iPad, etc.) Please feel free to contact us to let us know how you like the Goodreads book and/or the monthly newsletter. We love to hear from fellow members of the middle grades team. The Purdy Books Blog Welcome to the…

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September 29, 2023
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Get Your Free Copy of the Goodreads for Middle Grades Literacy e-Book
Middle School Reading

E-books in Middle School Classrooms

Do Teachers Use E-books in Middle School Classrooms? The use of e-books in middle school classrooms can vary depending on the school and its resources. However, it is becoming increasingly common for middle schools to incorporate e-books into their curriculum and provide students with access to digital reading materials.E-books offer several advantages in educational settings. They are often more affordable compared to printed textbooks, and they can be easily accessed and distributed to students through devices such as tablets, laptops, or e-readers. E-books also provide interactive features like highlighting, note-taking, and searching, which can enhance the reading experience and facilitate student engagement.That being said, not all middle schools have fully transitioned to e-books, and the availability and use of digital reading materials can vary. Some schools may still rely primarily on printed books, while others may use a combination of both printed and electronic resources. Ultimately, the decision to incorporate e-books into middle school classrooms depends on factors such as school policies, budget constraints, technological infrastructure, and the preferences of educators and students. Smart tablets are becoming common teaching tools in middle school classrooms. How do teachers use E-books in middle school classrooms? How do teachers use e-books in middle school classrooms? Teachers can use e-books in middle school reading classes in various ways to enhance the learning experience. Here are some common ways teachers may incorporate e-books into their instruction:Access to a wide range of texts: E-books provide teachers with access to a vast library of texts, including novels, non-fiction books, and reference materials. This allows teachers to offer students a diverse selection of reading materials that cater to different interests and reading levels.Independent reading: Teachers can encourage independent reading by providing students with e-books that align with their individual interests and reading abilities. E-books can be easily distributed to students' devices, allowing them to read…

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June 7, 2023
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How do teachers use e-books in middle school classrooms?
Authors / middle grade authors

Is SCBWI for Middle Grade Authors?

What is the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators? The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for authors and illustrators of children's and young adult literature. It was established in 1971 and has since grown into a global community with thousands of members. SCBWI provides a wide range of resources, opportunities, and services to its members, including: Networking: SCBWI offers opportunities for authors and illustrators to connect with one another, share experiences, and build supportive relationships within the industry. This includes regional and international conferences, local events, critique groups, and online forums. Education and Information: The organization organizes workshops, webinars, and seminars on various aspects of writing, illustrating, and publishing children's books. Members can access valuable resources such as market information, industry guidelines, and publishing insights. Awards and Grants: SCBWI hosts prestigious awards and grants programs to recognize outstanding work in the field of children's literature. These include the Golden Kite Awards, the Sid Fleischman Humor Award, and various scholarships and grants to support writers and illustrators in their creative pursuits. Publications: SCBWI produces publications, both in print and online, that provide members with industry news, craft advice, interviews with professionals, and success stories. The organization's official magazine is called "The Bulletin." Advocacy: SCBWI actively advocates for the interests and rights of children's authors and illustrators. The organization promotes diversity, equality, and fair treatment within the industry and offers resources to help members navigate contractual, legal, and business aspects of their careers. SCBWI welcomes both published and aspiring authors and illustrators, and it is a valuable resource for anyone involved in creating literature for children and young adults. Logo for SCBWI Is SCBWI for Middle Grade Authors? Check out this Amazon Middle School Book Club. Yes, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)…

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May 22, 2023
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book clubs

Middle School Book Club

Middle School Book Club on PurdyBooks Middle school book clubs provide an important service for middle school students, their parents, teachers, librarians and middle grade authors. Middle school is a time when students are starting to develop their own taste in literature. It is a crucial stage in life that could determine whether or not preteens and teens end up becoming readers or not. Yet unlike adults, middle school readers can't visit bookstores, libraries or online book venues as easily as adults. They haven't yet developed a network of fellow readers to help them make choices that fit their unique interests and needs. It is essential that students at this stage of life receive input from a variety of sources from both adults and peers.They need to be introduced to contemporary literature, classical books, fiction, non-fiction and books from all genres. That is why PurdyBooks is going all-in on helping middle school students find their own niche in the literary world. To that end, we have even started an online Middle School Book Club on Amazon where students and their mentors can share ideas, make book suggestions and discuss favorite reading topics. Middle school book clubs are great for students, parents, authors, teachers & librarians. Why are Middle School Book Clubs Important? Promote reading for both enjoyment and knowledge. A Middle school book club is important for middle school students for several reasons because they:Encourages a love of reading: Book clubs expose students to a variety of books and genres, which can help them discover new authors, topics, and styles that they might not have explored on their own. This exposure can help cultivate a love of reading, which can benefit them throughout their lives.Build reading comprehension and critical thinking skills: Book clubs provide an opportunity for students to engage in thoughtful discussions about books. Through these discussions, students…

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April 30, 2023
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Middle school book clubs are great for students, parents, authors, teachers & librarians.
librarians / middle school librarians

What is the Role of Middle School Librarian?

Role of Middle School Librarian The Role of middle school librarians vary from school to school. But it goes without saying that middle school librarians play an essential role in the reading development of students. As children transition from elementary school to middle school, their reading needs and interests also change. The role of the librarian in the middle school is to support and encourage reading by providing students with a variety of reading materials, resources, and programs that are appropriate for their age and reading level.One of the primary responsibilities of middle school librarians is to follow trends in middle grades literature and help students develop a love of reading. They do this by selecting books that are relevant and engaging to middle schoolers, ensuring the collection represents diverse perspectives and experiences. This helps students to see themselves and others in the books they read, which can help them develop empathy and critical thinking skills. By creating a positive reading environment, middle school librarians can inspire students to become lifelong readers.Middle school librarians also help students develop their reading skills. They can offer reading recommendations based on students' interests and reading levels, provide instruction on reading strategies, and offer assistance with research projects. By working with teachers and other educators, librarians can support students in developing their literacy skills and understanding of complex texts.Moreover, librarians in middle school can serve as a resource for parents and guardians as well. They can provide guidance and support to families looking for reading materials that are appropriate for their child's reading level and interests. They can also offer suggestions on how to encourage reading at home, such as setting aside time for reading or creating a comfortable reading space.Middle school librarians play a critical role in the reading development of students. By providing access to a diverse collection of…

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April 25, 2023
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Book Publishing / Middle Grade Books / YA Books

Differences Between Middle Grades and YA Literature

What Are the differences between Middle Grades and YA Literature? Middle grades and young adult literature are two distinct categories of literature that cater to different age groups and have their own unique characteristics. Let's take a look at the distinctions between middle grades and YA Literature.Middle grade literature is typically written for readers aged 8-12, although there is some overlap with the age range for young adult literature. Middle grade literature is characterized by its focus on stories and themes that are relevant to children in this age group. The writing style tends to be simpler, and the length of the books is typically shorter than young adult literature.Young adult literature, on the other hand, is written for readers aged 12-18. Young adult literature is characterized by its focus on stories and themes that are relevant to teenagers, including issues related to identity, relationships and personal growth. The writing style tends to be more complex, and the length of the books is typically longer than middle grade literature.In terms of content, middle grade literature often focuses on themes of friendship, family, and coming-of-age, while young adult literature often deals with more complex issues such as mental health, sexuality, and social justice.The key difference between middle grade and young adult literature is the age of the target audience and the themes and writing style that cater to their developmental needs and interests. Discover the Differences Between Middle Grades and YA Literature Characteristics of Middle Grades Literature Finding the Best Books for Middle Grade Students is a Team Effort of Parents, Teachers, Librarians & Students Middle grades literature is distinguishable by more than just the ages of their readership. Some key characteristics to look for in middle grades literature include:Protagonists of similar age: Middle grade literature typically features protagonists who are of similar age to the intended readership,…

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April 18, 2023
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