THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ELA TEACHER READING ROADMAP IS HERE!
Wondering how you can squeeze independent reading and book clubs into your already tight ELA schedule?
With limited class time and a boatload of standards, are independent reading and book clubs really possible?
It is possible. Let me show you.
The Reading Roadmap includes everything you need to...
...create the independent reading community you've always dreamed of...
... and implement book clubs that don't suck.
YES, I NEED THIS!You’ve tried to implement independent reading and book clubs in your classroom, but it never goes quite as planned.
Yep, I’m talking about the behavior issues that suddenly bubble up...
...and the students who can never find a book to read or participate in their groups.
Unlock The Reading Roadmap and get access to The Independent Reading Reset and Book Clubs in a Box courses to set you up for independent reading and book club success in middle school ELA for ONLY $597 $34
Unlock BOTH Reading workshops!During The Independent Reading Reset and Book Clubs in a Box, I’ll give you a step-by-step guide to implementing independent reading and book clubs in your classroom without the headache.
You’ll get all my best tips for holding students accountable, encouraging every student to read, and using independent reading and book clubs alongside your current curriculum.
I've been there...
My teaching career started as an upper elementary teacher, and I was thrust into middle school ELA.
While I LOVED middle school, I had absolutely no idea HOW to:
...manage the shift of going from 25 students to upwards of 250 students.
...create a community of readers in each of my 55-minute class periods...
...and then implement book clubs that weren't the definition of P-A-I-N-F-U-L to watch week after week.
YES, I STRUGGLE WITH ALL OF THIS TOO!
You know independent reading is good for student autonomy and increases reading skills.
But implementing independent reading in your classroom feels impossible.
- You have a million things to teach, and you don’t have time to fit in one more thing.
- You haven’t found a consistent routine for independent reading that works week after week.
- When you actually do make time for independent reading, you’re dealing with behavior issues the whole time (longest 20 minutes of your life).
- Your students complain and go to great lengths to avoid reading. They act like reading is a form of torture!
- Getting students to quiet down and focus on reading is a struggle.
- You want to build in more independent reading time, but you’re not sure how to hold students accountable without reading logs or book reports.
I understand your hesitations because I’ve been there.
I was once the teacher with a 55-minute class period scratching her head over how to carry out independent reading. But once I found a system that worked, I never looked back. (And I want to share that same system with you.)
You know book clubs can create an authentic reading and discussion experience for your students.
But it seems like a logistical nightmare.
- You have no idea how to set them up.
- You're not sure of the best way to put students into groups.
- You don't know what books to give your students.
- Then once you put them into groups... you don't know what kind of work to give your students.
- You're not sure how to hold them accountable.
- You don't know how to keep them motivated and engaged...
- ... let alone having deep, meaningful conversations.
- And then how do you make it fit in with your curriculum and align to standards?
- Or how do you assess them or make sure to meet with each group?
- And do you really need to meet with every group?
I've been there...
In fact, one time, I had such a terrible experience with book clubs in my middle school ELA classroom that I decided not to try them again for a year.
It feels like you’ve tried a million techniques, but the results are always the same: independent reading time is a struggle.
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You give students a few minutes each day to read or allow them to read when their work is done, but it’s unstructured - which leads to all sorts of trouble. You wonder if it was time well spent.
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You set aside a day each week to read, but it’s hard to keep students on task.
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Some students fall asleep. Others pretend to read. And some never make it out of the class library.
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Ultimately, you’re lacking a way to hold students accountable.
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You’re trying to make time (when you can find it), but your book challenges and reading logs aren’t inspiring those reluctant readers to get on board.
You feel like you've tried every variation of book clubs to make them work... or you're too scared even to try.
- A version where you put them into groups of book clubs, and they have assigned jobs and worksheets each week.
- Or maybe you tried to give them much more control to make it more authentic, only to have them not read, let alone have meaningful discussions.
- Or you might be like I was after my first attempt in my middle school ELA classroom and have been too afraid to try again.
Support your struggling and reluctant readers, so they can also benefit from independent reading.
I’ll show you how I built a reading community that boosts students' reading confidence and reading attitudes.
Plus, how you can help those students who don’t know what to read, constantly ditch books, and spend the entire reading time selecting a book.
Create a consistent reading routine that holds students accountable (and works alongside your curriculum).
I know you’re tight on time, so instead of trying to cram independent reading into your classroom, let’s make it work with your curriculum.
I’ll show you how to use independent reading time as a way for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned - so you can check for understanding and hold students accountable while they read.
Manage student behavior so independent reading is productive for students (and not a headache for you).
Behavior issues are unavoidable, but they don’t have to keep you from implementing independent reading.
I’m giving you realistic strategies to handle students who refuse to read (or fake read), students who act out during independent reading, and students who make it known that they hate reading.
Create a book club or literature circle set-up that works for you and your students.
I'm going to be honest. Book clubs and literature circles are not one-size-fits-all.
You have to figure out what makes sense for you and your students... and honestly your sanity.
I'll show multiple variations of book clubs or literature circles. And I'll give you the resources to implement each version.
Create a book club logistics, facilitation, and accountability plan.
You know that book clubs can be an authentic reading experience but it doesn't happen magically.
I'll show you how to determine how you'll put students into groups.
I will have lists and explanations of what books you should use. You'll learn what work students should do.
You'll have a plan for and to facilitate the groups while holding them accountable.
Plus, I'll give you the resources for each of these elements.
Set you and your students up for success and meaningful discussion.
At their core, book clubs are meant to engage students in discussions with peers.
I'll break down strategies you can use to foster discussion among your students' groups.
We'll also dive into how to increase their independence as the year goes on.
If you want your students to be excited when you announce the next novel in class, you have to watch this workshop!
I initially enrolled in the Book Clubs in a Box Workshop because I want my kids to be excited about reading and not moan when a new novel is introduced. I was frustrated with feeling like I had to just give vocab quizzes, and comprehension questions to assess what they were reading. I didn't know what to do with the apathetic students and didn't want it to infect the whole class.
I tried a book club from what I learned in the workshop. All but one group totally thrived!!
My favorite part of the workshop was the practicality. I love everything you do. I can have fun teaching. My kids can have fun learning. Not only will kids be excited, you as the teacher will feel like you are part of your favorite book club too! And this can happen without working 80 hours a week! When I reflect on the value of this workshop compared to what I purchased it at and how much I would have paid, I am a Hub member (so the workshops are included). The monthly price seems right.
– Jen StoW
I think your workshops are wonderful and constantly check the HUB calendar to see when the next one is! I love that you stay on with us to answer all our questions.
I am a HUB member, and so happy I decided to join after attending Martina’s mentor sentences workshop in December. It is truly appreciated.
Initially enrolled in the Book Clubs in a Box Workshop because I teach middle school resource center for grades 6-8. While I don't have enough books to do book clubs yet, I was hoping to adapt the ideas presented here to small group/resource instruction.
Before the workshop, I was concerned about acquiring books, student accountability, and grading, but I definitely have had wins in my teaching or classroom as a result of what I learned in the workshop.
I wanted to move away from the traditional worksheets, and you showed me how to do that. I also plan on incorporating more verse novels in my classroom.
My favorite part of the workshop….this is a tough one because there were a lot. I loved the book lists. I had been teaching middle school resource for 21 years, got moved to the high school--taught everything BUT ELA, then got moved back, so I love seeing the latest and greatest books for middle schoolers. The Socratic seminar was key to me because now I can "see" how you planned out your day--which brings me to the planning and pacing guides. It all makes sense to me now; the planning and pacing guides were key. I am very visual, so I need to "see" things, once that was explained to me, I truly got it!!! You can do it too! Martina will show you how! I promise!
– DENISE CALLAHAN
I've included everything you need to implement each course's focus right away.
I'm going to show you the why, when, and how of implementing book clubs in your classroom... so you and your students both enjoy them.
- I'll walk you through why you should be doing book clubs.
- We will detail all the elements you struggle with: setting them up, the logistics, the student work, the discussions, the accountability, and the assessment pieces you need.
- We'll also cover how to use book clubs alongside your curriculum or as their own unit.
- I will walk you through 10 + variations of book clubs and give the resources for each.
During this live workshop, I’ll answer all your burning questions about independent reading so you can enhance how it’s used in your classroom:
- I’ll share how you can create a consistent independent reading routine in your classroom.
- I’ll dive deep into how independent reading can work alongside your curriculum and be used to further develop skills you’re already teaching.
- We’ll chat about strategies and resources for managing tricky student behaviors during independent reading time.
- I’ll share tools and resources to help you hold students accountable during independent reading, like status of the class and student conferences.
- I’ll talk about establishing a purpose for reading so you can build student confidence and increase reading independence.
I’ll walk you through ways to implement independent reading in your classroom that doesn't take away your instruction time (but instead further develops student learning).
- I’ll give you a breakdown of how to spend your class period, whether you have a 40-minute block or a 120-minute block - we can make it work for you.
- I’ll show you how you can incorporate independent reading into your existing curriculum without ditching your school's required texts or skipping essential standards.
- We’ll talk about how independent reading can continuously develop the skills students have learned while also holding students accountable and promoting student choice (yep! It’s possible).
I will walk you through each variation of book clubs and give the resources for each.
- We'll take a deep dive into the 10+ different ways you can run book clubs in your classroom. We don't want you and your students to get bored and we want to increase the authenticity each time.
- We'll break down how to run book clubs alongside and/or as a companion to your curriculum or as their own unit.
- I'll give you actionable strategies and resources for the work students will do and the facilitation you will do.
- We'll make sure you have strategies to foster more accountability and meaningful discussions.
I know trying new strategies can feel overwhelming, so I’m passing along my Literature and Realistic Fiction unit, which will help you ease into using independent reading and book clubs in a new way.
- This resource includes 18 lesson plans to help you cover the essential standards for fiction while also giving you space to use independent reading and book clubs.
- The unit also includes mentor text information, interactive notebook lessons, and reading response rubrics.
- Use this resource as a step-by-step guide to using independent reading and book clubs alongside your curriculum.
You'll also get access to these bonuses...
Elevated Engagement Pack
So, your students can’t seem to find a book. These resources will help your students explore books and select something that interests them (without wasting hours in the library).
✅ The First Chapter Friday resource makes it simple to introduce students to new books and pique their interest.
✅ Explore books the fun way with a book tasting. You’ll get access to my Starbooks step-up as an added bonus.
✅ Add the editable genre display posters to your classroom library so students have an easier time browsing books and finding new books to read.
All About Accountability Bundle
Ever wonder if students are actually reading their books (or just pretending)? With these resources, you can go beyond the reading logs and AR tests to hold students accountable.
✅ You’ll get middle school specific reading response graphic organizers to help students organize what they’ve read and apply their ELA skills.
✅ The Independent Reading Teacher Toolkit with the status of the class resource and eliminate reading logs for good! Status of the class makes it easy to keep up with students reading progress and conference with students that are struggling.
✅ All the forms, tools, and resources you need to conduct quick and focused (and beneficial) conferences all year long.
A+ Assessment Pack
It can be hard to determine what information students really know and what they need more help with. These resources make it easier!
✅ Use the literature exit tickets to check background knowledge or as a task for students to complete during independent reading.
✅ The nonfiction exit tickets will help you check student comprehension and can also be used as an independent reading task.
✅ I will also show you how to use reading responses as a core tool in accountability and text engagement. You'll get my editable reading response rubrics. Each set is broken down by grade level and standards.
Immediate Implementation Pack
Designed to do what the title says. Includes...
🌟 30-page book clubs and literature circle implementation guides
🌟 Group formation resources
🌟 Tons of book lists based on grade-level and formats that increase student success
🌟 Socratic Seminar Teaching Guide all about creating thoughtful discussions in your classroom
🌟 My Starbooks book-tasting resources
Amazing Accountability Bundle
Accountability was the most common thread when I asked you what you need for implementing book clubs.
You're getting every accountability tool I could think of:
🌟 literature circle response sheets
🌟 100s of book club discussion slides to display
🌟 100s of middle school-specific reading response graphic organizers
🌟 conference forms for small groups and individuals
🌟 teacher tools designed to inform you but don't require micro-managing
🌟 student tools to help kids pace their books and work for completion
Authentic Assessment Pack
Sometimes we just want to know what our students know... or don't know. You're getting access to:
🌟 My newly updated literature exit tickets: check background knowledge or use as book club work
🌟 My newly updated nonfiction exit tickets: check background knowledge or use as book club work
🌟 I will also show you how to use reading responses as a core tool in accountability and text engagement. You'll get my editable reading response rubrics. Each set is broken down by grade level and standards.
I want you to have everything you need to implement independent reading and book clubs in your middle school ELA classroom once and for all, so I am making this a no-brainer for you.
I don't want price to be a factor in whether you see success or not when it comes to being successful with implementing independent reading and book clubs in your classroom.
Which is why I’m basically giving away over $500 in value.
For a limited time, you can get instant access to both workshops for the price of one... and everything else that's included for only $597 $34!
SAY NO MORE! I'M IN!Ready to get rid of the overwhelm of implementing independent reading and book clubs and have a solid plan from the start?
- The Independent Reading Reset Workshop, Resources, Workbook, and all recordings. ($97 value)
- Book Clubs in a Box Workshop Resources, Workbook, and all recordings. ($97 value)
- 6-Hours of PD Certificates
- Lifetime access to the Literature and Realistic Fiction Unit ($37 value)
- Exclusive access to editable class period and planning templates ($17 value)
- The Independent Reading Resource Bundle ($17 value)
- Bonus: Independent Reading A+ Assessment Pack ($47 value)
- Bonus: Independent Reading All About Accountability Bundle ($37 value)
- Bonus: Independent Reading Elevated Engagement Pack ($47 value)
- Bonus: TEKS to CCSS crosswalks for Texas teachers ($17 value).
- Bonus: Book Clubs in a Box Amazing Accountability Bundle ($90 value)
- Bonus: Book Clubs in a Box Immediate Implementation Bundle ($47 value)
- Bonus: Book Clubs in a Box Authentic Assessment Bundle ($47 value)
After watching The Workshops in The Reading Roadmap, you will have a plan for implementing independent reading and book clubs in your classroom.
If you’re not 100% satisfied with these workshops after 14 days, we will gladly refund every penny you paid for them.
Read what fellow workshop attendees have said about their experience...
These resources are a game changer and will save you so much time! But most importantly, it works with my students!!!
I wanted to ease my planning/give me peace and reinvigorate my lessons. I'd say the BIG WIN for me was I ended up with way more time!
The way I used to teach my classes caused a LOT of grading for me-- A LOT! I entered this thinking the first year of using these resources would be a lot of work, but if I kept it up it would be less next year. Well, low and behold! I have more free time! I still have grading, but it is not tons of comprehension questions, short answer questions and THEN essay questions for each chapter/assignment so it takes me LESS time to grade!
Also, my kiddos are not overwhelmed and put more effort into the 'smaller' assignments! Win-win!
Proof it is working: I had to be gone for two weeks after Thanksgiving. It was easier to leave the 'old way' with the sub and students. BIG MISTAKE! They hated it!!! And, I came back to HOURS and HOURS of grading! Worst of all--no effort was seen in most essay-type questions! Never again!
–VAL JONES
Martina makes it look so easy!!
My favorite part was all the examples and hearing your transparency of what works and what doesn’t. I think your candor and experience was great. Before I invested I wasn’t sure because I am living on a teacher budget and it hard to spend on outside workshops hard with family budget. I just love your resources and use on the down low with required district curriculum. Writing is tested this year, Extended and Short Constructed Responses, so grammar is essential for my scholars to use, while enhancing their responses. Girl, check this out. Martina makes it look so easy!!
–ROBBIE MCCLENDON
I plan to implement it right away!
I enrolled in the Grammar Workshop because I'm new to teaching GenEd 8th grade ELA and I could tell how much my students needed it. I plan to implement it right away! I am on a very limited budget so I really appreciate you giving it to us for being members. DO IT!
Research shows that students learn best when they are given exemplars, such as mentor sentences when initiating writing instruction. Students are better writers when they understand the rules of English, and sentence diagramming is a great way to do that. This system uses all of the latest research and provides so much practice and application as well as giving students the chance to synthesize the skills into their writing in manageable pieces. The ease of spiraling is also much appreciated!
Also, as a SpEd teacher of many years, I have seen firsthand that students with processing disabilities, such as dyslexia & dysgraphia, benefit greatly from sentence diagramming in particular because it is a very concrete way to teach/practice the rules of English so that they can apply the "code" in their reading and writing. It truly helps them understand how the English language works.
–STACY WHITE
I'm Martina!
Before I entered the world of Middle School ELA, I was a fifth—and sixth-grade elementary teacher. My school had no curriculum or required texts, and I had all the freedom when it came to teaching my students. Plus, I had six hours a day to utilize however I wanted.
But then, things changed when I moved to my first middle school ELA job. I went from six hours a day with students to just 55 minutes. And my new school had lots of requirements, down to the books I read with students.
Not to mention, I had 150+ students to support - not just one class. It became a much bigger struggle to make time for reading, help every student, and try to overcome their mental barriers against reading.
Then, one day, it clicked. I was trying to cram independent reading and book clubs into my day, but really, I needed them to complement what I was already doing in my classroom.
When I changed my approach, everything followed suit.
I was able to bring more structure and consistency to independent reading and book clubs, which kept students engaged and on-task.
I was able to use independent reading and book clubs to support my lessons, which meant students got additional practice while enjoying a book they chose.
I saw fewer students fight independent reading time because there was an established purpose, routine, and expectation.
Even better. It also allowed me to be more flexible with my book club formats, and over time, that flexibility had students participating in those "real-deal" book clubs that teachers dream of...
... the book clubs where students CHOOSE to get together to discuss something.
Reading became less about checking off a box, and I better understood how students' reading was actually going.
I want your classroom to experience that same shift, so I’ve packaged everything I know about independent reading and book clubs into these workshops.
Is The Reading Roadmap for you?
- You’re struggling to make time for independent reading in your ELA classroom.
- Your students are resistant to reading or try to avoid reading in any way possible.
- You currently make time for independent reading but lack accountability or structure.
- You’re not sure how to help students who struggle to select books or consistently ditch books.
- You want to create a classroom culture where reading is enjoyed by students.
- You’re not sure how to fit independent reading into your mandated curriculum.
- You want to learn how to implement book clubs and literature circles
- You want to learn different variations of book clubs and literature circles.
- You want different ideas for accountability and facilitation of groups.
- You want new and fresh ideas for group formations and lists of books to read.
- You are already confidently and consistently finding time each day for independent reading.
- You are happy to stick with reading logs and book reports, and you don’t want to learn new ways to hold students accountable during independent reading.
- You don’t think independent reading is that important, and you don’t want to create more time in your class for it.
- Your students never struggle with reading independently, and you don’t want to change anything about your current reading routine.
- You aren't looking for a new way to implement book clubs or literature circles.
- You feel confident in implementing and using book clubs already.
- You would rather continue doing book clubs and literature circles in the traditional way they're done.
- You don't need ideas for implementation, assessment, facilitation, or discussion.
This deal (two workshops for the price of one) won't last forever, and you'll want to grab it before I realize how crazy I am for giving all of this away for such a low price.
Once you click the button, you'll be brought to a checkout page where you'll fill in your purchase details.
Once your payment is processed, you'll immediately be granted access to everything inside The Book Clubs in a Box and Independent Reading Workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I have access to the Workshop recordings and materials?
How much time will I need to implement this workshop?
What grade levels is this for?
Will my students really love book clubs and do their work?
I can’t make it live. Should I still join?
Ready to have your best year of teaching middle school ELA?
- The Independent Reading Reset Workshop, Resources, Workbook, and all recordings. ($97 value)
- Book Clubs in a Box Workshop Resources, Workbook, and all recordings. ($97 value)
- 6-Hours of PD Certificates
- Lifetime access to the Literature and Realistic Fiction Unit ($37 value)
- Exclusive access to editable class period and planning templates ($17 value)
- The Independent Reading Resource Bundle ($17 value)
- Bonus: Independent Reading A+ Assessment Pack ($47 value)
Bonus: Independent Reading All About Accountability Bundle ($37 value)
- Bonus: Independent Reading Elevated Engagement Pack ($47 value)
- Bonus: Book Clubs in a Box Amazing Accountability Bundle ($90 value)
- Bonus: Book Clubs in a Box Immediate Implementation Bundle ($47 value)
- Bonus: Book Clubs in a Box Authentic Assessment Bundle ($47 value)
- Bonus: TEKS to CCSS crosswalks for Texas teachers ($17 value).
