In this ongoing series, we explore what culturally responsive teaching looks like at different grade levels and offer concrete examples and resources. In November, we explored discussing Thanksgiving in the classroom. Today, educator Lindsay Barrett offers a culturally responsive approach to goal setting with students to start off the new year. Continue reading
Tag Archives: ELA common core standards
Culturally Responsive Teaching in Third Grade: Going Beyond “The Single Story”
In this ongoing series, we explore what culturally responsive teaching looks like at different grade levels and offer concrete examples and resources. Last month we explored bridging the familiar and unfamiliar in literature discussions for second grade. This month, educator Lindsay Barrett offers guidance on culturally responsive teaching in third grade by going beyond “The Single Story”.
What is Culturally Responsive Teaching?
We recognize:
- Our classrooms today include diverse learners and learning needs
- There are many initiatives and areas of focus competing for limited classroom time and educators’ attention
- Some learners need additional supports
- But with the right tools and support, we at LEE & LOW BOOKS believe all teachers can learn and excel in culturally responsive teaching
But…what is culturally responsive teaching? Continue reading
Celebrate International Jazz Day with Viola Davis
For your next read aloud, how about adding in some lively rhythms of New Orleans jazz and an award-winning storyteller?
Webinar: Using Multicultural Children’s Poetry to Inspire Poetry Appreciation
Does your National Poetry Month reflect our nation? Learn how to find and use multicultural and diverse poetry in your classroom!
Join Lee & Low Books for a free webinar with Share My Lesson’s 5th annual Ideas & Innovations Virtual Conference, March 14-16, 2017.
Get ready for inspiring an appreciation for verse and encouraging your students to write poetry themselves!
Next Story Time, Have Dulé Hill Read to Your Students

As Fast As Words Could Fly was selected by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation for its latest read aloud on Storyline Online, an interactive literacy website where well-known actors read popular, award-winning children’s books to help students fall in love with reading.
As Fast As Words Could Fly was written by Pamela M. Tuck, illustrated by Eric Velasquez, and read by actor Dulé Hill now on Storyline Online.
Shame the Stars: Teaching Forgotten Narratives
In this guest post, educator and writer Tami Charles presents text-dependent questions and inquiry-based activities for students to practice close reading and critical thinking with the book Shame the Stars. Continue reading
Close Reading in High School: Ink and Ashes
Featured title: Ink and Ashes
Written by: Valynne Maetani
Synopsis
When Japanese American Claire Takata finds out that her deceased father was once a member of the yakuza, a Japanese crime syndicate, danger enters her life that could end up killing someone. Winner of Tu Books’ New Visions Award, Ink and Ashes is a fascinating debut novel packed with romance, intrigue, and heart-stopping action.
Themes: trust, honesty, honor, family, teamwork, forgiveness Continue reading
Building Classroom Community in Second Grade
Check out LEE & LOW BOOKS’ Building Classroom Community Unit for Second Grade! The FREE and downloadable unit consists of eight read aloud lesson plans to inspire your best classroom community yet. Continue reading
Celebrating 25 Books Over 25 Years: Bird
LEE & LOW BOOKS celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and to recognize how far the company has come, we are featuring one title a week to see how it is being used in classrooms today as well, as hear from the authors and illustrators.
Featured title: Bird
Author: Zetta Elliott
Illustrator: Shadra Strickland