Today we’re fully embracing the energy of spring - because what better time to refresh our bookshelves and reignite our love for reading?! We’re buzzing with excitement over all the amazing new releases coming out, from Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life to John Green’s Everything is Tuberculosis. If you’re anything like us, your TBR list is about to explode, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way!

We’re sharing our top books that we cannot wait to read this spring, and hopefully this episode is coming your way just in time for spring break. We don’t know about you, but we’re shooting for no less than three books a day over here 😉.  And we’re hoping that maybe there’s one or two we can use in the classroom as well! Send us a DM on Instagram @bravenewteaching and let us know what’s on your spring reading list.

PS: We’re not just here to talk about what we’re reading! We’ve got some homework for you, too! We’ll be diving into a two-part discussion on The Atlantic’s article The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books in our next couple of episodes. If you want to be part of that conversation (and trust me, you do), give the article a read and get ready to unpack it with us!

All the titles we talk about in the episode are listed in the show notes and you can shop all of the spring titles on Bookshop.org (Amanda’s List | Marie’s List) or Amazon.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode249

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Marie here! Did you know that I teach high school English AND theatre? From early mornings with (multiple cups of) coffee in hand to juggling English lessons and theatre rehearsals, my days as a high school teacher are anything but boring. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a typical day in my life - showing you how I bring creativity into my classroom and balance all the moving parts of being a teacher.

This day was extra special because I am transforming my English classroom into a giant cozy reading fort. I’m bringing you along as I do it and you’ll hear how my students responded to it as we kick off a Fantasy unit centered around the question “Why do we pursue escape?”. Plus I’ll share what book snaps are. Your students will love it!

Then, you’ll hear me jump into full-on theatre production mode as I wrap up the school day. It’s a 16-hour day condensed into 15 minutes of audio! If you like this type of episode and want more vlog-style episodes, send us a DM on Instagram. We would love to bring you more!

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode248

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Assessments don’t have to be boring, stressful, or one-size-fits-all - and in this episode, we’re proving why! As we wrap up our Novels in Verse series, we’re diving into fresh, creative ways to assess student learning that go beyond the standard essay. Whether you love assessments or dread them, this conversation will challenge the way you think about measuring student growth.

We’re breaking down the balance between formative and summative assessments and sharing how small, intentional check-ins (like Sesame Street quizzes!) can build toward deeper, more meaningful final projects. You’ll hear how centering an essential question, like Which is more important, knowing your story or telling it?, can guide students through analysis, creativity, and self-expression. Plus, we’ll walk you through summative assessment options that allow students to showcase their understanding in a way that works best for them.

And if you’re looking for a quick, skills-focused assessment that doesn’t take hours to prep or grade, we’ve got you covered with a strategy that simplifies everything. we’re even sharing ways to mix and match different assessment types so you can create the perfect approach for your classroom. Trust us, if assessments have ever felt like a headache, this episode will leave you feeling ready to try something new!

Resources:

• Down With the Reading Quiz: Free Masterclass on Formative Assessments
• Episode 246, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Supplemental and Alternative Text Ideas
• Episode 245, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Gateway Activity Ideas
• Episode 244, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Essential Question Possibilities for The Poet X
• Episode 243, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Unit Possibilities

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We’re in the middle of our novels in verse series and so far we’ve talked about the possibilities that come with a novels in verse unit, essential questions, and gateway activities.Now it’s time to get into our favorite part…supplemental ideas! 

Get ready to hear creative ways to supplement The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. We focus on the essential question: Which is more important, knowing your story or telling it? And we discuss key themes that can help students connect more deeply with the novel and their own experiences.

You’ll hear a mix of literary and pop culture resources that can bring these themes to life in fresh and exciting ways. From classic texts to modern music and even moments from film and theatre, these ideas will encourage your students to think critically about storytelling, identity, and self-expression. We also talk about different approaches to integrating these supplementals into a unit without overwhelming students - or teachers!

If you have more ideas for making a novels in verse unit more dynamic and engaging, we would love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram @bravenewteaching and join us in Happy Hour, where we share done-for-you resources, new strategies, and a supportive community of teachers like you!

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode246

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Ever struggled to get students excited about novels in verse? In this episode, we’re sharing creative, low-pressure ways to ease them into poetry analysis without the overwhelm. With engaging, hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to make storytelling through verse feel accessible and fun from day one. As we always say, a good gateway can make or break a unit! 💥

One of the biggest game-changers is meeting students where they are. By tapping into things they already love, like music and interactive learning, you can help them see the connections between poetry and storytelling in a way that just CLICKS! These strategies not only build confidence, but also set the stage for deeper analysis as the unit unfolds.

We’re also talking about fresh ways to approach perspective and text analysis - ones that get students thinking critically without feeling like another tedious assignment. Whether you’re looking to revamp your novel in verse units or just need a few easy wins, this episode is packed with ideas you can start using right away.

Resources: 

• Amanda’s Romeo and Juliet Prologue Stations Activity [Close Reading Analysis]
• Freebie: Theme Snapshot Notetaking Guide
• The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo 
• Amanda’s Novels in Verse Book Recs List

Related Episodes:

• Episode 244, The Novels in Verse Collection: Essential Question Possibilities for The Poet X
• Episode 243, The Novels in Verse Collection: Unit Possibilities
• Episode 186, Teacher Planning 101: Our Six Best Planning Tips
• Episode 123, The Best Thing I Ever Taught
• Episode 62, Picture Book Lesson Walk-Through

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode245

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Ready to make your summer reading program awesome? Head to bravenewteaching.com/summerreading

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• Join Happy Hour!
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Last week, we talked about the possibilities for novels in verse and broke down two approaches to teaching these texts. Today, we’re continuing the conversation using Elizabeth Acevedo’s The Poet X as our guide.

We’re exploring two distinct essential questions that can shape a thoughtful unit - one that focuses on the craft of language and another that taps into the journey of self-discovery. No matter which approach you take, this conversation will help you build a unit that sparks engaging discussions and critical thinking in your students.

The Poet X would be perfect as a read aloud or an opportunity for students to listen to the audiobook! We’ve even created some sketch notes for you as a free resource that students can use while listening. These notes hone in on the essential question that students are focusing on in your unit and can be used with any text. 

Don’t forget to join us in Happy Hour where we’ll provide you with a unit makeover slide deck resource specific to The Poet X!

Resources: 

• Freebie: Theme Snapshot Notetaking Guide
• The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo

Show Notes: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode244

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Ready to make your summer reading program awesome? Head to bravenewteaching.com/summerreading

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Have you ever considered how novels in verse can transform the way you teach poetry and literature? In this episode, we dive into the world of narrative verse and explore how these texts, like The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, can bring poetry to life in your classroom!

With their accessible format and rich themes, novels in verse offer endless possibilities for fostering student engagement while covering essential literary skills and perspectives. We’re breaking down two powerful approaches to teaching these texts: a skill-based focus and a theme-based focus. Whether you’re filling gaps in poetry instruction or bringing underrepresented voices into your curriculum, both avenues are highly adaptable!

As always, we’re here to support your planning with our best tips and resources for making these units work in your classroom. Be sure to download our free theme notes sheet AND  join us in Happy Hour, because that’s where we’ll be dropping our novels in verse unit for you. We’ll be continuing this conversation in our next episode where we’ll dig into essential questions!

Resources:

• Freebie: bravenewteaching.com/themenotes
• The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo 
• Amanda’s Novels in Verse Book Recs List

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode243

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Ready to make your summer reading program awesome? Head to bravenewteaching.com/summerreading

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Starting a new year in education means facing fresh challenges (and opportunities) with a renewed mindset. In this episode, we’re diving into how ELA teachers can thrive amid changing expectations and pressures.

From prioritizing self-care to balancing the demands of teaching, we’re sharing practical strategies to help you navigate today’s complex classroom dynamics. We’re also unpacking how setting boundaries and fostering strong professional relationships are KEY for self-preservation in the teaching profession.

We’ve got tips for you on making timeless texts more accessible and relevant, like focusing on universal themes and providing modern supplements! Plus, we’re discussing the importance of proactive parent communication - because keeping families in the loop can prevent misunderstandings and build strong partnerships!

Want to dig deeper into how to implement these new perspectives? Join us in our Happy Hour community!

Show Notes: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode239

Related Episodes:

• Episode 128, Unit Makeover: The Great Gatsby
• Episode 115, Unit Makeover: Transforming Frankenstein with a Novel in Verse
• Episode 107, Teaching Short Stories: Unit Makeover
• Episode 158, Modern Folktales: A Debrief & Unit Overview

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A new year brings new opportunities to refresh and refocus in the classroom! In this episode, we’re sharing strategies to help you simplify your teaching and make a big impact, from encouraging critical thinking to refining routines that work.

Let’s start with critical thinking—it’s the foundation for preparing students to navigate today’s fast-paced, information-packed world. We’re talking about moving beyond content delivery and creating spaces where students ask questions, explore ideas, and think for themselves.

We also dig into the power of reliable routines and consistency. These simple but essential practices keep your classroom running smoothly and stress-free. Plus, sticking with what works saves you time and helps your students feel secure and supported.

If you’re ready to approach 2025 with clarity and purpose, this episode has everything you need to get started! 🥳

Catch up on the NEW YEAR AT BNT series in the show notes: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode239

Related Episodes:

• Episode 238, Looking Back/Looking Forward
• Episode 227, Code Breaking and Critical Thinking: An Interview with Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
• Episode 29, To Streamline Classroom Management

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We're two weeks into 2025, and as part of our New Year's series, we're diving into the world of tech. But before we get started, if you missed last week’s episode on new books, be sure to check it out—we left you with a bit of a cliffhanger that we’ll resolve at the beginning of this episode!

Technology is constantly evolving and is everywhere around us, so if it feels overwhelming to keep up, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Remember, tech should make your life easier, not harder. That’s why we recommend sticking with the platforms you already know and love (hello, Google Docs!). Many of these tools have received helpful updates and are more powerful than ever.

In this episode, we’ll discuss how to make the most of familiar tools, approach AI intentionally, and streamline your tech organization for better planning. Plus, we’ll share some new tech tools you should check out this year!

If you’d like more support, this month in Happy Hour, we’re going deep into teacher digital planning and organization (and sharing Trello templates!). Join us here!

Tools Mentioned:

• Google Docs
• Google Slides
• Padlet
• Edpuzzle
• CommonLit
• Pictory 
• Milanote
• Google Tasks
• Trello

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode239

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Ready to make your summer reading program awesome? Head to bravenewteaching.com/summerreading

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📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

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