Resistant Readers Need The Four Reading Realms: A Walkthrough - BNT Team Meeting [S7 EP. 283]

Listen to the full episode below:

Resistant readers are often reacting to confusion, not a lack of ability, and that’s exactly where the Four Reading Realms come in. In this episode, we walk through a framework Amanda developed to help students understand why they’re reading and what kind of thinking each task actually requires. When reading stops being a vague, one-size-fits-all expectation, students can finally bring the right energy to the work in front of them.

We explain how the Four Reading Realms grew out of years in the classroom and a lot of honest conversations with students. Instead of pretending every text is lovable or every task is the same, this approach names the purpose behind each kind of reading. Each realm has a clear goal, distinct expectations, and its own definition of success. That clarity helps students stop guessing and start engaging, especially those who have learned to resist reading because it has never made sense to them.

By separating reading into intentional realms, we can raise the bar in the right places and ease up in others. Students learn when to read for identity and joy, when to persevere through challenge, when to read strategically, and when to read with discernment. The result is more trust, more buy-in, and a healthier relationship with reading overall, even when the work is hard!

topics discussed:

  • How social media sparks curriculum and elective ideas (shout out to Creative High School English on Facebook!)

  • Why honesty with students about mandated texts actually leads to deeper engagement

  • An overview of the Four Reading Realms: My Realm, Our Realm, The Realm, and Why Realm

  • Differentiating reading experiences so students know what to expect (and why we're doing it)

  • Practical ways to help students develop reading identities, perseverance, efficiency, and discernment

  • Tips for team conversations around shifting reading purpose and student choice

resources:

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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 and Spotify.

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