Fine, We Can Game-ify Reading (But No Gimmicks!) - BNT Team Meeting [S7 EP. 275]

Listen to the full episode below:

Consider this your official invite to our Brave New Teaching team meeting! We’re shaking things up and embracing a new format, because, well, this fall has been a wild ride, and we think this conversation is exactly what we all need! 

In this episode, we’re catching you up on life, sharing what’s happening in our classrooms and libraries, and talking about why fun and whimsy shouldn’t be optional. We’re finding that they’re absolutely necessary for bringing back the joy, especially when it comes to reading.

We dig into the not-so-secret struggles with getting students excited about books, our evolving thoughts on “gamifying” reading, and a few gimmicks that actually WORK…even if we’re still learning to love that word. From little resin ghosts to book exchanges and blind date-with-a-book pitches, we’re trading strategies and honest reflections on what it actually takes to cultivate a culture of joyful reading. 

Plus, we’re keeping it real about life outside of school, including the wins, the chaos, and why sometimes all you want to do is stare at a blank wall. Pour yourself some coffee and pull up a virtual chair, because this week’s team meeting is in session!

topics discussed:

  • Why we’re switching to a weekly, casual “team meeting” format, and what that means for you

  • The highs and lows of student reading culture

  • Leaning into gimmicks, gamification, and tiny resin ghosts: what actually gets students to pick up a book?

  • Practical classroom ideas for making reading feel fun again

  • Catching up: personal and professional curveballs, burnout, and keeping boundaries through busy seasons

  • What’s coming up next - including an Atlantic article on literacy we can’t wait to dig into (once we catch our breath!)

resources:

check out other bnt episodes:

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

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