A few years ago, I visited the "Monsters!" exhibit at the Museum of Us in San Diego, California. *now I'm dreaming of the beach*

The museum presented mythical, fantastical, and legendary creatures from various ancient civilizations around the world. The exhibit was packed! Young learners were hooked on the 3D creatures, realistic-looking artifacts, and boundless information. They could even make their own monsters. 

When I returned to the classroom that fall, I noticed my students hooked on the Roland Smith's Cryptid Hunters series. They were hooked on cryptozoology and the mere possibility of uncovering those mythical creatures.

We embarked on a research project investigating the origins and background of well-known cryptids. 

Over the course of our research project, we engaged in the research, reading, and synthesis of various texts. Middle school students were eager to read about these mythical creatures and dive deep into research. 

Are you ready to engage your students in cryptozoology research?! Check out our Cryptic Files Research Project!

If you are looking for more project, follow my page on Pinterest and Instagram. 

Short answer: Wink by Rob Harrell.

Long answer: This is the next Wonder. But maybe better. Is that a hot take?!

The story follows "Ross Maloy who just wants to be a normal seventh grader. He doesn't want to lose his hair, wear a weird hat, or deal with the disappearing friends who don't know what to say to "the cancer kid." But with his recent diagnosis of a rare eye cancer, blending in is off the table."

The narrator's voice jumps off the page and will leave you laughing throughout the story. It is such a great book that I am confident every middle schooler will love!

Are you looking for more book recs for middle school readers? Well, follow my Pinterest page for book recommendations and our Instagram page for even more!

Most of the curriculum for middle school social studies focuses on geography. It’s an important concept and lays the groundwork for the rise of early civilizations and the shift from hunters and gatherers to farming settlements -- a BIG concept for world history and the rise of civilizations.

But how do we get students to start thinking critically about how geography impacts civilizations? 

One way I’ve found to deepen the learning around geography is through playing Geography Clash. Think Clash Royale and Clash of Clans but... with physical features.

After studying the various geographic elements of a certain region, we discussed the benefits of each type. For example, in Ancient China, why did major cities locate on the coasts? How did the mountains affect security? How did the desert influence defense measures? 

Once students begin to think deeper about each geographic element, it’s time to CLASH.

Teams work in groups and are given a blank map of a region. In this example, we were studying Ancient China. 

Students get to pick only a few geographic features to include and then defend why they chose those features. For example, one group included mountains to form a natural barrier for defense. Another group included more rivers for trading. 

You can create your own challenges to get students thinking about which geographic features are best and then change regions to extend their thinking. 

Eventually, students will be able to transfer their knowledge to new civilizations and see the connection between how geographic features affect the development of societies. 

You can checkout Geography Clash here for Intro to Physical Features and Ancient China. 

How do you take student learning deeper when you teach geography? Let me know in the comments!  

First Chapter Friday is a first chapter preview of books to hook the readers into wanting to read the rest! It's pretty simple: find a good book and then read aloud just the first chapter! The goal is to get good books in the hands of readers!

The best books have great first chapters! You want to leave your classroom wanting more. Once their interest is piqued, even the most reluctant readers are willing to give a book a chance!

One of my favorite FCF's was Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen! Obviously a room full of sixth-graders were hooked with a name like Buttman. That book flew of the shelf after each class! It's so important that there is a chance to immediately get the book in their hands.

Here are some more places you can look for good books: 

• the first book in a series
• new releases
• award winners
• student recommendations

When you're choosing books, be sure to include a range of genres and topics! Keep in mind the author and main character so that you are including diverse books that represent all students and cultures. 

Hopefully, you'll be able to engage your reluctant readers in meaningful experiences and maybe even hook them into reading!

A pro tip: be sure to have either multiple copies of the books you choose OR have a back-up. Most of the books I've previewed FLY off the shelf by the end of first hour! 

If you want to provide space for students to keep track of interesting books and something to do while they listen, check-out my First Chapter Friday Printables Bundle! 

Are you ready to implement First Chapter Fridays in your classroom? Follow my Pinterest page for book recommendations and our Instagram page for even more!