Amazing Books and How to Use Them

Teachers have long understood the powerful role novels can play when incorporated into their ELA block.

However, with state mandates prompting an increase in adoption of basal programs, novels are being quietly pushed out of classrooms in districts that are demanding strict fidelity of the adopted basal. With this approach, the ELA block is dominated by short stories and passages.

While there is strong evidence and need for students to engage in a wide variety of texts, including short passages, the absence of novels is proving to be detrimental to a crucial part of student learning- deep engagement.

When students are actively involved and interested in their learning, they are more likely to develop strong literacy skills that will serve them well throughout their academic career and beyond. This podcast does an excellent job of reviewing the research and explaining the need for teachers to adjust their approach to ensure students have time in the day to build a love for reading.  

One effective way to boost student engagement in literacy is through the use of novels.
By introducing students to a wide range of genres and themes through a balanced integration of short passages and novels, educators can spark student interest and curiosity, making the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable. This engagement with literature can significantly improve students' reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

So how do teachers do this?

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