Not to worry. As educators, we look out for each other – so we won’t leave you in the lurch. We’ve curated a list of our favorite resources you can tap into in the coming year!

Meet Your Read To Lead Substitutes

1.Literacy Skill development: Provide opportunities for students to practice targeted literacy skills aligned to Common Core Standards

ReadTheory 

Improve your students’ reading comprehension once and for all. ReadTheory’s adaptive technology adjusts to assign passages at each student’s “just-right” level. With thousands of standards-aligned formative assessments and real-time reporting, students get routine practice, and teachers know exactly what to teach next. The best part? Teachers can sign up for free!

Read&Write 

Finding support solutions for struggling learners is always a challenge, but Read&Write could be the answer. With useful features that help with everyday tasks like reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words, researching assignments, and proofing written work, Read&Write is an excellent tool for students at all levels. An additional plus point – it’s free for educators!

ReadWorks

If you are looking for access to thousands of high-quality, free K-12 articles, ReadWorks may have the answer. Content, curriculum, and tools that give educators the flexibility to create digital classes, distribute printed materials, and even fuel classroom instruction – ReadWorks has it all.

2. Engagement through Literacy: Help students understand the value of reading

iCivics 

Looking for high-quality resources to engage students in meaningful civic learning? iCivics offers well-written and inventive games, lesson plans, and more that help teachers nurture the next generation of civic-minded students and build the foundation of democracy.

BrainPOP

Boost achievement for grades K-8 in math, language arts, science, social studies, and more with BrainPOP. Featuring everything from lesson planning resources to scaffolded lessons that train grammar and vocabulary skills, BrainPOP promotes curiosity-driven learning through educational tools that challenge students.

PBS Learning Media 

Well-known among educators, PBS Learning Media, is a treasure trove of free, standards-aligned videos, interactive resources, lesson plans, and more. Look no further than PBS Learning Media for timely, topical collections designed around learning objectives and tailored to students’ needs!

Newsela

Media literacy is an important skill for students to have in the 21st century. With Newsela, teachers can access real-world content that is adapted to their students’ levels to bring context and relevance to any ELA classroom. Drive engagement through literacy with amazing instructional content and support tools on Newsela.

3. SEL Skills: Nurture students’ SEL skills aligned to the CASEL framework

Emozi 

Created to address the unique challenges and teaching needs of middle and high school students, Emozi focuses on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. It helps educators with middle school classroom management, behavior problems, emotional regulation, peer pressure, bullying, and more – setting students up for success both academically and socially.

Peekapak

Support your students in their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with Peekapak. With a wealth of CASEL-aligned stories, lessons and learning games to choose from, you can easily integrate SEL objectives into any ELA lesson and equip your students with the tools they need to navigate the real world, middle school and beyond!

4. Real World Learning: Expose students to career exploration opportunities and engaging PBL curricula.

Beable 

Close the gap and accelerate literacy and learning with Beable. Offering a multi-dimensional approach, Beable incorporates differentiation, individualization, and personalization to meet the multiple needs of different students and strengthen the literacy-to-career connection.

Educurious 

Project-based learning is fast becoming a staple in educators’ toolboxes and Educurious makes it that much easier to implement in your classroom. By connecting students to the world through a global network of subject matter experts and mentors, this project-based learning curriculum empowers youth to take charge of their learning. Featuring customizable tools and resources, immersive professional development opportunities, and a vibrant learning community, Educurious is sure to be a hit among teachers and students alike.

5. Marketplace: Search for programs that can be a better fit for your classroom needs

Clever 

An integrated digital learning platform for K12 schools, Clever boasts one friendly interface for single sign-on, messaging, analytics, and more. Keep track of student progress, organize your classroom, and share updates with parents – all within the same platform.

Edcuration  

With so many products, resources, and tools available for educators these days, making decisions about which to purchase can be challenging! Edcuration is a marketplace for PreK-12 educators to discover, compare, evaluate and purchase from a variety of high-quality, cutting-edge offers.

EdSurge

EdTech (education technology) is a fast growing industry but educators are often not in the know about the best and latest products that will ease their classroom woes. EdSurge aims to bridge the gap between educators and innovators in the education space by providing insightful reports on people, ideas and tools shaping the future of learning.

6. Curriculum: Find complete lesson plans to complement your ELA lessons

ClassHook

Videos are a powerful educational tool kids love but finding appropriate ones that don’t have ads is hard. ClassHook solves this problem by playing videos without ads, and detecting and automatically skipping inappropriate language! With this curated video library, you’ll never have to worry about embarrassing moments in class, and increase student engagement, retention, and relevance!

Brain Waves Instruction

Could do with some free lesson plans and teaching tips to make your daily life easier? Brain Waves Instruction delivers all that and more! With lesson plans organized into categories like Literature & Reading, Poetry, and Writing, you’ll be spoiled for choice for your next ELA lesson.

With so many free and paid resources available, we are sure that you will find the perfect substitute(s) for Read to Lead that will make your classroom experience that much better in the new year!

The post Read To Lead Is Out Sick: Here Are Some Great Substitute Programs appeared first on Read to Lead.

Here are some of our favorite ideas to create a game show type of environment, get students out of their seats, or just make learning fun and enjoyable again!

Craft Review Games

Jeopardy 

Bring the classic game show into your classroom with Test Prep Jeopardy! You may think this game requires lots of pre-class prep work but it can be as simple or intricate as you like. Yes, you’ll need to set up some type of game board using a whiteboard, blackboard, smartboard, GoogleSlides, or Pear Deck but beyond that, it’s up to you. Simply choose categories based on the topics you want to review and have a list of questions and answers for each level of points.

When it’s time to play, divide the class into four teams. Each team member takes a turn to select a category and amount, for example, “Poetry for $400”. If the student answers the question correctly, the team earns points. At the end of the game, tally up the points to determine the winner!

Knockout! 

Bring a Carnival element to your classroom with this fun game board. Getting the game board setup requires some prep and crafting, but you can re-use it for years! Use hot glue to stick plastic cups in a grid format on a piece of foam board. Be sure to leave some space between the rims! While the glue is drying, prepare slips of paper with review questions and small prizes. Once the glue is dry, place one slip of paper and a prize into each cup and cover it with a piece of tissue paper. Secure the tissue paper with rubber bands.

To play, ask students to come up one at a time and select a cup. Have them punch through the tissue paper to retrieve the question and prize. To keep the prize, they will have to answer the question correctly. Otherwise, the first student to raise their hand and give the correct answer claims the prize for themselves! (limit 2 per student).

Credit Composition Classroom

Tap into Apps and Digital Platforms

Quizizz 

Access a customizable content library to quickly create interactive assessments and engaging quizzes to test students’ knowledge. Motivate students while easing the stress of testing with this enjoyable gamified platform that also gives you real-time data about student performance so you can offer support when needed.

Kahoot!

Choose from 100+ million ready-to-play games or create your own on this game-based classroom response system. Kahoot! allows all students to review contents and tests their understanding simultaneously. Project the multiple-choice questions on the screen and have students answer them on their individual devices. With games for every grade in every subject, getting through test prep with your students will be a breeze.

Flip (Formerly Flipgrid)

If your students love sharing videos with each other, they will love Flip! A free app by Microsoft for video discussion and sharing, you can use Flip to get students to review different topics ahead of testing season. By giving them the chance to showcase their creativity, you keep things fun while ensuring students understand the material being reviewed.

Get Students Out of Their Chairs

Pass the Chicken 

Bring a rubber chicken into your classroom for this test-prep game! Arrange your students so they are seated in a circle. Randomly select a student and give them the rubber chicken to pass around the circle. Ask this student a test review question and they will have as long as it takes for the chicken to make its way around the whole circle to answer. If they do not manage to answer in time, they have to sit in the middle of the circle (the chicken coop).

The game continues as you ask different students questions. If they don’t know the answer, they may ask the student(s) in the chicken coop for help. If a student in the chicken coop answers a question correctly, they get to rejoin the circle. Consider creating safety rules with this game, as students can get quite rowdy with the rubber chicken!

Snowball Fight

Recreate a snowball fight inside the classroom! For this game, each student writes three review sentences or questions on individual pieces of paper and then balls up the pieces of paper to create snowballs. Divide students up into smaller groups or teams and have them stand together. 

For the snowball fight, students take turns throwing their snowballs at members of opposing teams. The student who is hit by the snowball has to answer that question correctly to remain in the game. If they answer wrongly, they are out. The game continues until all the snowballs are used up and/or there is only one team left standing. 

Around the World 

Travel the world with test prep with this game! The aim of the game is for a student to travel around the room and arrive back at their seat. Start by having one student stand up next to a seated student. Ask the pair of them a test review question and the one who answers correctly first gets to move up to the next “point on the map” while the other sits down. Continue in this manner until the timer runs out or you complete the list of review questions. The winner is the student who has moved the farthest from their original seat!

Consider incorporating “mandatory layovers” for students who have answered a set number of questions correctly (3-5) in a row by making them sit down to give other students a chance to move.

Test prep time can be a fun and engaging experience for your students with these interactive activities! Looking for more test prep ideas for your middle school students? Check out these resources:

• 3 Review Games to Help Your Middle School Students Prepare for Testing 

• 5 Popular Test Review Games For Middle Schoolers

• December ELA Activities to Keep Students Engaged

The post Review Games To Make Test Prep Fun appeared first on Read to Lead.

Key tip: We recommend letting students choose a few books that pique their interest. Why? Because book choice is key to student agency and motivation.

Now, let’s get into our top middle school books to promote Anti Bullying. 

Out of My Mind, Sharon M. Draper

Melody knows she’s not like most people. For starters, she cannot walk or talk, but she has a photogenic memory and can remember everything she’s ever experienced.  She is brilliant but dismissed as mentally challenged by her classmates in her integrated classroom because she cannot tell them otherwise. In a true display of courage, Melody refuses to be defined by her disorder, cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.

This book is great for grades 5 and older. 

Confessions of a Former Bully, Beth Adams

Ever wonder what goes on in the mind of someone who bullies? What if you’re the bully? Katie never thought of herself as a bully. She may occasionally exclude kids from games or say some harsh things to her friends every once and a while but it’s not like she ever got physical with anyone. So what’s the big deal, right? After Katie gets caught teasing a schoolmate, she faces consequences for her actions. The consequences help Katie realize that bullying has hurt not only the people around her, but her, too. And that words can hurt. Told from the unusual perspective of the aggressor, Confessions of a Former Bully provides kids with real life tips and tools they can use to help identify and overcome emotional bullying. 

This book is great for students in middle school.

Wonder, R.J. Palacio

August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. The book begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. Dubbed “a meditation on kindness”—this book will ensure that every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

This book is best for grades 5-7

The Adventures of Emery Jones Boy Science Wonder, Charles and Elsheba Johnson

Emery Jones is a genius. He even built a robot butler to get out of doing his chores. Despite his brains, however, Emery’s life isn’t easy. The other students don’t understand him, and that makes them lash out at him. When Emery accidentally sends one of the students who bullied him 190 million years back in time, he must figure out how to save him…or even if he wants to.

Told from the perspective of Emery’s best friend, Gabby, The Adventures of Emery Jones is sure to thrill and delight students. Combining an engaging story with real, tough lessons about responsibility and forgiveness, this book is an excellent way to open up discussions with students about the impact of words. 

This book is best for students in grades 5-9. 

The Survival Guide to Bullying, Aija Mayrock

The Survival Guide to Bullying covers everything from cyberbullying to how to deal with fear and how to create the life you dream of having. From inspiring “roems” (rap poems), survival tips, personal stories, and quick quizzes, this book will light the way to a brighter future for students from all walks of life. 

This book is best for grades 5 and up. 

What books would you recommend to promote Anti-Bullying? Share your top picks below in the comments section.

The post Top Books to Promote Anti-Bullying appeared first on Read to Lead.

Keep reading to find out why teachers are assigning Read to Lead over the summer instead of a book list! 

Deeply Engage and Combat Learning Loss

The long break from school is refreshing for students and teachers no doubt, but along with this comes the dreaded summer slide. Going weeks without picking up a book or doing anything more stimulating than watching YouTube videos can be detrimental, but motivating students to continue their learning through their vacations can be a challenge. That’s why educators love Read to Lead learning games as a way to combat summer learning loss!

Fun – check!

Engaging – check!

Educational – check!

Builds literacy and leadership skills – check!

Choose from a library of immersive learning games depending on the skills your students need to polish up or assign summer reading playlists based on Lexile range, grade level, or career paths. The interactive platform engages students’ hearts and minds and working through different storylines captures their imagination – they won’t even notice they’re reading 5,000 words in the course of each game! Trust us, this will be one summer vacation homework that your students will be begging for!

Know Where Each Student Stands

What if there was a way to know where each of your new students stand before the school year even started? Read to Lead’s data reports lets you keep track of students’ progress even when you’re not physically in the classroom with them!

Use the Class Progress Report to track which episodes students have completed and the specific reading standard associated with it. For more in-depth information on individual student performance within the class, tap into the Performance Report. This feature can also be used to group students of different capabilities and offer tailored support and guidance on specific tasks or reading standards. Get a laser-focused look at each student’s progress and performance with the Student Activity Report. Check out the time they spent on each task, how well they performed on each task, and even review their written responses from this dashboard. With such detailed student performance reports that show exactly how each student is performing, you’ll know how best to support them in the new school year! Way to start the year off on the right foot!

Build Social-Emotional Learning & Encourage Career Exploration

Summer is not just a time for students to close learning gaps and play catch up with schoolwork – it is also a great opportunity to nurture the whole child. Build students’ social emotional-learning (SEL) while giving them a taste of what it’s like to be “the boss” in an interactive virtual workplace with Read to Lead.

How do you decide how to allocate finances within a tight budget?What’s the best way to mobilize volunteers and distribute resources in a crisis?When there is a conflict between staff members, how can you resolve the situation fairly and keep the peace?

Students tackle difficult questions like these and navigate complex challenges within different workplaces as they get a better understanding of some career options and the skills necessary to thrive in the modern workplace. Read to Lead offers students a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them as they cultivate essential life skills through summer reading.

There’s no reason reading in summer needs to be a chore for students. Fun, engaging, and enriching – Read to Lead is the quintessential summer reading companion for your students! Sign up today for a free educator account and get started building your students’ literacy, life, and career skills!

The post Summer Reading with Read to Lead appeared first on Read to Lead.

This means allowing students to see themselves in their learning is more important than ever. This summer, our favorite summer reading picks for 5-9th graders features authors of different backgrounds, books that explore relevant social issues, and tackle challenges that middle schoolers may face in their every day lives. Read on for our top picks for middle schoolers!

Looking for a specific grade? Skip ahead to our 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade and 9th grade reading lists.

5th Grade Reading List

What should our 5th graders be reading this summer? Don’t worry we have some recommendations!

Measuring Up, Lily LaMotte & Ann Xu

Twelve-year-old Cici has just made a major life change – her family has moved to Seattle from Taiwan.  The only thing she wants more than to fit into her new life is to celebrate her grandmother’s 70th birthday. Since Cici’s grandmother is still in Taiwan, she hatches a plan to surprise her parents by winning the grand prize in a kids’ cooking contest to help pay for her grandmother’s ticket!

Cici navigates the blending of her Taiwanese culture and her new American identity with heart and bravery and author Lila LaMotte explores the minority experience as well as theme of identity, racial insensitivity and dealing with microaggressions. Artfully written, this book lends itself to being the jumping off point to discuss deeper issues like racism, anti-Asian sentiments, and inclusion. 

You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P.! by Alex Gino

Social justice is an increasingly relevant topic, and You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P.! is an excellent introduction for 5th-grade students. Tackling big issues like deaf culture and white privilege, this book takes students on Jilly’s journey of discovering she doesn’t know everything, and how to learn from her mistakes to do better. This is definitely a book that will spark discussions on a variety of pertinent issues in a way that is relevant and relatable for students.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This #1 New York Times Best Seller follows the story of 10-year old August Pullman, a normal boy in every way, except for his facial anomalies. As “Auggie” enters 5th grade in a mainstream school for the first time, he faces some of the same challenges that any 5th grader would face – making friends, fitting in, and being themselves. 5th graders are sure to see themselves reflected in the characters in this moving, engaging and heartwarming book. Bonus – The book has been adapted into a movie that students can enjoy alongside the book.

Old Enough to Save the Planet by Loll Kirby (Author), and Adelina Lirius (Illustrator)

Inspire your 5th graders to get involved in saving the Earth with this beautifully illustrated book. Featuring the stories of 12 young activists from around the world from New York to Australia, this non-fiction book highlights how even kids can do their part to address the climate crisis. The gorgeous illustrations are a lovely addition and will surely captivate even reluctant readers. 

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work by Tiffany Jewell

Another great social justice book for middle school readers, This Book is Anti-Racist is sure to inspire the acitvist in our students. Presented in an accessible manner that meets students at their level, this book explores identity, history, taking action and responding to racism, and working in solidarity with others in four sections. Activities included at the end of each chapter also encourage students to get involved in doing anti-racist work – this is not a book for students who want to sit back and do nothing!

Siha Tooskin Knows the Strength of His Hair by Charlene & Wilson Bearhead

Starting at a new school is always hard – even more so when your new classmates don’t know much about your culture, values and history. In this captivating story, students learn more about Nakota culture through 11-year-old Siha Tooskin as he deals with challenges in fitting in at his new school. Bonus – If your students enjoyed this, they will surely love reading about more of Siha Tooskin’s adventures in the rest of the series.

Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager

Representation matters, and it is important to introduce our students to diversity and inclusion even in the books they read. In this groundbreaking publication, author Sarah Prager shines the spotlight on fifty people from the LGBTQ+ community who have made a difference in history. It is a great introduction to the accomplishments and achievements of LGBTQ+ people, and a way to help young readers understand more about their contributions to our community.

Community in Crisis, Read to Lead

We’re cheating (just a little) with this recommendation, but if your students are struggling to even pick up a book during summer, Community in Crisis could change their mind about reading. Designed to meet anchor standards and supports Lexile range for 5th grade, Community in Crisis is the second series on the Read to Lead game-based learning platform. By working through each game in the series, students read the equivalent of 5,000 words, and interact with a diverse array of characters. Game-based learning is also a great way to drive student interest, and motivation. Sign up for a free account and get your students started with their summer reading program.

6th Grade Reading List

We believe belonging is the missing piece in the fight for diversity and inclusion. We know that research shows that students who report high levels of sense of belonging to the school environment experience positive educational outcomes. This means elevating Black and Brown voices, teaching culturally relevant content, and allowing students to see themselves in their learning is more important than ever. That’s why this summer, our favorite summer reading picks for 6th grade features authors of different backgrounds, books that explore relevant social issues, and tackle challenges that middle schoolers may face in their lives.

Now, let’s get to our recommendations for multicultural books for 6th grade summer reading!

Class Act by Jerry Craft

It’s never easy to be the new kid in school but what about one of the few kids of color in a prestigious private school?  Follow Drew in this laugh-out-loud funny and important coming of age story from New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft. Bonus – this book follows Jerry Craft’s first book, New Kid, which follows Jordan around through similar struggles as a new kid at a private school. 

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Students may be aware of the issue of undocumented immigrants in the US, but in Efrén Divided, they see the reality that American-born children may face when someone in their family is deported. Giving readers insights about the many struggles Mexican-American families face in a way that is heartfelt and moving, this book is sure to spark many important and meaningful conversations among middle schoolers. Bonus – The author’s website includes a free comprehensive resource guide for Efrén Divided.

Kira-Kira, by Cynthia Kadohata

Kira-Kira tells the story of Katie’s experiences as a Japanese-American growing up in a small town in rural Georgia in the 1950s, where looking different comes with very real consequences. In this touching tale, author Cynthia Kadohata expertly explores themes such as racism, grief, prejudice through the lens of a young girl. This book can also serve as a launchpad for discussions around anti-Asian hate, workplace discrimination, and other similar contemporary issues.

Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson

A beautifully written memoir in verse form, Brown Girl Dreaming tells the story of Jacqueline Woodson growing up as a Black American in the 1960s. Through compelling poems, Jacqueline recounts grappling with the remnants of the Jim Crow laws and the impacts of the Civil Rights Movement. This book is both an excellent way to introduce students to poetry as a form of story-telling and dig into discussions around current social movements such as Black Lives Matter and social justice issues.

Greta’s Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet, by Valentina Camerini (Author), and Veronica Carratello (Illustrator)

You are never too young to make a difference. That’s the main message in Greta’s Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet, an unofficial biography of Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old climate activist. An easy and inspiring read that will encourage young readers to start taking action to address climate change, this book includes a glossary of important dates in history related to environmental issues and a section on how students can get involved to save the planet.

Accidental Trouble Magnet: Book 1 (Planet Omar Series), by Zanib Mian

Approaching sensitive topics such as change and bullying with humor and innocence, Accidental Trouble Magnet is the first book in the Planet Omar Series. Featuring a young Muslim protagonist, this book takes readers on the ups and downs of navigating a new school, making friends, and more, all while sharing snippets of life as a Muslim. With superb illustrations that keep the story moving forward, this is a great option for reluctant readers. Bonus – Follow Omar on other adventures through the rest of the Planet Omar series.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes – Police Brutality

What happens when a 12-year-old Black boy is killed by a police officer for playing with a toy gun? Ghost Boys explores difficult but timely themes like racism, police brutality, and gun violence in a way that is honest yet age-appropriate for middle schoolers. This book is a poignant read that will prompt students to delve further into social justice issues. Bonus: This book included discussion questions for students to reflect on the story and relate it to their own lives.

Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets, by Gayle E Pitman

The Stonewall Riots are an important part of LGBTQIA+ activism, and this gorgeously illustrated book explores some of the events before, during, and after the riots. Presented in a unique way that features newspaper reports, objects, and pictures from the time, Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets shares information about the LGBTQIA+ movement in an easy-to-digest and informative way. A great introductory read for students which showcases an often marginalized community, this book is a must if you are looking for diverse books for middle school.

Community in Crisis, Read to Lead

Students struggling to even pick up a book during summer?  Read to Lead: Community in Crisis is an excellent way for students to keep reading while playing games. Designed to meet anchor standards and supporting Lexile range for 6th grade, Community in Crisis is the first series on the Read to Lead game-based learning platform. Students read 5,000 words and interact with diverse characters in each game in the series (there are 12 games in all!). Game-based learning is also a great way to drive student interest and motivation, especially during summertime. Sign up for a free account and get your students started with their summer reading program.

7th Grade Reading List

There are so many good choices out there for middle school summer reading this year! To help you cut through the clutter, here are our top choices for 7th grade summer reading.

A Place to Belong, by Cynthia Kadohata

In A Place to Belong, students have the opportunity to learn about a lesser known time in American and Japanese history following WW2. The book follows a young Hanako who is bewildered and hurt. America, the only home she’s ever known, has forced her family to move to Japan in a post WW2 world. The country is in shambles, making Hanako feel as though she could crack under the pressure of it all until she learns about the ancient tradition of kintsukuroi- fixing broken objects with gold lacquer, making them stronger and more beautiful than ever. Students will learn to understand and empathize with realities of war, and the power of overcoming adversity in this heart felt book. 

Counting by the 7s, Holly Goldberg Sloan

Sometimes you just have to swim against the tide. This story expertly weaves the struggles of neurodivergence, mental health, adoption, and loss in an engaging, digestible format for 7th graders. Twelve-year-old genius, Willow Chance is obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions and finds it comforting to count by 7s. Her life was mostly quiet and happy alongside her adoptive parents until it was suddenly turned upside down with the death of her parents. Your class will learn from and celebrate with Willow as she learns to endearingly push through her grief to find a diverse surrogate family in the wake of her heartache.

Baseball in April and Other Stories, by Gary Soto

In this collection of eleven short stories, author Gary Soto draws on his own experiences as a Mexican-American growing up in California to share captivating anecdotes about life as an adolescent. These stories take readers through a whole gamut of emotions – some are funny, some sad, some dramatic – but they all have a lesson to share around themes such as growing up, dealing with challenges, and friendships. This book is excellent for students who are struggling to read longer novels!

Goodbye Stranger, by Rebecca Stead

7th grade can be a confusing time for kids – navigating friendships, having “first crushes,” discovering self-expression. Goodbye Stranger explores these themes and more through strong characters and authentic storytelling that will draw in readers. This book is also well-poised to kick off conversations with students about using social media and texting responsibly and the consequences that their actions have, not just for them but others around them as well.

George, by Alex Gino

The New York Times Book Review describes George as “timely, touching…[and] the most right-now book imaginable.” Following the journey of Melissa, a transgender girl whom the rest of the world sees as George, this book is an insightful read for anyone who has ever felt different. It is an excellent starting point to explore issues such as gender, acceptance, and the trans community and the struggles they face. A must-read!

One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet, by Anuradha Rao

What does an environmental defender look like? Like any one of us! In One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet, author Anuradha Rao highlights a diverse selection of youth activists worldwide working to save the environment. These stories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who are all doing their part to save the Earth are sure to inspire and motivate students to take action.

A Good Kind of Trouble, by Lisa Moore Ramee

Twelve-year-old Shayla just wants to get through 7th grade without getting into trouble, but she quickly realizes that some things are worth breaking the rules for. In this genuine and relatable novel, students explore complex themes like right and wrong, social justice, racism, and more — a coming of age story set against the backdrop of bigger societal issues. A Good Kind of Trouble is a suitable starting point for students to have deeper conversations about current events, the Black Lives Matter movement, and their own role in dismantling harmful systems.

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

Education is something most of us take for granted in the US, but not in Pakistan. In the autobiographical I Am Malala, the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai recounts her experience of being shot by the Taliban when she stood up for her right to be educated. This book provides good context to the conflict and oppression in the Middle East while highlighting the importance of women’s rights and education. Students are sure to be inspired by Malala’s journey and her continual efforts to stand up for what she believes in!

When You Trap a Tiger, by Tae Keller

Winner of multiple awards, including the 2021 Newbery Medal, When You Trap a Tiger weaves Korean folklore with magical realism in this compelling read. Readers get glimpses into Korean culture and history while delving into themes like grief, identity, and family history. This is sure to be a favorite among students who enjoy fantasy, unique storytelling, and will leave them questioning what’s real and imagined!  

Vital Signs, Read to Lead

Some kids might have a hard time even picking up a book during summer, and that’s where Read to Lead: Vital Signs could come in handy. Designed to meet anchor standards and catered to the Lexile range for 7th grade, Vital Signs is the second series on the Read to Lead game-based learning platform. Not only do students read approximately 5,000 words by working through each game in the series, but they also interact with diverse characters and learn more about a variety of career options. Game-based learning is also a great way to drive student interest and motivation. Sign up for a free account and get your students started with their summer reading program.

8th Grade Reading List

It’s critical for students to “see themselves” in classroom materials, including in summer reading lists. That’s why, for our 8th grade reading picks, we’ve included books by people of color, and that feature diverse characters from a variety of backgrounds. We’ve also selected works that explore relevant social issues, and highlight the challenges that middle schoolers face in their lives.

Without further fan fare, our 8th grade summer reading recommendations!

Heartstopper,  Volume 1, Alice Oseman

This coming of age story follows two unlikely friends, shy and softhearted Charlie and the school’s rugby star, Nick. The pair become quick best friends, but Charlie starts to wonder if there might be something more between them or if he’s just imagining things. Students will recognize the different ways love and relationships interact through Charlie and Nick’s friendship. BONUS – This is a four part installment!

The Skin I’m In, by Sharon G. Flake

How do you fit in when the color of your skin makes you stand out? In this eye-opening book, author Sharon G. Flake explores themes of colorism, self-esteem, bullying, and trying to fit in from the perspective of a dark-skinned African American girl. An excellent coming of age story that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they have been treated differently because of superficial characteristics, The Skin I’m In will definitely show readers what it means to love the skin you’re in.

The Year I Didn’t Eat, by Samuel Pollen

Eating disorders don’t just affect girls and women; boys and men can also suffer from them. In this important book, author Samuel Pollen writes from his own personal experiences about a boy who suffers from anorexia. Addressing serious issues like disordered eating and mental illness, The Year I Didn’t Eat is equal parts humorous, heartbreaking and hopeful. This book can serve as a springboard for timely conversations with students around diet culture, coping with mental illness, and the importance of having supportive networks.

Indian No More, by Charlene Willing Mcmanis

What do you do when your government decides that your identity no longer exists? Indian No More is set during the Civil Rights Era against the backdrop of the Indian Termination Policy, which aimed to “assimilate” Native Americans into mainstream American culture by dismantling tribal sovereignty. Exploring a part of history that is often overlooked, this book authentically portrays themes such as racism, identity, and heritage in an authentic and engaging way. A heartfelt story that will leave students pondering what it really means to be “American”.

American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang 

Comicbook lovers are sure to enjoy Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel that masterfully weaves the stories of a Chinese-American, a Chinese immigrant student, and a character from Chinese fables together in an entertaining story. American Born Chinese takes on topics like racism, embracing one’s heritage, self-acceptance, and dealing with insecurities in a funny and enjoyable way, which will make it a hit among students. Bonus points for the unexpected twist that will take readers by surprise!

Color Me In, by Natasha Diaz

Being a teenager is tough enough, but things get even tougher for Nevaeh Levitz when her Black mom and Jewish dad split up, and she’s forced to confront her biracial identity. Author Natasha Diaz expertly tells the tale of a girl who has to confront the privilege she’s born with, how she finds her voice and uses it to advocate for people around her. This beautifully written novel is sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings and encourage them to reflect on their own positions in society.

The ABC’s of LGBT+: (Gender Identity Book for Teens, Teen & Young Adult LGBT Issues) by Ashley Mardell

Knowledge is the key to understanding and acceptance. The ABC’s of LGBT+ is a resource for anyone who wants to learn more about gender identity and sexuality. With its own dictionary and glossary, this book is a great starting point for LGBT+ people and allies seeking to better understand this marginalized community. Perfect for students who may be going through phases of exploration, self-discovery, or even just wanting to empathize and broaden their perspectives of people different from themselves.

The Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect with Others (Near & Far) to Create Social Change by Barbara A. Lewis 

There’s no rule that you have to be an adult to change the world – The Teen Guide to Global Action is just the book students need to get started on their journey to be changemakers in their communities. With a diverse collection of stories about real-life youth “Difference Makers”, this book is sure to inspire students. It also includes suggestions on how they can help solve community problems, and create a real impact in the world. The ideal summer read to motivate students to get involved in activism and social justice issues!

Vital Signs, Read to Lead

Our recommendation for reluctant readers is not really a book, but it’s a surefire way to get them reading! Read to Lead: Vital Signs, the second series on the game-based learning platform, is designed to meet anchor standards and is catered to the Lexile range for 8th grade. With each game completed, students rack up approximately 5,000 words read, all while interacting with diverse characters and learning more about different careers. Game-based learning is also a  fantastic way to drive student interest and motivation. Get your students started with their summer reading program by signing up for a free account!

We hope this summer reading list encourages students to explore diverse books, expand their minds, and open themselves up to new perspectives. These multicultural books for middle schoolers that feature diverse viewpoints will surely inspire and engage them to keep reading during summer.

9th Grade Reading List

Being a teenager is tough, even more so in 9th grade, when it feels like the adults “just don’t get it”. That’s why it’s critical for students to see themselves reflected in classroom materials, including in summer reading lists. 

Our summer reading list for 9th grade features a variety of BIPOC authors and diverse characters from a variety of backgrounds. We’ve also selected works that explore relevant social issues, and highlight the challenges that new high schoolers face in their lives (because who couldn’t use a little extra help navigating the first year of high school?)

Now, let’s get to the 9th grade summer reading recommendations!

Deepfake, Sarah Darer Littman

Deepfake explores the realities of cyber security and social media, challenging students to be critical of what they post, consume and believe online. The book centers around Dara and Will, Greenpoint High’s biggest overachievers. They’re in an intense competition for the title of ‘valedictorian’ until a video of Dara accusing Will of cheating on the SATs goes viral. The only problem? Dara swears she never said any of those things even though she’s clearly pictured in the video. Your students will learn the dangers and complexities of misinformation on the internet, making this a great jumping off point for critical thinking discussions.  

The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas

This timely and poignant read follows sixteen-year-old Starr Carter who lives her life between two worlds, her poor neighborhood and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. Starr finds it difficult to navigate with ease between these two alternate realities but her fragile balance is shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of a friend at the hands of a police officer. 

Students will get a narrative, first-hand account of everyday life and issues in current America. This book is a great class-wide conversation starter. 

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, by Sonia Manzano

The story of a Puerto Rican teenager set against the backdrop of the late-1960s civil rights movement for Latino self-determination, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano brings to light the struggles of an often overlooked community. Author Sonia Manzano deftly explores themes such as activism and finding one’s voice while giving readers insight into the lives of the Puerto Rican community in the US. This is a great coming of age novel that is equal parts funny, poignant and inspiring – a must-read!

145th Street: Short Stories, by Walter Dean Myers

Life on 145th Street, Harlem isn’t what you’d expect. In this collection of ten stories, award-winning author Walter Dean Myers paints a multi-faceted picture of life as Harlem’s residents experience it. Different characters tell tales of struggle, love, injustice, bravery – the good and the bad laid bare for all to see. This book is sure to engage readers who struggle with longer novels, and is an excellent gateway for discussions about issues that affect marginalized communities.

The Magic Fish, by Trung Le Nguyen

A book that is sure to become a favorite of graphic novel lovers, The Magic Fish relates the story of Tiến, a Vietnamese-American boy who grapples with how to come out to his family. Author Trung Le Nguyen uses beautiful illustrations to seamlessly weave together past and present, and fairy tales and reality, in an enjoyable and poignant read. This novel explores themes of family, queerness, and love in a way that is heartfelt, meaningful and genuine, and bound to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to connect with their family, or had a secret.

If I Ever Get Out of Here, by Eric Gansworth

Genuine and relatable characters, a captivating storyline, plus humor and heart thrown in – If I Ever Get Out of Here will be a hit among 9th graders, for sure! Readers follow Lewis “Shoe” Blake who lives on the Tuscarora Indian reservation as he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and finds joy and connection in rock ’n’ roll. This is an engaging coming-of-age story that tackles a variety of issues like poverty, racism, and standing up for yourself, while educating readers about the complexities of life as a Native American.

This Is My America, by Kim Johnson

Life in America can be difficult, unfair and unjust, particularly if you’re Black. This page-turner opens with protagonist Tracy Beaumont trying to get her innocent father off death row, when her brother gets accused for the murder of a white girl. A powerful exploration of systemic racism, mass incarceration, and the failings of the criminal justice system, This Is My America will open students’ eyes to the world they live in. A relevant read, particularly in the context of social justice and BLM movements, this book is definitely a top recommendation.

Patron Saints of Nothing, by Randy Ribay

The gripping journey an American-Filipino teenager undertakes to discover the truth about his cousin’s murder, Patron Saints of Nothing will have readers hanging on to every page. Taking on difficult topics like grief, drugs, privilege and more, this book provides a glimpse into issues affecting the Philippines and the immigrant experience of being neither-here-nor-there. This is an impactful and meaningful read that 9th graders are sure to appreciate, and can be used to open discussions about more mature themes. 

Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something That Matters by Laurie Ann Thompson

Our youth can change the world, and this book tells them how. Be a Changemaker is a definitive guide for students who are interested in creating change in their communities and positively impacting others around them. Filled with inspiring stories of youth changemakers around the world, as well as practical tips on building teams, planning events and pitching ideas, this book is likely to become the handbook for youth changemakers everywhere. The ideal summer read to motivate students to get involved in activism and social justice issues!

After the Storm, Read to Lead

Struggling to get reluctant readers to even pick up a book? Read to Lead: After the Storm is not a book, but it sure will get students reading! After the Storm is the third series on the game-based learning platform, and with each game completed, students rack up approximately 5,000 words read. It’s designed to meet anchor standards and is catered to the Lexile range for 9th grade, in addition to allowing students to interact with diverse characters and learn more about different careers. Game-based learning is also a fantastic way to drive student interest and motivation. Get your students started with their summer reading program by signing up for a free account!

Inspiration and engagement are crucial to keeping students reading during summer. We hope these multicultural books encourage them to explore diverse books, expand their minds, and open themselves up to new perspectives.

Summer reading lists are a wonderful starting point to encourage students to explore diverse books, expand their minds, and open themselves up to new perspectives. We hope that these multicultural books for middle schoolers that feature diverse viewpoints will inspire and engage them to keep reading during summer.

What are your top picks for 5-9th graders this summer? We’d love to hear from you! Share your top picks below in the comments section.

The post Top Summer Reading Lists for Grades 5-9 appeared first on Read to Lead.

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the dreaded summer slide. Reading lists are a great way to help students stay on top of their reading, and allow them to explore diverse themes and areas of interest. But what should our 6th graders be reading this summer?

We believe belonging is the missing piece in the fight for diversity and inclusion. We know that research shows that students who report high levels of sense of belonging to the school environment experience positive educational outcomes. This means elevating Black and Brown voices, teaching culturally relevant content, and allowing students to see themselves in their learning is more important than ever. That’s why this summer, our favorite summer reading picks for 6th grade features authors of different backgrounds, books that explore relevant social issues, and tackle challenges that middle schoolers may face in their lives.

While we would love for our students to read all the books on this list, we recommend letting students choose a few that pique their interest. Why? Because book choice is key to student agency and motivation.

Now, let’s get to our recommendations for multicultural books for 6th grade summer reading!

Class Act by Jerry Craft

It’s never easy to be the new kid in school but what about one of the few kids of color in a prestigious private school?  Follow Drew in this laugh-out-loud funny and important coming of age story from New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft. Bonus – this book follows Jerry Craft’s first book, New Kid, which follows Jordan around through similar struggles as a new kid at a private school. 

Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Students may be aware of the issue of undocumented immigrants in the US, but in Efrén Divided, they see the reality that American-born children may face when someone in their family is deported. Giving readers insights about the many struggles Mexican-American families face in a way that is heartfelt and moving, this book is sure to spark many important and meaningful conversations among middle schoolers. Bonus – The author’s website includes a free comprehensive resource guide for Efrén Divided.

Kira-Kira, by Cynthia Kadohata

Kira-Kira tells the story of Katie’s experiences as a Japanese-American growing up in a small town in rural Georgia in the 1950s, where looking different comes with very real consequences. In this touching tale, author Cynthia Kadohata expertly explores themes such as racism, grief, prejudice through the lens of a young girl. This book can also serve as a launchpad for discussions around anti-Asian hate, workplace discrimination, and other similar contemporary issues.

Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson

A beautifully written memoir in verse form, Brown Girl Dreaming tells the story of Jacqueline Woodson growing up as a Black American in the 1960s. Through compelling poems, Jacqueline recounts grappling with the remnants of the Jim Crow laws and the impacts of the Civil Rights Movement. This book is both an excellent way to introduce students to poetry as a form of story-telling and dig into discussions around current social movements such as Black Lives Matter and social justice issues.

Greta’s Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet, by Valentina Camerini (Author), and Veronica Carratello (Illustrator)

You are never too young to make a difference. That’s the main message in Greta’s Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet, an unofficial biography of Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old climate activist. An easy and inspiring read that will encourage young readers to start taking action to address climate change, this book includes a glossary of important dates in history related to environmental issues and a section on how students can get involved to save the planet.

Accidental Trouble Magnet: Book 1 (Planet Omar Series), by Zanib Mian

Approaching sensitive topics such as change and bullying with humor and innocence, Accidental Trouble Magnet is the first book in the Planet Omar Series. Featuring a young Muslim protagonist, this book takes readers on the ups and downs of navigating a new school, making friends, and more, all while sharing snippets of life as a Muslim. With superb illustrations that keep the story moving forward, this is a great option for reluctant readers. Bonus – Follow Omar on other adventures through the rest of the Planet Omar series.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes – Police Brutality

What happens when a 12-year-old Black boy is killed by a police officer for playing with a toy gun? Ghost Boys explores difficult but timely themes like racism, police brutality, and gun violence in a way that is honest yet age-appropriate for middle schoolers. This book is a poignant read that will prompt students to delve further into social justice issues. Bonus: This book included discussion questions for students to reflect on the story and relate it to their own lives.

Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets, by Gayle E Pitman

The Stonewall Riots are an important part of LGBTQIA+ activism, and this gorgeously illustrated book explores some of the events before, during, and after the riots. Presented in a unique way that features newspaper reports, objects, and pictures from the time, Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets shares information about the LGBTQIA+ movement in an easy-to-digest and informative way. A great introductory read for students which showcases an often marginalized community, this book is a must if you are looking for diverse books for middle school.

Community in Crisis, Read to Lead

For students who are struggling to even pick up a book during summer, Read to Lead: Community in Crisis is an excellent way for students to keep reading while playing games. Designed to meet anchor standards and supporting Lexile range for 6th grade, Community in Crisis is the first series on the Read to Lead game-based learning platform. Students read 5,000 words and interact with diverse characters in each game in the series (there are 12 games in all!). Game-based learning is also a great way to drive student interest and motivation, especially during summertime. Sign up for a free account and get your students started with their summer reading program.

We hope that these diverse books for middle schoolers will allow your students to see themselves in their learning and inspire what is possible.

Have a book you love recommending to 6th graders? We’d love to hear from you! Share your top picks below – we plan on making a list of the top picks from our community!

The post Top Summer Reading List for 6th Grade appeared first on Read to Lead.

We’ve chosen to highlight books that celebrate diversity and inclusivity, explore relevant social issues, and tackle the challenges that middle schoolers may face in their lives. While we would love for our students to read all the books on this list, we recommend letting students choose a few that pique their interest. Why? Because book choice is key to student agency and motivation.

Now, let’s get to the 5th-grade summer reading recommendations!

1.Measuring Up, Lily LaMotte & Ann Xu

Twelve-year-old Cici has just made a major life change – her family has moved to Seattle from Taiwan.  The only thing she wants more than to fit into her new life is to celebrate her grandmother’s 70th birthday. Since Cici’s grandmother is still in Taiwan, she hatches a plan to surprise her parents by winning the grand prize in a kids’ cooking contest to help pay for her grandmother’s ticket!

Cici navigates the blending of her Taiwanese culture and her new American identity with heart and bravery and author Lila LaMotte explores the minority experience as well as theme of identity, racial insensitivity and dealing with microaggressions. Artfully written, this book lends itself to being the jumping off point to discuss deeper issues like racism, anti-Asian sentiments, and inclusion. 

2. You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P.! by Alex Gino

Social justice is an increasingly relevant topic, and You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P.! is an excellent introduction for 5th-grade students. Tackling big issues like deaf culture and white privilege, this book takes students on Jilly’s journey of discovering she doesn’t know everything, and how to learn from her mistakes to do better. This is definitely a book that will spark discussions on a variety of pertinent issues in a way that is relevant and relatable for students.

3. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This #1 New York Times Best Seller follows the story of 10-year old August Pullman, a normal boy in every way, except for his facial anomalies. As “Auggie” enters 5th grade in a mainstream school for the first time, he faces some of the same challenges that any 5th grader would face – making friends, fitting in, and being themselves. 5th graders are sure to see themselves reflected in the characters in this moving, engaging and heartwarming book. Bonus – The book has been adapted into a movie that students can enjoy alongside the book.

4. Old Enough to Save the Planet by Loll Kirby (Author), and Adelina Lirius (Illustrator)

Inspire your 5th graders to get involved in saving the Earth with this beautifully illustrated book. Featuring the stories of 12 young activists from around the world from New York to Australia, this non-fiction book highlights how even kids can do their part to address the climate crisis. The gorgeous illustrations are a lovely addition and will surely captivate even reluctant readers. 

5. This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work by Tiffany Jewell

Another great social justice book for middle school readers, This Book is Anti-Racist is sure to inspire the acitvist in our students. Presented in an accessible manner that meets students at their level, this book explores identity, history, taking action and responding to racism, and working in solidarity with others in four sections. Activities included at the end of each chapter also encourage students to get involved in doing anti-racist work – this is not a book for students who want to sit back and do nothing!

6. Siha Tooskin Knows the Strength of His Hair by Charlene & Wilson Bearhead

Starting at a new school is always hard – even more so when your new classmates don’t know much about your culture, values and history. In this captivating story, students learn more about Nakota culture through 11-year-old Siha Tooskin as he deals with challenges in fitting in at his new school. Bonus – If your students enjoyed this, they will surely love reading about more of Siha Tooskin’s adventures in the rest of the series.

7. Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager

Representation matters, and it is important to introduce our students to diversity and inclusion even in the books they read. In this groundbreaking publication, author Sarah Prager shines the spotlight on fifty people from the LGBTQ+ community who have made a difference in history. It is a great introduction to the accomplishments and achievements of LGBTQ+ people, and a way to help young readers understand more about their contributions to our community.

8. Community in Crisis, Read to Lead

We’re cheating (just a little) with this recommendation, but if your students are struggling to even pick up a book during summer, Community in Crisis could change their mind about reading. Designed to meet anchor standards and supports Lexile range for 5th grade, Community in Crisis is the second series on the Read to Lead game-based learning platform. By working through each game in the series, students read the equivalent of 5,000 words, and interact with a diverse array of characters. Game-based learning is also a great way to drive student interest, and motivation. Sign up for a free account and get your students started with their summer reading program.

Summer is the perfect time for students to explore a wide array of books, and being exposed to diverse books in middle school will help them expand their worldviews and open their minds. We hope that these multicultural books for kids that feature incredibly diverse viewpoints will inspire and engage them to keep reading during summer.

Know of a great book for 5th graders? We’d love to hear from you!

The post Top Summer Reading List for 5th Grade appeared first on Read to Lead.

Read to Lead and a team of BlackRock FIT volunteers are joining forces to develop a suite of four online learning games that inspire students to strengthen their literacy and leadership skills, explore careers in the financial services industry, and build knowledge on how to make informed financial decisions in their future.

With a generous grant of $50,000 from the BlackRock Employee Network Grant Program, Read to Lead and BlackRock FIT volunteers are engaging in a deeply collaborative game development process. In the initial ideation process, FIT volunteers are sharing their expertise to help Read to Lead create authentic workplace scenarios, characters, challenges, decision points, and consequences based on the realities finance professionals face – while developing important financial literacy and leadership skills along the way.

Following this period of deep collaboration, Read to Lead engineers and content developers will work on building the new learning games, with FIT volunteers playing the learning games and providing feedback. The volunteers will also join middle school students as they playtest the learning games and share their experiences working in financial services to help the students make direct connections between their gameplay and their futures. 

“As a founder of BlackRock’s Black Professional Network and a member of our Financial Inclusion Team, I would love to inspire more youth from across the country to gain exposure to careers in finance and develop the financial literacy and leadership skills they need to thrive in their future careers.” – Jabari Magnus, BlackRock Managing Director and Global Head of Portfolio Analytics.

“This is why we founded the FIT network in the first place: We wanted to mobilize our members to play an integral role in helping organizations like Read to Lead pioneer new ways of reaching and empowering students to achieve more secure financial futures and to envision themselves as leaders in the professional world.” – KC Boas, Director of Retirement Solutions at BlackRock.

“Our partnership with BlackRock’s FIT network is essential to expanding the Read to Lead game universe and inspiring students to explore careers in finance. With a focus on asset management and goals-based investing, we are working together to demystify the world of finance, lowering the barriers to entry through a game-based learning approach. This collaboration will provide authentic and engaging content for broader career exploration for students across the country.” – Madison Kinnard, Read to Lead’s project lead for the partnership.

In each of these new learning games, students will become “the boss” in a financial services office, taking on the role of an asset manager. They’ll be encouraged to read closely, think critically, and solve authentic workplace challenges, all in alignment with reading standards and social-emotional learning skill development. To expand on the learning from the games, Read to Lead’s content and curriculum team will also develop lessons that build background knowledge about financial services, introduce new vocabulary, and pose debate questions that promote reflection, critical thinking, and discussion. 

Supported by the BlackRock FIT network’s holistic partnership, as well as a generous grant from the Max and Lorayne Cooper Foundation, Read to Lead will launch the new suite of online learning games by October 2022 – be sure to stay tuned for updates on this exciting collaboration!

About Read to Lead  

Read to Lead’s mission is to empower middle school students to develop their literacy, life, and career skills. Our unique model combines scenario-based learning games where students get to “be the boss” in an immersive professional workplace with a research-based curriculum. Since our founding in 1992, we have impacted more than one million students nationwide. Learn more at www.readtolead.org 

The post BlackRock’s Financial Inclusion Team and Read to Lead Join Forces to Create New Learning Games Set in the Finance World appeared first on Read to Lead.

You may be thinking… why should we be teaching about volunteering and community service in middle school?

The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning at Tufts University found that students who volunteer are more successful in school and more likely to graduate from high school and college than those who don’t volunteer. This may be because most service opportunities teach students essential life skills like planning, working in groups, interacting with diverse groups, and solving complex problems. It also gives students a purpose, and an outlet to find their passions and strengths. 

This week, we’re providing resources for teachers to be able to shine a light on the people and the causes that inspire us to serve. The world needs volunteers who donate their time, energy, and passion to the causes they care about and this starts with our students!

Ignite an interest in volunteerism for your students to make an impact on their own neighborhoods with our week-at-a-glance planner!

Snag it here to download!

Monday

Introduce the concept of Volunteerism through immersive game-play. 

Introduce students to community service organizations, volunteer work, career exploration, and social-emotional learning experiences through immersive gameplay with the Community in Crisis learning game.Start building their knowledge with this lesson plan.

Students take on the role of the “boss” at a community center as they read closely, think critically, lead a diverse team, and solve complex problems — all within the immersive context of a day at work.

Play Community in Crisis, learning game, Stranded! Answer key.

Tuesday

Inspire students to make a difference.

Have your students ask themselves: How can I make a difference in my community? Use our enrichment project to help them identify a cause they are passionate about and develop their own community service plan.

Use these lesson sessions to get your students excited about volunteering and community service.

Wednesday

Give students a front-row seat into community activism through career exploration.

Grab the popcorn and watch an on-demand Read to Lead: Live! session with Mary Walker, where students will get an inside look into the leadership journey of this passionate professional who discusses her role in corporate philanthropy to help nonprofits achieve their mission. 

If you thought the on-demand session was powerful, you have to catch a LIVE session! Sign up for the next one here!

Thursday

Spark deep class discussion.

Read to Lead: Live! always seems to spark deep questions and reflections for students about their passions, desires, challenges, and future.

Use this discussion guide to spark deep discussion and reflection with your students!

Friday

Connect to the real world.

Allow students to share their community service plans with their peers and start mobilizing their volunteer plans with an organization they feel a connection with.

Start with this comprehensive list of Volunteer Opportunities across the country.

And there you have it! Five full days of igniting an interest in community service for your middle school students. Whether you do all five days, or just one –  tell us how it goes with #NationalVolunteerWeek on Twitter and Instagram. Tag us to be featured –  @ReadtoLeadGames

Happy teaching!

The post Teaching National Volunteer Week appeared first on Read to Lead.

Engage Students in Relatable, Rigorous and Immersive Content

With Read to Lead, students immerse themselves in engaging storylines and work through complex decision-making processes. What advice do you give a student pharmacist about to graduate who is torn between two career paths? How do you balance a patient’s personal wishes against medical recommendations when it comes to taking a vaccine against COVID? In the wake of a hurricane, what is the best way to mobilize resources to help those in need?

In this interactive, game-based platform, students take on the role of a leader in an organization and navigate real-life scenarios in a virtual workplace. Each game completed on the platform is the equivalent of reading 3,000 – 5,000 words, and students develop literacy and life skills through standards-aligned gameplay. The games also include formative assessments that are differentiated to each student’s ability level and aligned to Common Core ELA standards. If you’re looking for fun, rigorous, and engaging test-prep material, Read to Lead has you covered!

Use Real-Time Performance Reports to Know Where Each Student Stands 

Part of the test prep process is keeping track of students’ performance so that you know where to differentiate learning and can step in to lend a hand when needed. But grading hundreds of student assessments is time-consuming and tedious.

Read to Lead allows you to spend less time grading with formative assessments that are automatically graded within the platform. Formative assessments are a useful tool for teachers to gauge student understanding and ability during the learning process, so that they can better cater to student needs. With this in mind, Read to Lead is designed with several features to help teachers track ELA growth.

The Gradebook feature shows how each student performed in each game and where they might need more practice or support. Get an overview of the class performance, or zoom in to each individual student for more detailed insights about their performance. Within the Gradebook view, teachers can review each individual student’s work to clearly understand students’ particular strengths and weaknesses. All reports can easily be saved as a PDF, printed out for quick reference, or emailed out as needed. With this deep understanding of where they stand, you can more effectively support your students to achieve better results during testing season.

The platform also allows you to generate Performance Reports not only for English Language Arts (ELA) skills but also Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in real-time so you always have a pulse on how each student is progressing. For a deeper dive at the class level, you can also choose to select specific ELA or SEL competencies from the dropdown menu. By selecting the skill you want to focus on, you can easily see at a glance how many students performed at the different levels – Beginner, Progressing, Strong, or Not Attempted. Additionally, you can track trends in your class performance based on specific ELA skills and evaluate how your class is performing over time.

Easily Differentiate Learning to Reach Students Where They Are

Every class has students of different needs and abilities, but this year, in particular, the differences are much more pronounced with students coming in after two years of remote and hybrid learning. It is not unusual to find a varied range of understanding or capabilities for different skills within a single class. That’s why many teachers are incorporating differentiated learning in their classrooms. But with over 25 students in each class, it’s hard to provide individual attention to each, and besides, who has time to create that many customized lesson plans?  

That’s why we created the Game Recommendations feature for Read to Lead games. Meet each student at their level and help them build their literacy and leadership skills gradually by using this incredible feature. Within the Performance Report tab, head over to Skill Insights to see the learning games the platform recommends for your students. The platform automatically takes into consideration their past performance and the skills they need more practice with to recommend suitable games, so you can be sure that your students will be effectively prepared for the testing season.

Test prep can be challenging, but with Read to Lead, you can make this whole process fun and effective, both for your students and yourself! Getting started with Read to Lead is easy – simply sign up for a free educator account, and dive right into your students’ best testing season yet! Click here to sign up for Read to Lead!

The post Making Test Prep Fun and Effective- Here’s how! appeared first on Read to Lead.