It is possible to inspire a lifelong love of reading in secondary ELA students and that’s what the Creating Joyful Readers podcast is all about.
Your host, Samantha (from Samantha in Secondary) is a seasoned educator with 15 years of classroom experience. This podcast shares what works in the post-pandemic classroom and what doesn’t so you can skip the trial and error.
Every Monday, we’ll chat about the amazing benefits of independent reading, dig into the latest literacy research, cover practical tips and strategies to nurture lifelong readers, break down projects that help students show off what they’ve learned in creative ways, and highlight some fresh young adult books you can snag at Target right now to keep your students excited.
Let’s be real – kids aren’t into reading anymore. Some can’t read well and those who can often don’t want to. It’s time for a change. We’re going to talk about how to make joyful, thriving readers a reality. If you’ve tried everything to get your students excited about reading and you’re out of ideas, you’re in the right place.
Tune in every Monday to find inspiration and practical tips to light that reading spark in your students. Remember, each book we introduce and every reading experience we create can change lives and foster lifelong readers.
Follow along on social media @samanthainsecondary for more tips, book recommendations, and to connect with other educators who are on this joyful journey.
Today, we’re unpacking the world of poetry and its powerful potential to hook even the most reluctant readers. Joining me is an incredible educator, Lesa Smith. With a Master’s degree in English and Film Studies, Lesa is a master at blending literature, poetry, pop culture, and creativity to make her lessons unforgettable.
In this episode, Lesa shares her love for poetry and her favorite strategies to connect students with poems in meaningful, approachable ways. Whether it’s tapping into their emotions, using pop culture references, or finding those perfect “aha!” moments, Lesa has a wealth of tips to help you transform poetry from intimidating to inspiring.
Tune in and let these tips show you how poetry can help to create joyful readers.
Resources Mentioned:
Rudy Francisco – My Honest Poem – https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/my-honest-poem
Button Poetry – https://buttonpoetry.com/
Louder Than a Bomb – http://www.louderthanabombfilm.com/
Academy of American Poets – http://www.poets.org
Poetry Magazine Collection – https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/issue/1639193/january-february-2025
Warsan Shire – Bless the Daughter Raised By a Voice in Her Head – https://amzn.to/42pcJ6o
Walter Dean Myers – Here in Harlem – https://amzn.to/4gXAbMi
Amanda Gorman – Call Us What We Carry – https://amzn.to/40F6FVX
Zeta Elliott – Say Her Name – https://amzn.to/3DXKql5
Rupi Carr – Home Body – https://amzn.to/4hmey8g , Milk & Honey – https://amzn.to/3WqzByg
Elizabeth Acevedo – Beast Girl and Other Origin Myths – https://amzn.to/4aIyY9z
Poetry is Not a Luxury – https://www.instagram.com/poetryisnotaluxury
Morgan Harper Nichols – https://morganharpernichols.com/
Teach Living Poets – https://teachlivingpoets.com/
Connect with today’s guest:
Lesa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithteaches9to12
Lesa’s Free E-Book: https://smithteaches9to12.com/poetry-e-book/
Lesa’s TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/smithteaches9to12
Some links referenced here are affiliate links. Supporting the podcast through these links comes at no additional cost to you.
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