EMPOWERED
READERS
Before we tell you about this classroom-changing program, let’s talk about who this is really for…
You’re a middle or high school teacher who is tired of lack of student engagement in reading. You want to empower all of your students to seek, enjoy, and respond to reading in meaningful and authentic ways.
Whether you're...
A new teacher who is looking for a strategic implementation plan for empowering student readers in the classroom
An experienced teacher who wants to revamp their classroom reading program to provide more student ownership
An administrator or district leader who is looking to support their teachers in improving student empowerment in reading
You’re in the right place, and we are going to tell you exactly how Empowered Readers will give you the tools, strategies, resources, and support to transform reading in your classroom.
The strategies, tools, and confidence you need to empower every single one of your students to develop a love of reading.
By the end of this course, you will Have…
A physical classroom space that supports, promotes, and celebrates reading in an authentic way.
A strategic plan for motivating your reluctant readers through empowerment instead of engagement.
Classroom routines that support student discussion, celebration,
and response to reading.
Practical strategies for developing a reading program that is
diverse and inclusive for all learners.
An inventory of community stakeholders that you can
lean on to support your literacy instruction.
High-interest, standards-based resources that
support student voice and choice.
Who doesn't like a good deal, right? I've reached out to some of my favorite education-related companies to offer exclusive discounts on items you may need for the classroom. There are discounts on teacher bags, library book stamps, custom pencils, lanyards, teacher t-shirts and much more!
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Dr. John Spencer
Bonnie Hamer
John is a former middle school ELA teacher, current full-time professor, and best-selling author of the books Launch, Empower, and Vintage Innovation. John is an expert in project-based learning, design thinking, and empowering students with voice and choice.
Bonnie is a former language arts teacher and founder of Presto Plans, an educational company that supports teachers with curriculum and content for the ELA classroom. She is passionate about student engagement and self-directed learning.
BONUS PODCAST INTERVIEW
Naomi O'Brien from
Read Like a Rockstar
Naomi is an educator, content creator, and author of the book, Unpack Your Impact. She specializes in culturally responsive teaching, rigorous reading instruction, and social justice oriented education.
Who doesn't like a good deal, right? I've reached out to some of my favorite education-related companies to offer exclusive discounts on items you may need for the classroom. There are discounts on teacher bags, library book stamps, custom pencils, lanyards, teacher t-shirts and much more!
Enroll in empowered readers today!
ONE TIME PAYMENT OF
$150
What's Inside Empowered Readers?
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 1
Designing Systems to Empower Readers
If we want students to become empowered readers, it has to begin with a classroom culture that cultivates the love of reading. In this module, we explore practical ways that classroom teachers can design systems that will help students own the reading process. This often includes a shift from trying to make the reading interesting to tapping into our students' interests and helping each student find a book, author, or genre they will connect with.
HIGHLIGHTS
Create an environment of reading within your classroom
Learn practical strategies for tapping into student interests
Set up your classroom library for more student ownership
Tap into tools, supports, and resources at your disposal
MODULE 2
Independent Reading Time
One of the goals of empowering readers is to help students develop self-direction in independent reading. In this module, we talk about building reading stamina and implementing solutions to tackle the most common challenges related to independent silent reading time. We also help you rethink accountability in the process of developing empowered readers.
HIGHLIGHTS
Implement solutions to tackle the most common challenges related to independent silent reading time
Build reading stamina
Rethinking accountability from punishment/reward to making thinking visible
Helping students to find a “good fit” book
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 3
Motivating Reluctant Readers
In this module, we explore ways to motivate students who seem disengaged from the reading process. We'll examine specific reasons students might be reluctant to read. We'll then go step-by-step through specific supports we can offer and key strategies we can use to give students voice and choice in their reading. We'll also take an initial look at ways we can extend reading into high-interest projects that can build student confidence.
HIGHLIGHTS
Understand the factors that contribute to a reluctance with reading
Use strategies to provide more voice and choice
Strategically use supports, environment, and student interest
Implement high-interest project-based alternatives
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 4
Reading Together
Reading is a social act. It is always a conversation; even when it doesn't feel like it. For some students, the motivation to read comes from connection with others - being able to communicate about a text or experiencing a shared reading experience. In this module, we provide the step-by-step actions you can take to use use read-alouds and book clubs effectively to create those vital shared reading experiences.
HIGHLIGHTS
Examine the importance of reading to form connection through a shared and social experience
Step-by-step implementation guide for using book clubs
Bringing teacher read alouds into the secondary classroom
Solutions to common pitfalls with shared reading
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 5
Empowering Students to Share What They Read
When students are sharing what they are reading, they are able to demonstrate their expertise as readers. They begin to define themselves as empowered readers who can share their insights with a wider community. This module digs deep into how we can achieve this and provides the step-by-step instructions for guiding students to share what they are reading in an authentic and meaningful way through reviews and book talks.
HIGHLIGHTS
The natural shift from book reports to book reviews
Step-by-step implementation guide for using book talks
Use book reviews effectively and authentically in ELA
Build school literacy by hosting a book fair
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 6
Celebrating and Tracking Reading
Motivation is complicated and idiosyncratic. For one student, an extrinsic reward will backfire, causing them to view reading as a chore that requires a reward. For another student, a reading reward might be the very thing that gets them excited about the process. This module focuses on the shift from rewarding reading to celebrating reading and provides practical strategies for implementing this in your classroom.
HIGHLIGHTS
Implement the strategy of community over competition
Celebrate and track reading visually
Literacy-based school and classroom celebrations
Effectively administer reading conferences
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 7
Responding to Reading
In this module, we examine how to empower students to respond or analyze reading in a way that promotes voice and choice. The goal is to go beyond the traditional book report and toward something that is more creative and "cheat-proof." In this module, we go step-by-step through reading response strategies with lots of alternative assignment or project options.
HIGHLIGHTS
Understand the difference between a project and a recipe
Consuming and creating
Throwing out the traditional book report and what to do instead
Using menus to provide voice and choice.
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 8
Embracing Equity and Diversity
Empowerment goes beyond student voice and choice. A truly empowered student is anti-racist and committed to tackling the injustices in our systems. They embrace diversity and they are constantly building new empathy with other groups. Reading can be a powerful way to empower students to change the world. It can open students' eyes to other people's experiences and it can broaden each students' worldview. In this module, we focus on how equity and diversity work as critical factors for empowering students.
HIGHLIGHTS
Redefine empowerment as more than personal ownership
Examine your classroom library through the lens of mirrors and windows
BONUS: Podcast Interview with Naomi O’Brien from Read Like a Rockstar
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 9
Differentiation and Inclusion in ELA
Sometimes students struggle with reading because they lack the necessary scaffolds to access the text. Over time, they might define themselves as being mediocre readers. However, we know that they can thrive if they get the necessary supports. In this module, we explore practical strategies for supporting all learners in accessing the language and the literature. We take a Universal Design for Learning approach; meaning we demonstrate how you can provide scaffolds for all students and empower them to find the supports they need.
HIGHLIGHTS
Shift of focus from differentiation to inclusion
Support of your English language learners in ELA
Inclusivity and choice in reading with exceptional learners
Reframing reading intervention and accommodations
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
MODULE 4
MODULE 5
MODULE 6
MODULE 7
MODULE 8
MODULE 9
MODULE 10
MODULE 10
Connecting with Stakeholders
Empowering readers is not limited to the four walls of the classroom, and this module focuses on how you can step outside of your own classroom to connect with other stakeholders.. For sustainable change, we need to reach out to the larger school community, including every staff member and every subject area. We need to connect with the librarian and build on their expertise. We also need to reach out to the local community and connect with stakeholders, including parents and guardians.
HIGHLIGHTS
Integrate fiction reading into other subject areas
Community and school assets to improve literacy
The power of networking
Family and school partnerships
NEXT MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE 1
Designing Systems to Empower Readers
If we want students to become empowered readers, it has to begin with a classroom culture that cultivates the love of reading. In this module, we explore practical ways that classroom teachers can design systems that will help students own the reading process. This often includes a shift from trying to make the reading interesting to tapping into our students' interests and helping each student find a book, author, or genre they will connect with.
HIGHLIGHTS
Create an environment of reading within your classroom
Learn practical strategies for tapping into student interests
Set up your classroom library for more student ownership
Tap into tools, supports, and resources at your disposal
MODULE 2
Independent Reading Time
One of the goals of empowering readers is to help students develop self-direction in independent reading. In this module, we talk about building reading stamina and implementing solutions to tackle the most common challenges related to independent silent reading time. We also help you rethink accountability in the process of developing empowered readers.
HIGHLIGHTS
Implement solutions to tackle the most common challenges related to independent silent reading time
Build reading stamina
Rethinking accountability from punishment/reward to making thinking visible
Helping students to find
a “good fit” book
MODULE 3
Motivating Reluctant Readers
In this module, we explore ways to motivate students who seem disengaged from the reading process. We'll examine specific reasons students might be reluctant to read. We'll then go step-by-step through specific supports we can offer and key strategies we can use to give students voice and choice in their reading. We'll also take an initial look at ways we can extend reading into high-interest projects that can build student confidence.
HIGHLIGHTS
Understand the factors that contribute to a reluctance with reading
Use strategies to provide more voice and choice
Strategically use supports, environment, and student interest
Implement high-interest project-based alternatives
MODULE 4
Reading Together
Reading is a social act. It is always a conversation; even when it doesn't feel like it. For some students, the motivation to read comes from connection with others - being able to communicate about a text or experiencing a shared reading experience. In this module, we provide the step-by-step actions you can take to use use read-alouds and book clubs effectively to create those vital shared reading experiences.
HIGHLIGHTS
Examine the importance of reading to form connection through a shared and social experience
Step-by-step implementation guide for using book clubs
Bringing teacher read alouds into the middle school classroom
Solutions to common pitfalls with shared reading
MODULE 5
Empowering Students to Share What They Read
When students are sharing what they are reading, they are able to demonstrate their expertise as readers. They begin to define themselves as empowered readers who can share their insights with a wider community. This module digs deep into how we can achieve this and provides the step-by-step instructions for guiding students to share what they are reading in an authentic and meaningful way through reviews and book talks.
HIGHLIGHTS
The natural shift from book reports to book reviews
Step-by-step implementation guide for using book talks
Use book reviews effectively and authentically in ELA
Build school literacy by hosting a book fair
MODULE 6
Celebrating and Tracking Reading
Motivation is complicated and idiosyncratic. For one student, an extrinsic reward will backfire, causing them to view reading as a chore that requires a reward. For another student, a reading reward might be the very thing that gets them excited about the process. This module focuses on the shift from rewarding reading to celebrating reading and provides practical strategies for implementing this in your classroom.
HIGHLIGHTS
Implement the strategy of community over competition
Celebrate and track reading visually
Literacy-based school and classroom celebrations
Effectively administer reading conferences
MODULE 7
Responding to Reading
In this module, we examine how to empower students to respond or analyze reading in a way that promotes voice and choice. The goal is to go beyond the traditional book report and toward something that is more creative and "cheat-proof." In this module, we go step-by-step through reading response strategies with lots of alternative assignment or project options.
HIGHLIGHTS
Understand the difference between a project and a recipe
Consuming and creating
Throwing out the traditional book report and what to do instead
Using menus to provide voice and choice.
MODULE 8
Embracing Equity and Diversity
Empowerment goes beyond student voice and choice. A truly empowered student is anti-racist and committed to tackling the injustices in our systems. They embrace diversity and they are constantly building new empathy with other groups. Reading can be a powerful way to empower students to change the world. It can open students' eyes to other people's experiences and it can broaden each students' worldview. In this module, we focus on how equity and diversity work as critical factors for empowering students.
HIGHLIGHTS
Redefine empowerment as more than personal ownership
Examine your classroom library through the lens of mirrors and windows
BONUS: Podcast Interview with Naomi O’Brien from Read Like a Rockstar
MODULE 9
Differentiation and Inclusion in ELA
Sometimes students struggle with reading because they lack the necessary scaffolds to access the text. Over time, they might define themselves as being mediocre readers. However, we know that they can thrive if they get the necessary supports. In this module, we explore practical strategies for supporting all learners in accessing the language and the literature. We take a Universal Design for Learning approach; meaning we demonstrate how you can provide scaffolds for all students and empower them to find the supports they need.
HIGHLIGHTS
Shift of focus from differentiation to inclusion
Support of your English language learners in ELA
Inclusivity and choice in reading with exceptional learners
Reframing reading intervention and accommodations
MODULE 10
Connecting with Stakeholders
Empowering readers is not limited to the four walls of the classroom, and this module focuses on how you can step outside of your own classroom to connect with other stakeholders.. For sustainable change, we need to reach out to the larger school community, including every staff member and every subject area. We need to connect with the librarian and build on their expertise. We also need to reach out to the local community and connect with stakeholders, including parents and guardians.
HIGHLIGHTS
Integrate fiction reading into other subject areas
Community and school assets to improve literacy
The power of networking
Family and school partnerships
Ready-t0-use reading resources
Your course includes over 100 pages of standards-based resources to support the implementation of Empowered Readers in your classroom!
Who doesn't like a good deal, right? I've reached out to some of my favorite education-related companies to offer exclusive discounts on items you may need for the classroom. There are discounts on teacher bags, library book stamps, custom pencils, lanyards, teacher t-shirts and much more!
Who doesn't like a good deal, right? I've reached out to some of my favorite education-related companies to offer exclusive discounts on items you may need for the classroom. There are discounts on teacher bags, library book stamps, custom pencils, lanyards, teacher t-shirts and much more!
Library Scavenger Hunt
Classroom Library Project
Date with a Book Assignment
Student Interest Survey
Finding the Perfect Book Handout
Book Club Resources
Book Talk Print Resources
Book Talk Slideshow
Book Review Assignment
Reading Response Choice Menu
Mystery Readers Parent Letter
Books I’ve Read Reading Tracker
Timed Reading Mystery Image Tracker
Classroom Reading Tracker Wall Display
Research Sentence Stems
Peer Feedback Sentence Stems
Reading Response Sentence Stems
Story Elements Sentence Stems
Reading Accommodations List
Finding Community Connections Organizer
Writing an Alternate Ending Reading Project
Writing an Editorial Reading Project
Dynamic Character Conference Reading Project
Interrogate the Antagonist Reading Project
Rewrite the Story as an Object Reading Project
Online Setting Review Reading Project
10 Modules providing you with EVERYTHING you need to successfully set up a reading program that empowers your students with choice and voice.
EMPOWERED READERS
Let's RECAP! You'll get access to...
Over 100 pages of ready-to-use resources that you can implement right away in your English language arts classroom.
A bonus podcast interview with content creator and author, Naomi O’Brien, from Read Like a Rockstar.
You’ll get access to everything right away, so you can move through the course and resources at your own pace.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Each teacher who wishes to use the resources will require their own licence.
Yes! You are welcome to share the resources online with your students on a closed website that cannot be accessed by the general public like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams. Sharing on an open website is not permitted.
Enroll in empowered readers today!
ONE TIME PAYMENT OF
$150