Brave New Teaching: A Podcast for High School and Middle School Teachers Ok, but what if the secret to getting them to read is getting them to WRITE?? - BNT Team Meeting (Episode 276)
Nov 29, 2025
This meeting tackles the literacy epidemic and its connection to student anxiety. Marie suggests that engaging students in writing may actually enhance their reading skills. She discusses the challenges posed by AI in writing tasks and proposes daily low-stakes writing to build perseverance. A fun spinner activity for writing prompts keeps the process engaging. Additionally, Marie outlines a structured routine for crafting five-paragraph essays, illustrating her compelling approach to foster a love for reading in hesitant students.
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Episode notes
Gateway Activities Are Classroom Trailers
- Gateway activities act like trailers that sell the rest of the unit to students.
- Marie uses picture books (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) to introduce big concepts and hook students quickly.
Students Grew Into Reading Taste
- Two former skeptical students became addicted to a fantasy series after maturing a bit.
- Marie learned that timing and developmental readiness can flip students from resistant to engaged.
Avoidance Can Amplify Student Anxiety
- Many accommodations meant to reduce anxiety can encourage avoidance instead of skill growth.
- The Boston Globe piece argues exposure, not avoidance, builds resilience for anxious students.
