Have you taught irony before? No? Stay tuned! Gregory, the Terrible Eater, by Mitchell Sharmat, is a classroom classic if there ever was one. It’s a funny book full of irony, which isn’t a topic that many of us discuss in elementary school. But why not? Listen in and discover a lesson that will definitely get kids writing! Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor te...
Apr 12, 2021•16 min•Season 6Ep. 67
Even a sloth can save the day...eventually. Super Sloth, by Robert Starling, is such a fun, clever book it will make you laugh out loud. In it we’re introduced to Sloth who desperately wants to become a superhero, however unrealistic that may be. In today’s episode we’ll talk about the unlikely hero and how that relates to a narrative plot. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this t...
Mar 29, 2021•17 min•Season 6Ep. 66
Why is cause and effect so confusing? It doesn’t have to be! Arthur’s Eyes, by Marc Brown, is a serious classroom classic hailing from 1979. In it, we’re introduced to Arthur for the first time, and his compromised vision that ends up causing lots of problems. It’s a great text for exploring cause and effect, and for making this text structure clearer for students. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibili...
Mar 15, 2021•15 min•Season 6Ep. 65
We’re talking how to introduce new genres - specifically invitations! Going Up!, by Sherry J. Lee, illustrated by Charlene Chua, has a predictable structure that hides some fun surprises. We’ll accompany Sophie and her dad to a birthday party and explore the genre of invitations in the process. Want to know what the research says about genre study? Stay tuned! Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities ...
Mar 01, 2021•24 min•Season 6Ep. 64
We’re ‘remembering when’ with flashbacks! A Chair for My Mother, by Vera B. Williams, offers us a touching tale that draws students right in. In today’s episode we’ll learn how the family’s tragedy turns to triumph in its own sweet way, and we get a chance to flashback in time to understand their story. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor text. Try this lesson ...
Feb 15, 2021•20 min•Season 6Ep. 63
Appearances can be delightful in this book! The Book With No Pictures, by B.J. Novak, will get kids gigging right off the bat. This highly interactive book engages kids in a dialogue between text and reader - and all without pictures! In today’s episode we’ll explore how the author uses text presentation to guide readers and convey meaning, and learn how students can do this too. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the tea...
Feb 01, 2021•19 min•Season 6Ep. 62
We’re exploring voice in today’s episode! Miss Nelson is Missing, by Harry Allard, illustrated by James Marshall, combines humor and mystery in a delightful way. This story fits our theme for Season 6: “Classroom Classics”. It’s a time-honored text that the next generation of students will love as they explore the contrasting teachers and their voices. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden i...
Jan 18, 2021•16 min•Season 6Ep. 61
Boost your students’ pride in their own identities with today’s text! M is for Melanin, by Tiffany Rose, is the first alphabet book we’ve featured on LitCentric Radio. But this isn’t any ordinary ABC text. This book sends a clear message to all children that they are amazing just the way they are, and that it’s the rest of the world that needs to adjust. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden...
Jan 04, 2021•10 min•Season 5Ep. 60
There’s nothing like a text set to deepen comprehension! Counting On Katherine, by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, is the inspiring story of Katherine Johnson, the celebrated NASA mathematician. We’ll use several texts today to support students’ comprehension and learn even more about this American hero. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor text. Tr...
Dec 21, 2020•26 min•Season 5Ep. 59
Have you ever explored character values? We’re diving in today! Last Stop On Market Street, by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson, has become a classroom classic, even though it’s only been around for a short time. In it, de la Peña conveys character values in a beautifully balanced way that helps kids approach the embedded layer of meaning that we need to access in order to successfully infer. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Juli...
Dec 07, 2020•19 min•Season 5Ep. 58
Plot development is where it’s at in today’s episode! Peter’s Chair, by Ezra Jack Keats, is a classic text that all students should read. Peter is a young boy who has just become a big brother and he’s learning how to handle change in his own way. In today’s lesson we’ll look for opportunities to develop the plot further, just like students need to do in their own writing. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching p...
Nov 23, 2020•23 min•Season 5Ep. 57
Today we’re exploring excellent, wonderful, marvelous synonyms! The Word Collector, by Peter H. Reynolds, introduces readers to Jerome - a boy who loves words so much that he collects them. We’ll piggyback on this admiration by having some word fun of our own. Today’s lesson is a great one for introducing synonyms for the first time, or for nudging students to use synonyms to spice up their writing. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as s...
Nov 09, 2020•31 min•Season 5Ep. 56
Today we’re expanding vocabulary with descriptions! Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment, by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson, is the recount of a family outing that went viral. When preschooler Parker Curry stumbles upon a particular painting at the museum her whole world changes. In today’s lesson we’ll use famous works of art to build vocabulary in order to write better descriptions. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coa...
Oct 26, 2020•16 min•Season 5Ep. 55
We’re setting the pace in today’s episode! Boy Oh Boy, by Cliff Leek, illustrated by Bene Rohlmann, is a collection of 30 inspiring biographies about diverse, fascinating men. In today’s lesson we’ll teach students how to analyze pacing in a piece of writing and how content and importance drive an author’s decision making process. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured m...
Oct 12, 2020•22 min•Season 5Ep. 54
There’s a lot of love, and differences, in today’s episode! Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison, is a story about a family’s enduring love and devotion, as told through real life challenges. We’ll compare the book to the Oscar-winning short film of the same name to reveal significant differences between the two. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this tr...
Sep 28, 2020•14 min•Season 5Ep. 53
Learn some reasons why authors use repetition in today’s episode! Gaston, by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Christian Robinson, is the most adorable book of the decade! It’s cute, it’s smart, it’s delightful. And it’ll teach students a thing or two about using repetition in smart ways. Oh, and did I mention it’s adorable? Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor te...
Sep 14, 2020•12 min•Season 5Ep. 52
Who? What? We’re asking questions today! The Doctor With An Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath, by Julia Finely Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley, is a unique hybrid genre of biography and poetry. In this text readers learn all about Dr. Bath and the obstacles she overcame in order to achieve her goals. We also learn Dr. Bath’s approach to tackling each day with a question. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes t...
Aug 31, 2020•17 min•Season 5Ep. 51
Let’s all try to personify! The Proudest Blue, by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly, is a story of bravery and dignity told through the eyes of a admiring younger sister. Learn how a single sentence using personification can be used as a jumping off point for better descriptions, and a more inclusive classroom community. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside thi...
Aug 17, 2020•21 min•Season 5Ep. 50
Building character and resilience to start the school year! Saturday, by Oge Mora, shares the special bond of a mother and daughter as they enjoy their favorite day. But can they bounce back from the setbacks they face? Find out how Ava and her mother learn to be resilient together, and how your students can too. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor text. Try th...
Aug 03, 2020•17 min•Season 5Ep. 49
I’m so excited to be starting Season 5 here at LitCentric Radio! We’ll be dropping new episodes every other Monday starting on August 3, 2020. Don’t forget to follow LitCentric on social media and become a LitCentric Insider by joining the email newsletter list. Just log on to LitCentric.com, scroll half way down the homepage, and click the link to join. LitCentric Insiders get exclusive freebies, offers, and more - don’t wait to sign up. Next week’s lesson in Episode #49 is free, but only to Li...
Jul 29, 2020•4 min
Persuade and explain Rube Goldberg style! Just Like Rube Goldberg, by Sarah Aronson, illustrated by Robert Neubecker, shares so many interesting facts about this incredible artist. Did you know he survived the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906? Listen and learn about Rube Goldberg and get students inspired to try out ideas of their own - it won’t be difficult! Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibili...
May 18, 2020•22 min•Season 4Ep. 48
Making predictions with a classic! Bread and Jam for Frances, by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Lillian Hoban, checks all the boxes for an adorable read aloud that students can totally relate to. You’ll fall in love with Frances the singing badger, and with how the text’s logical plot and timeless topic support students in making evidence-based predictions. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidd...
May 11, 2020•30 min•Season 4Ep. 47
Let’s write a class book together! Just in Case You Want to Fly, by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Christian Robinson, takes ordinary things you and I might dismiss and elevates their importance, giving them a new life. We can use a similar approach to create a class poem that stretches our imaginations. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor text. Try this lesson...
May 04, 2020•23 min•Season 4Ep. 46
A lesson we all need right about now… The Invisible Boy, by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton, shines a light on experiences we’ve all had feeling invisible, and demonstrates how small acts of kindness pay off in big, big ways. We’ll focus students on analyzing plot events and exercising empathy to generate positive changes in the world. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside...
Apr 27, 2020•30 min•Season 4Ep. 45
Think narrative nonfiction is too tricky to teach young writers? Nah! Gentle Giant Octopus, by Karen Wallace, illustrated by Mike Bostock, is a beautiful example of narrative nonfiction that switches seamlessly between the two genres. A stunning book full of challenging language students need to master, and a lesson to help them do it! Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasu...
Apr 21, 2020•40 min•Season 4Ep. 44
Writing instructions: This is how we do it! Balloons Over Broadway, by Melissa Sweet, is a well-paced biography about a famous man you’ve never heard about before. Your students will be fascinated by his accomplishments and will be inspired to write and create works of their own. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor text. Try this lesson in your class tomorrow: ...
Apr 13, 2020•29 min•Season 4Ep. 43
How characters respond to plot is everything! Extra Yarn, by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, offers a unique story with beautiful simplicity. The plot structure is interesting but it’s the responses of the main character that are worthy of analysis. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor text. Try this lesson in your class tomorrow: https://litcentric.pod...
Apr 06, 2020•22 min•Season 4Ep. 42
We’re adding a descriptive layer to personal narratives to make them worthy of rereading! The King of Kindergarten, by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, is such a confidence booster. It’s easy to see why it makes a great read aloud for the beginning of the school year, but this text is magnificent any time. Pull up a seat at the round table and give it the royal treatment! Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she de...
Mar 30, 2020•26 min•Season 4Ep. 41
The power of words and propaganda - yep, we’re going there! Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts, uses the power of poetry, rhyme, and Rosie the Riveter to spin an uplifting tale of creativity, innovation, and perseverance. As Rosie listens to powerful words she learns of her own power within. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden inside this treasured mentor ...
Mar 23, 2020•29 min•Season 4Ep. 40
Nonfiction doesn’t have to be dry! Humphrey the Lost Whale, by Wendy Tokuda and Richard Hall, illustrated by Hanako Wakiyama, is a captivating and compelling true story of a humpback whale who ended up in fresh-water riverbed - in my backyard! Students will be in awe of this nonfiction narrative and you’ll all be rooting for Humphrey to get back home. Join National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach Dr. Julie Webb as she describes the teaching possibilities hidden in...
Mar 16, 2020•25 min•Season 4Ep. 39
