Brave New Teaching: A Podcast for High School and Middle School Teachers INDEPENDENT READING: Breaking Down the Backwards Design for ELA Classrooms [Ep 270]
Aug 7, 2025
Independent reading is the must-try strategy for the new school year! The hosts discuss creating a genuine reading culture that prioritizes joy and flexibility. They share their personal reading journeys and how to design a curriculum that truly supports students. With anecdotes about everyday life and tech mishaps, humor keeps the conversation engaging. The importance of timing for introducing independent reading is highlighted, urging teachers to foster a rich reading environment tailored to each student's needs.
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Treat Gateway Activities Like Trailers
- Treat gateway activities as trailers that sell the unit and hook students immediately.
- If the gateway falls flat you risk losing most students before the unit even starts.
Use Picture Books As Gateway Activities
- Use picture books to introduce big concepts and themes in a short, engaging way.
- Try the free Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson to model this approach with dystopia.
Backwards Plan From A Realistic Midpoint
- Backwards plan independent reading from a realistic midpoint like October or December instead of May.
- Keep plans flexible to avoid frustration when schedules and student needs change.
