No Shhing Here

I recently shared a video on TikTok demonstrating how I used a VHS case to create a fake "book." I used the VHS case as a placeholder to represent that I had an ebook copy of a specific title. You can check out the video here. Below are the the directions I used on the back of the "book" and the copies that were placed inside the case. You can also download it as a PDF and then open in Adobe to edit. 

I'm really digging the "Put Your 2 Cents In" discussions strategy. It works great to help ensure that discussions are on task, students are taking turns and equitably contributing to the group.  Here's a  TikTok video overview.  If you want to use the sentence starters for your own discussions,  you can access a Google Slide here . To edit, just make a copy. 

Each year, the first activity I do with 9th graders is a "Speed Dating with Books" event. I decorate the library to look like a restaurant (tablecloths, vases with flowers, twinkle lights, mood music), and then students spend 3 minutes going from table to table to evaluate books.  Update: These lesson resources are available in my Teachers Pay Teacher store .