Teaching Ideas

Explore jumping-off points that deepen discussions, inspire reading interest, and support connections to books and authors. Easily share and include in your instructional plans, newsletters, and social media.


Social Emotional Learning

Springboard Discussions

  • Introduce this Meet-the-Author Recording with Eric and Terry Fan, authors of The Night Gardener, and discuss the ripple effect of one’s actions.

  • Hold a book study on The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin and use this book club guide to facilitate discussions on school rules and more.

  • View this video book trailer for The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires and talk about the importance of taking a break or going for a walk to clear the mind and make space for something spectacular.

Model Behaviors

  • Explore the book guides for I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët to inspire students to stand up to bullying.

  • Use this Meet-the-Author Recording from Meghan MacLean Weir for The Book of Essie to guide discussion about social media health and responsibility.

  • Refer to this Thanks A Million teacher’s guide by Nikki Grimes to spark conversation about being thankful and ways to express your gratitude.

Celebrate Differences

  • Use this lesson plan from The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and Kelly DiPucchio to demonstrate the importance of embracing differences and respecting others.

  • Listen to this audio excerpt from Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan to initiate conversations about celebrating differences and accepting who you are and where you came from.

  • Tune in to this Meet-the-Author Recording for Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson and discuss how inspiring perseverance and hard work can be.