It is hard to believe that we are already five weeks into our school year.  This is definitely a year that we won't soon forget!  We had a few little hiccups as we kicked off our year with both in-person and virtual learners joining in our classes at the same time, but in the last few weeks, we have made some adjustments, tried new tools, and even managed to have a bit of fun along the way!  Let me share just a few of the highlights from this past month of learning.


​In our second week of class, my ninth grade Composition Through Literature students had the opportunity to chat virtually with author Tiffany Schmidt. We had just read the opening to her crime novel titled Hold Me Like a Breath, so students got to ask Mrs. Schmidt about her inspiration, her writing process, and all about the publication process. Mrs. Schmidt shared some great advice with us about how to develop the specific details of scenes, something that we will be able to incorporate into our own writing in the coming week as we start to work on our personal narrative essays.

​Last week, students in both our Independent Novel Studies and ninth grade English classes had another opportunity to hear from virtual presenters.  Katie Lawrence and Christine Hekman from the Grandville Kent District Library branch joined us in our classes to share some of the resources that our community library has to offer.  They also book talked a ton of great new books for us as well.  We heard about new murder mystery novels, poetry books, graphic novels, and so much more.  My list of books to read grew exponentially!


And speaking of books, check out the books that our Independent Novel Studies students have been sharing in class over the past month!

Are you looking for a good book to get lost in?  Students in my Independent Novel Studies class can help!

During our first unit of the semester, we have been exploring the variety of genres available to readers.  In order to learn more about the diversity of books out there, students have been sharing book talks each morning.  We have compiled our talks into the slide show below in order to share with you just some of what we've been reading.  As we book talk more novels, we'll add more slides.  So check it out!  Let us help you find a good book to read!