Creating Joyful Readers

Whether you’re a fan of epic love stories or just looking for creative ways to bring romance into your classroom, this episode is for you. I’ll be sharing some engaging strategies to teach YA romance, from exploring common tropes to designing activities your students will love. Plus, I’ll reveal some of my favorite YA romance books that are perfect for your classroom library or next unit plan.

So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s explore how to make YA romance an unforgettable reading experience for your students.

Highlights:

• Romance Novels + Character Study = Match Made in Heaven
• Finding the Right Books
• Project - Multi-Genre Character Collection
• YA Romance in Popular Media
• Try a Full Literature Circle

Resources Mentioned:

Romance Unit:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Romance-Genre-Literature-Circles-or-Choice-Reading-Unit-10524239?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Romance%20Unit

Character Mini-Lesson:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Analysis-Mini-Lesson-for-Characterization-Character-Graphic-Organizer-6286846?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Character%20Mini-Lesson

Multi-Genre Character Collection: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Analysis-Project-Multi-Genre-Character-Collection-10508848?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Multi-Genre%20Character%20Collection

Book Speed Dating:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Speed-Dating-Independent-Reading-Activity-5231105?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Book%20Speed%20Dating

Book Talks:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Talks-Instructions-and-Templates-9076397?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2025%20-%20Book%20Talks

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord - https://amzn.to/3PjnSOj

Dungeons & Drama by Kristy Boyce - https://amzn.to/3ZZT4ai

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter - https://amzn.to/4j327Qj

Frankly in Love by David Yoon - https://amzn.to/4h14PnD

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner - https://amzn.to/420FwO9

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

If there’s one genre that has the power to make hearts race, ignite endless daydreams, and leave us with a serious case of the feels, it’s YA romance. Today, we’re diving deep into this beloved genre that has captured the hearts of readers young and old.

In this episode, we’ll:

• Define what makes a YA romance truly shine
• Explore the formulas and characteristics that keep readers turning the pages
• Take a walk through the history of the genre and see how it’s evolved over time
• Look at the trends dominating YA romance today
• And we’ll break down the subgenres that offer something for everyone—from swoony contemporary tales to love stories with a touch of fantasy.

Resources Mentioned:

Hello Stranger - Katherine Center: https://amzn.to/400NFQ2

Romance Lit Circle Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Romance-Genre-Literature-Circles-or-Choice-Reading-Unit-10524239?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2024%20-%20Romance%20Literature%20Circles%20Bundle

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Don't miss this conversation with literacy expert Natalie Wexler.

Connect with our guest:

https://nataliewexler.com/

The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix it https://amzn.to/3BBt4cZ

The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades https://amzn.to/3ZJzXRF

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Enjoy this conversation about contemporary YA writing with author Isaac Blum.

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.isaacblumauthor.com/

The Judgment of Yoyo Gold - https://amzn.to/3ZEH1yQ

The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen - https://amzn.to/3ZDnNcR

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Let's talk about 5 contemporary YA authors you should have on your classroom and library shelves. These authors create books that resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations and helping students connect to the literature in meaningful ways. Whether you're looking to update your library, introduce a fresh unit, or build a stronger connection with your students, this episode has got you covered.

Jason Reynolds:

When I Was the Greatest: https://amzn.to/48O1uoV

The Boy in the Black Suit: https://amzn.to/3CpYYcu

All-American Boys: https://amzn.to/48Ldyr3

Long Way Down: https://amzn.to/3YLHu1L

Jeff Zentner:

The Serpent King: https://amzn.to/4hL2Uon

Goodbye Days: https://amzn.to/40IHPEZ

In the Wild Light: https://amzn.to/4hN5cnc

Elizabeth Acevedo:

The Poet X: https://amzn.to/3Z2oRIe

With the Fire on High: https://amzn.to/3Z3bTtK

Clap When You Land: https://amzn.to/3UQp7HY

Nic Stone:

Dear Martin: https://amzn.to/4fhZCY6

Odd One Out: https://amzn.to/3UN7qcg

Jackpot: https://amzn.to/4fmJuVm

Sarah Dessen:

Someone Like You: https://amzn.to/3CpChFv

The Truth About Forever: https://amzn.to/3Z5TVG3

Just Listen: https://amzn.to/48QdeY7

Lock and Key: https://amzn.to/48J1BlT

Saint Anything: https://amzn.to/4eu3hkp

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

If you’re looking to make literature feel more relevant and relatable for your students, this episode is for you. Listen in and let’s bring contemporary lit to life in your classroom.

Highlights:

• What is Contemporary YA Literature?
• The Evolution of Contemporary YA
• Big Themes in Contemporary YA
• Criticisms in Contemporary YA
• Why Teach Contemporary YA?
• How to Teach Contemporary YA Lit

Resources Mentioned:

Contemporary Literature Circles Unit - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Contemporary-Realistic-Fiction-Unit-for-Book-Clubs-Independent-Reading-12446237?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2020%20-%20Podcast%20Shownotes%20-%20Conteporary%20Lit%20Circles%20Unit

Book Speed Dating - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Speed-Dating-Independent-Reading-Activity-5231105?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2020%20-%20Podcast%20Shownotes%20-%20Book%20Speed%20Dating

Literary Quote Book - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-ELA-Review-Project-Literary-Quote-Book-6860744?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2020%20-%20Podcast%20Shownotes%20-%20Literary%20Quote%20Book

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Young Adult books are one of my favorite things so today I'm sharing the 10 best YA titles I read in 2024. Whether you’re an educator looking to add new reads to your classroom library, a media specialist keeping up with the latest releases, or just a book lover hunting for your next great read, this episode is for you.

Highlights:

• How I read so many books each year
• My rating scale
• 10 titles you won't want to miss

Resources Mentioned:

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter - https://amzn.to/3YAYo4p

Reckless by Lauren Roberts - https://amzn.to/40geIZo

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers - https://amzn.to/3BTpDOO

The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe - https://amzn.to/4fbZ2dS

The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin - https://amzn.to/4fjWGKj

Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce - https://amzn.to/3AcWWM8

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter - https://amzn.to/4hfbv2r

Us in Ruins by Rachel Moore - https://amzn.to/48gVC7z

The Judgment of Yoyo Gold by Isaac Blum - https://amzn.to/3NLRfrv

Mirror Girls by Kelly McWilliams - https://amzn.to/4hluGrl

How to Rate a Book from a High School English Teacher - https://www.samanthainsecondary.com/2022/08/01/how-to-rate-a-book-from-a-high-school-english-teacher/

Follow Samantha on Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/samanthainsecondary

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

You're in for a treat today! I'm sharing something I’ve developed and refined over my 15 years in the classroom: my tried-and-true process for close reading.

If you're an ELA teacher looking for a practical, step-by-step method to help your students tackle complex texts with confidence, you’re in the right place. Close reading can feel daunting for students, but I’m here to tell you—it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the process I’ve used successfully for years, and by the end, you’ll have a system you can take straight to your classroom.

Highlights:

• Why does close reading matter?
• My 3 step process

Resources Mentioned:

Censorship Close Reading Resource - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Censorship-Informational-Text-Close-Reading-Activity-7612449

The Ultimate Close Reading Bundle -  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Ultimate-Close-Reading-Bundle-9943121?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Ep%2018%20Shownotes%20-%20Ultimate%20Close%20Reading%20Bundle

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Reading isn’t joyful when it’s hard, right? We all want to share amazing books and do fun, engaging activities to get kids excited about reading, but we also can’t forget the importance of those foundational skills. So today, we’re diving into some research about why having a strong, predictable close reading routine can be a total game-changer in your classroom.

Highlights:

• National Reading Panel Findings
• Vocabulary
• How it all works together

Resources Mentioned:

“Teaching Children to Read: An Evidence-Based Assessment of the Scientific Research Literature on Reading and Its Implications for Reading Instruction” https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pubs/nrp/Documents/ch4.pdf 

Teaching Them to Read by Dolores Durkin https://amzn.to/3Yh4fdO

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love:

Are you making the most of the resources available within your media center? Your media center specialist is a tremendous resource for your instructional planning and for connecting students with joyful reading experiences. I hope that today's conversation with Kimberly Dyar fills you with ideas and inspiration.

Resources Mentioned:

The Arrival by Shaun Tan - https://amzn.to/4eZ56Xz

Learning Commons Inspiration from Monticello High School - https://youtu.be/ilQwPzy6mos?si=HM9m0V-A-SC-FL7i



Connect with today's guest:

You can contact Kimberly via email if you have any questions for her - [email protected]

Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.

--> Shop for your modern day literacy classroom HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/samantha-in-secondary

--> For tips, book recommendations, and connection with other educators follow along on INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary/

--> Shop my favorite YA books HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/samanthainsecondary

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab my romance literature circle unit today

Romance activities your students will love: