I highly recommend Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried. The structure of the novel is set up so that each chapter is like a "short story" and can stand alone but if a student wanted to read the entire thing, all the stories come together and make sense as a whole as well. Some really thought provoking stuff in that book.
Satsu as a student I found that the book was amazing however a lot of my peers were easily confused and didn't like the analysis the teacher was trying to provoke
@@CJReynolds I listen to your videos on my way to school and at home. On my first day I was actually watching thr first day video and used some ideas. Was very nervous and it was super helpful. Gday mate!!! Seeya later alligator!!! ☀☀☀☀
AAAWWW, Mr. Rogers! Of all the things you do, the fact that you take the time to greet/talk to/know every student is my favorite! I'll be 50 in a couple of months. I'm a quiet person, so I've gone through most of my life unseen. When someone takes the time to actually NOTICE me, it still means so much. Even now as an older adult, I still feel like... wow, I EXIST! Someone actually noticed that I exist!
Keep pushing through, you got this! I for sure feel similar at times. I lost my co teacher for what could be as little as two weeks for a class that has a lot of students with severe disabilities but I’m pushing through because the students value the class and enjoy it. Hoping for another great week for you.
Wow, that permanent quote idea on the one specific student's desk is wonderful! I admire that you went ahead and did it anyway, even when you didn't know if you could, maybe like how the student doesn't yet know that he can try his best. That meant a lot that you did that for your student. I'm just remembering that back when I was still in school, if someone bothered to enact a similar small gesture like that for me, it would have really changed the direction of the course of my life. Every decision, every action matters and contributes to the specific outcome of what is to unfold; no one lives exclusively in their own island, and no on can survive being treated as if they were.
And you know what, even if no one made a similar gesture like that for me, it matters that you made that gesture for your student, and the direction of the course of my life has been just changed to a degree.
I’m a blogger and do research mostly political which can be depressing. YOU ARE THE MOST UPLIFTING POSITIVE UTUBER IVE EVER WITNESSED. This world would be an incredible place if more ppl were just like you.
House on mango street, tears of a tiger, milk and honey, the sun and her flowers, brown girl dreaming, parrot in the oven, and graphic novels do the trick like Maus and persepolis. Also, any Sherman alexie book. They are all easy to read and most of them are collections of short stories. That's all I can think of right now, sending love and hugs from this fellow English teacher from California ❤️
The "This is water" graduation speech is a good video on gratefulness and choosing to see things more positively. A good short reading idea is the Uncle John's Bathroom reader series.
I had to laugh because I was thinking “Chicken Soup for the Soul” when you asked for ideas and then there it was! Ha! What about some children’s chapter books? “Little House on the Prairie” would be a nice one for grit. :) Some nice take-aways in a lot of children’s books...but still not considered cool enough to forget their book.
+Bonnie Mekelburg I️ think I might actually bring in a Chicken Soup book. 😊😂 Chapter children’s books are worth looking into. Thanks Bonnie for taking the time to think about it. If I️ can ever help with anything please let me know. 👍🏽
+Dylan it’s my pleasure Dylan. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help out. I do t know if you saw the video but my students and I got to meet Gary V last year and it was life changing for them. Thanks for the kind words. 👍🏽
Reynolds .. I love your channel so much! I really wish I lived closer. I’m in northern New Jersey. I’ve worked in Newark, NJ and your school environment seems so similar. I’m currently teaching middle school but my I’ve always said my heart is with high school! Keep doing what you’re doing because you are killing it with the type of material you are covering and the life lessons you are teaching!
"The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros is great for your free read! It is structured as a series of vignettes that can be easily digested in small parts. Also "Thug Notes: A Street Smart Guide to Classic Literature" can be broken down by literary selection and may be interesting to your population. "True Story of a Part Time Indian" is lengthier, but is an easy lively read. Sherman Alexie has a short story compilation as well.
The monk who sold his Ferrari is one good book. Your videos have helped me a lot and being so cool being a high school teacher is really appreciable. Thank you sir for making us feel positive too
I like what you said about critical thinking and how it can simply be asking students a question and have them think about it and answer. I'm a first year teacher in fifth grade and my students like to be lazy and really need help with critical thinking. Thanks for that tip!
Thank you so much for all of your videos! I am a new teacher and your videos help so much because I'm teaching at a middle school level and I feel like there are so many elementary teachers on youtube, not enough middle/high school. Something that I REALLY LOVE that I think you would also love is the "Creative Shakespeare: The Globe Education Guide to Practical Shakespeare" -- I was lucky enough to go to London for a week to go through workshops on teaching Shakespeare to students in a completely different way. I know that doing that isn't totally feasible for everyone, but I think you're the type of teacher who would really like the ideas/methods in the book. I personally think it's a more equitable way of teaching and at Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London, the actors/leaders specifically made it a point to tell us to not be afraid of cutting the text down for students to read Shakespeare. Anyway...thanks Mr. Reynolds! Your advice has been invaluable for me (especially when you said to grab a ream of paper at the beginning of the year...I didn't believe that a school would run out of paper, but you were so right).
+Gabriella Cerezo 😂😂😂😂 Yes! The paper always runs out. I’m going to look that program up now. Did your school send you? We have money to go to conferences every year but it’s never anything I take advantage of. Maybe I should change that. I’m glad I could help. I love when that happens. 😊
I am really lucky but it was an opportunity presented to my teaching credential cohort! I had to pay part of it out of pocket and then my teaching program funded part of it. You should definitely take advantage of it!! It is so amazing!
I love Adichie! She's an incredible author and speaker. I have never read Purple Hibiscus, but her short story collection titled "The Thing Around Your Neck" is one of my favorites.
If I lived anywhere near there I would apply in a hot minute . . . what a great experience that would be ! Good luck on the sub search. Great costumes!
Hey Reynolds! Just a tip here since you’re teaching high schoolers! Try watching people from the BookTube community! Just search names like Peruse Project (she recommends fantasy novels!), A Clockwork Reader, Jesse the Reader, Hailey in Bookland. And then watch their recommendation videos! Their wrap-up videos! They all discuss books from the YA genre and they are the reason I found a love for reading!!! I hope you see this comment!
Not really a rec for short passages but you should definitely buy Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom! It's a really good fast pace fantasy duology and each of the characters have a darker backstory they overcome. Their trauma keeps them apart but also brings them closer together. (Ps it's also going to be adapted on Netflix next year) they all struggle through their trauma their present and those fears affect their future. I hope you at least read them, I'm sure you'd love them too.
Do you have a video where you explain how you incorporate your journal entries into your lessons? You seem to do it really ingerally, and naturally, and I am wondering how long you give to writing, what you do with it, how (if) you give feedback , etc. If you have explained it, please point me in the right direction of that video. If not... then... can I make a special request? Thanks! Respect from the western Negev desert in Israel!
+Digitally Yours, Adele I️ don’t have a dedicated video about them but consider it done, hopefully I️ can get it out in about a week. Thanks for the suggestion!
Ha ha! I love that you had them watch Stranger Things! (Poor little deprived children! What is wrong with the world these days?!) I wish I had teaching skill and credentials. Your class seems so cool. I'm sure you will find a good person to fill the position!
I know that I am watching this a year later, but I am a first year teacher and you have been a lot of help! Thank you! Another book that you could work with is “The Last Lecture” the chapters are short so it would be perfect for this. It is a great book with some great life lessons. Thanks again! Tristen
Short stories like Ray Bradbury or Borges, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, A People's History of the United States by Zinn, Small is Beautiful by Schumacher, The Life and Death of Great American Cities by Jacobs, Dale Carnegie - probably at thrift stores.
Short stories for young readers: Somehow Tenderness Survives - Stories of Southern Africa selected by Hazel Rochman; The Cow-Tail Switch and other West African Stories by Harold Courlander and George Herzog; To Break the Silence various authors edited by Peter A Barrett (I think your kids would like the West African folk tales and you could have them write some cool modern spins of those stories).
Aesop's fables are really good, I've had a copy since I was like 12. The colossal book of math ( that giant book I used to carry around all the time) is just a collection of stories on how certain concepts came to be. The book Ribay wrote is alright, although a bit long for a short class.
I'll be right over..... I lost my job 10/27 (Fri)...... long story.... My husband is also out of work as of Nov. 30th but fortunately has leads... I finish my degree Feb. 12. I wish I could just go somewhere and start over. Especially if I could work with you. You are one of the best mentors I have had in life and in teaching. Blessings to you.
Reynolds, you lift up my spirits every time I watch one of your videos. Your kindness reaches farther than you know. I am glad that you are a part of my journey to become an educator and a better person. Keep it up. I watch EVERY video. Someday I hope to thank you in person and to meet your not so secret wife. Steph
+Stephanie Henry Thanks so much for such a thoughtful comment. I really appreciate it and I’m so glad that I️ can help. I️ don’t know what else to say. You make me feel very humbled.
I so admire your Close the Loop policy and I aim towards it myself. Maybe one day I’ll get there :) Have you looked into Paul Jennings’ books? They may work for some of your guys ....
I don’t know if your still looking for things for your kids to read but Randy Pausch’s book The Last Lecture is broken up into bite sized bits and is inspirational/enlightening.
Have your students read S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders? I realize it's typically read in middle school, but it would make for an easy, engaging read and provide meaningful discussions about class privilege, social groups, etc. I haven't used this source, but you may want to look at the Krause Center for Innovation online for free online ebooks, free audiobooks, and free movies. Amen for developing grit! Amen for building good work relationships. I'm gonna create and close a loop this week!
A velocity of being:letters to young people... Poetry books too considering your rap interest. Lyrics. Stuff on the pentambic meter. Poems to be spoken... pocket crimes that need to be solved... or explained... Speeches.
One of my professors in college preached that if you ask your students to write or read, you need to be a role model for them. If you ask your students to read a book, and you are working on your computer what do you think your students are thinking?
At the end of the semester/year or whenever you want to get rid of the permanent marker you can take a dry erase marker and color over it to get it off. It would need to be one that you didn't want to use anymore, though. A teacher I know wrote numbers on her desks with a permanent marker and got it off like that!
What about short story collections / anthologies? Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories Kaleidoscope Diverse Energies. Tons of good ones out there. Much easier to hold their attention for a short story than a whole book they're only going to dig into for part of a day.
You're the teacher I aspire to be! I've been binge watching your vids in between studying for my state's English teaching exam. Do you have a list of journal topics available to download or purchase on your site?
Is it legal to copy pages out of a book and hand it out? I always feel gross when that happens in PD meetings I’m in. Doesn’t seem fair to the creator of the book. I don’t really understand copyright rules/laws.
My first principal told me something that has always stuck with me. It was something like: don't plan the budget, budget the plan. It has always stuck with me, and I try my hardest to plan that way. :)
Book excerpt suggestions: pick one of Wendell Berry's essays, maybe from Sex, economy Freedon and Community. Or just for fun, a chapter from David Sedaris' Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls. Also, it's hard to beat a good short story by John Steinbeck. Red Pony, anyone? And for pure quirkiness, try a short story by George Saunders from his book Tenth of December. I forget the name of it, but the second or third (I think) story in the book is about a couple of high school kids and a kidnapper. Don't worry (spoiler alert) it has a happy ending. The last story, about a kid an old man is the best one in the book.
I wanted to leave a comment even though I'm way late on readings that may work.. Here are a few... Wilson Rawls 'summer of the monkeys', 'animal farm', 'ole yeller', short stories by 'Roald Dahl'
SSR suggestions for students who dont being their book: Button Poetry collection Books (collections from Slam poets you see on facebook they are topical and mature) i like: Depression and other magic tricks, and New American best friend. House on Mango Street - Sandra Cisneros Impressions of an Indian Childhood - Zitkala Sa (native american writer) Im excited to see what is written in the comments for SSR because i think all teachers struggle with this.
If I was done with college and had my degree I would come teach with you in hot minute. I live twenty minutes from Philly in Winslow Twp, which I think you've mentioned in one of your video is where you did your student teaching
I go to Camden County College right now to take advantage of the NJ STARRS program. I will most likely be transferring to Rowan University to finish my degree
I have no doubt that anyone, regardless of how much experience they have, would learn SO much from co-teaching with you!!! I would LOVE to for a bit! But as you said, Israel is a wee bit far.......
Check out the Moth books. They are short story memoirs and some of them are written by famous people. One I used was "Prom" by Hasan Minhaj and they really connected with it. It helps that he is a comedian! There is also one from Ismael Beah, writer of "A Long Way Gone." The Moth book is called "All These Wonders" and the second is called "Occasional Magic." I hope this helps!
I would love to co-teach with you! If you ever move to Southern California, I teach in the absolute best all-high-school district. Just saying. SSR thoughts- House On Mango Street (I would suggest the following vignettes for your boys, since they would just be picking it up and not necessarily doing lessons: The house on Mango Street -- Gil's furniture bought & sold -- Louie, his cousin & his other cousin -- Those who don't -- A rice sandwich -- Papa who wakes up tired in the dark -- Geraldo no last name -- A smart cookie - A house of my own. I also have book that is a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s poems and short stories. Some of my kids dig that.
These are great picks. Funny enough we have been talking about Southern California for some time. We are planning to visit next summer as part of a TH-cam tour, so maybe we could meet. Also, are those flying books behind you in your profile picture?!
love your channel and energy. have you ever thought about going into admin (principal)? not saying you should because you are great and more schools need teachers like you on the front line.
I've been asked before. In my experience teaching gives me more freedom to really meet with students and to make a difference. Administrators do get to meet a lot with parents and families and have a say on things like curriculum and school culture, but they also have to do budgets and board meetings and scheduling. 😬
I see that you made this video last year, so I realize that you might not see this comment... but “Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed is THE BEST. It’s a collection of essays compiled from an advice column, which sounds weird but is incredibly well written. I think it would be perfect for what you’re looking for.
+Kafoople Land 🤣 I dressed up as Real Rap With Reynolds this year. To be honest I haven’t quite been feeling like my silly self lately and decided to skip it 🙃
Maybe the books they are getting are reinforcing instead of the books they should bring. 4 functions of behavior: attention, escape, access to an item, self stimulation. Actually it's common for men to have anger management problems due to cultural perceptions of masculinity and how anger is the only appropriate masculine emotion to Express.....
You could maybe do famous or inspiring speeches that are important and useful to be familiar with. Just find a text version online and print out a couple pages :)
If you don’t find a co teacher maybe you want to come teach out in California :). To a great week ahead. Also if you follow my fool proof plan you can score some amazing candy with out any work.
+Booda Gibson 😂😂 It’s not for every occasion. What I️ try to get away from is those folks that dump all of their issues on you and then never resolve them. Airing it out now and again is important. I’m just not trying to stop the gossip train and speak the truth in love. It’s never meant to cause harm. 😊
Is it even legal for your school to have you without a co-teacher? That's so awful! I'm a Sped. teacher who teaches English and 1 section of history and I would LOVE to teach you with you but I'm NYC based and it would be kinda crazy to interview in a completely different state.
+Nina Thomas it’s not legal but they are looking so my guess is there is some grace while they are working on it. Thanks so much for the work you do Nina. 😊
+Apryl Johnson if you ever get tired of those snowy winters let me know. One of my best friends is from Iowa and he always talks about the cold and snow. 😂 😊 thanks Apryl!!
To anyone worrying about permanent markers in public schools: Alcohol will dissolve that ink! Most common disinfectants have enough alcohol in them to clean permanent marker off of a clean surface, a chem teacher
Great idea on gratitude. Help suggestion for formal language. True Grit by Charles Portis. Main passages quite formal and elevated in tone if not grammar. Almost Shakespearean in effect, but the 19th century English more accessible. The Chohen Brothers movie conveys this well. Beautiful language. Help with "boring" Shakespeare. Dont read it in either standard American English or British Receive Pronunciation. First listen to some Original Pronunciation versions of passages to see how the cadence of its native form makes the dialogue pop. Then code switch to reading/performing passages in a deep southern drawl or appalacian twang. Very similar speech cadences that make the words live (just treat it seriously for it to work). Reimagine Julius Caesar and company as confederate generals and politicians (as a matter of speech)...you will be amazed at how the text and characters fill with blood and fire. Why it works...because aristocratic southern used to be aristocratic RP...its older, and just wilted a little in the southern heat. And more backwoods southern dialects have the same roots as the OP and has changed less. Southern dialects still live, and live closer emotionally and phonetically to the Bard's own speech than do the modern upper class patterns of palaver.
@@CJReynolds Wow! So happy you responded. In college and hoping to be a teacher. As many students have already said, your videos are not only inspirational, but very helpful, practical, and honest! Thanks man
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I highly recommend Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried. The structure of the novel is set up so that each chapter is like a "short story" and can stand alone but if a student wanted to read the entire thing, all the stories come together and make sense as a whole as well. Some really thought provoking stuff in that book.
Satsu as a student I found that the book was amazing however a lot of my peers were easily confused and didn't like the analysis the teacher was trying to provoke
I really like the daily reminders of gratitude idea.
I really appreciate your perspective on gossiping and venting. I hope more people start to “close the loop” and build better relationships from it!
Mr Reynolds. You are awesome, your videos have been such a source of light for me during my first year as a teacher. Peace out from Australia!
Good day mate thank you so much for the kind words I’m happy to help in anyway that I can my best you
@@CJReynolds I listen to your videos on my way to school and at home. On my first day I was actually watching thr first day video and used some ideas. Was very nervous and it was super helpful. Gday mate!!! Seeya later alligator!!! ☀☀☀☀
AAAWWW, Mr. Rogers!
Of all the things you do, the fact that you take the time to greet/talk to/know every student is my favorite! I'll be 50 in a couple of months. I'm a quiet person, so I've gone through most of my life unseen. When someone takes the time to actually NOTICE me, it still means so much. Even now as an older adult, I still feel like... wow, I EXIST! Someone actually noticed that I exist!
You want everyone to be seen. So impactful. I wish I would have had anyone in my life like you. You are a BLESSING FROM GOD.
You're an inspiration, Mr. Reynolds.
Keep pushing through, you got this! I for sure feel similar at times. I lost my co teacher for what could be as little as two weeks for a class that has a lot of students with severe disabilities but I’m pushing through because the students value the class and enjoy it. Hoping for another great week for you.
+Anthony Nieves thanks man! I️ appreciate it. 👍🏽
Wow, that permanent quote idea on the one specific student's desk is wonderful! I admire that you went ahead and did it anyway, even when you didn't know if you could, maybe like how the student doesn't yet know that he can try his best. That meant a lot that you did that for your student. I'm just remembering that back when I was still in school, if someone bothered to enact a similar small gesture like that for me, it would have really changed the direction of the course of my life. Every decision, every action matters and contributes to the specific outcome of what is to unfold; no one lives exclusively in their own island, and no on can survive being treated as if they were.
And you know what, even if no one made a similar gesture like that for me, it matters that you made that gesture for your student, and the direction of the course of my life has been just changed to a degree.
I’m a blogger and do research mostly political which can be depressing. YOU ARE THE MOST UPLIFTING POSITIVE UTUBER IVE EVER WITNESSED. This world would be an incredible place if more ppl were just like you.
House on mango street, tears of a tiger, milk and honey, the sun and her flowers, brown girl dreaming, parrot in the oven, and graphic novels do the trick like Maus and persepolis. Also, any Sherman alexie book. They are all easy to read and most of them are collections of short stories. That's all I can think of right now, sending love and hugs from this fellow English teacher from California ❤️
I loved The House on Mango Street. It's amazing.
The "This is water" graduation speech is a good video on gratefulness and choosing to see things more positively.
A good short reading idea is the Uncle John's Bathroom reader series.
Bro, if I lived near Philly we would kill co-teaching!
Same 😐
Good luck finding a new co-teacher. Love your videos. 4th grade teacher from New York ❤️
I had to laugh because I was thinking “Chicken Soup for the Soul” when you asked for ideas and then there it was! Ha!
What about some children’s chapter books? “Little House on the Prairie” would be a nice one for grit. :) Some nice take-aways in a lot of children’s books...but still not considered cool enough to forget their book.
+Bonnie Mekelburg I️ think I might actually bring in a Chicken Soup book. 😊😂 Chapter children’s books are worth looking into. Thanks Bonnie for taking the time to think about it. If I️ can ever help with anything please let me know. 👍🏽
That happened to me while watching, too! :-)
those are the books I carry with me for my break time or in case there is no sub plan when I substitute teach.
Great content with this video...you are another Gary V. Love the fact that you are sharing this with all us teachers.
+Dylan it’s my pleasure Dylan. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help out. I do t know if you saw the video but my students and I got to meet Gary V last year and it was life changing for them. Thanks for the kind words. 👍🏽
Reynolds .. I love your channel so much! I really wish I lived closer. I’m in northern New Jersey. I’ve worked in Newark, NJ and your school environment seems so similar. I’m currently teaching middle school but my I’ve always said my heart is with high school! Keep doing what you’re doing because you are killing it with the type of material you are covering and the life lessons you are teaching!
I would love to give you the highest YT AWARD that would be possible.
"The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros is great for your free read! It is structured as a series of vignettes that can be easily digested in small parts. Also "Thug Notes: A Street Smart Guide to Classic Literature" can be broken down by literary selection and may be interesting to your population.
"True Story of a Part Time Indian" is lengthier, but is an easy lively read. Sherman Alexie has a short story compilation as well.
The monk who sold his Ferrari is one good book. Your videos have helped me a lot and being so cool being a high school teacher is really appreciable. Thank you sir for making us feel positive too
Glad to help! I’m going to look that book up now. Thanks so much for the kind words. 😊
I like what you said about critical thinking and how it can simply be asking students a question and have them think about it and answer. I'm a first year teacher in fifth grade and my students like to be lazy and really need help with critical thinking. Thanks for that tip!
+Justice Klene first of all you name is awesome. Second, you could do one question a day that kids want to answer and it would be great. 👍🏽
Thank you so much for all of your videos! I am a new teacher and your videos help so much because I'm teaching at a middle school level and I feel like there are so many elementary teachers on youtube, not enough middle/high school. Something that I REALLY LOVE that I think you would also love is the "Creative Shakespeare: The Globe Education Guide to Practical Shakespeare" -- I was lucky enough to go to London for a week to go through workshops on teaching Shakespeare to students in a completely different way. I know that doing that isn't totally feasible for everyone, but I think you're the type of teacher who would really like the ideas/methods in the book. I personally think it's a more equitable way of teaching and at Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London, the actors/leaders specifically made it a point to tell us to not be afraid of cutting the text down for students to read Shakespeare. Anyway...thanks Mr. Reynolds! Your advice has been invaluable for me (especially when you said to grab a ream of paper at the beginning of the year...I didn't believe that a school would run out of paper, but you were so right).
+Gabriella Cerezo 😂😂😂😂 Yes! The paper always runs out. I’m going to look that program up now. Did your school send you? We have money to go to conferences every year but it’s never anything I take advantage of. Maybe I should change that.
I’m glad I could help. I love when that happens. 😊
I am really lucky but it was an opportunity presented to my teaching credential cohort! I had to pay part of it out of pocket and then my teaching program funded part of it. You should definitely take advantage of it!! It is so amazing!
Purple Hibiscus is a good book with a ton of meaningful thoughts to think about.
I love Adichie! She's an incredible author and speaker. I have never read Purple Hibiscus, but her short story collection titled "The Thing Around Your Neck" is one of my favorites.
Thank you for this! All the way from a teacher in training at Australia 🐨🤘🏼
If I lived anywhere near there I would apply in a hot minute . . . what a great experience that would be ! Good luck on the sub search. Great costumes!
+Brenda DellaVecchia thanks Brenda!! We would be great!!
Hey Reynolds! Just a tip here since you’re teaching high schoolers! Try watching people from the BookTube community! Just search names like Peruse Project (she recommends fantasy novels!), A Clockwork Reader, Jesse the Reader, Hailey in Bookland. And then watch their recommendation videos! Their wrap-up videos! They all discuss books from the YA genre and they are the reason I found a love for reading!!! I hope you see this comment!
Dang it I'm still in school 😥 I would hop on a bus with the bag on my back to teach with you that would be amazing!
+Lil Space Freckles 😂😂😂😂just the image of this is great! Thanks Freckle!!
I love your videos. Just found you yesterday, your honesty is so refreshing!
Thanks Amrom!!
Not really a rec for short passages but you should definitely buy Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom! It's a really good fast pace fantasy duology and each of the characters have a darker backstory they overcome. Their trauma keeps them apart but also brings them closer together. (Ps it's also going to be adapted on Netflix next year) they all struggle through their trauma their present and those fears affect their future. I hope you at least read them, I'm sure you'd love them too.
I️ also teach high school English. You are such an inspiration!
Thank you. 😊
Great vlog , good luck on finding your new teacher
+Han Bes Thanks Han!
Born a Crime would be a great memoir to pull pieces from!
Do you have a video where you explain how you incorporate your journal entries into your lessons? You seem to do it really ingerally, and naturally, and I am wondering how long you give to writing, what you do with it, how (if) you give feedback , etc. If you have explained it, please point me in the right direction of that video. If not... then... can I make a special request? Thanks! Respect from the western Negev desert in Israel!
+Digitally Yours, Adele I️ don’t have a dedicated video about them but consider it done, hopefully I️ can get it out in about a week. Thanks for the suggestion!
Looking forward to it!!! Happy to provide inspiration for one of your videos!
Ha ha! I love that you had them watch Stranger Things! (Poor little deprived children! What is wrong with the world these days?!) I wish I had teaching skill and credentials. Your class seems so cool. I'm sure you will find a good person to fill the position!
I know that I am watching this a year later, but I am a first year teacher and you have been a lot of help! Thank you!
Another book that you could work with is “The Last Lecture” the chapters are short so it would be perfect for this. It is a great book with some great life lessons.
Thanks again! Tristen
Short stories like Ray Bradbury or Borges, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, A People's History of the United States by Zinn, Small is Beautiful by Schumacher, The Life and Death of Great American Cities by Jacobs, Dale Carnegie - probably at thrift stores.
Short stories for young readers: Somehow Tenderness Survives - Stories of Southern Africa selected by Hazel Rochman; The Cow-Tail Switch and other West African Stories by Harold Courlander and George Herzog; To Break the Silence various authors edited by Peter A Barrett (I think your kids would like the West African folk tales and you could have them write some cool modern spins of those stories).
Aesop's fables are really good, I've had a copy since I was like 12.
The colossal book of math ( that giant book I used to carry around all the time) is just a collection of stories on how certain concepts came to be.
The book Ribay wrote is alright, although a bit long for a short class.
+Shawn Alexander good work Lieutenant!!👍🏽👊🏼
I love your videos.
I am curious about attendance on Wednesday vs. the full days. Do most kids show up to early outs?
I'll be right over..... I lost my job 10/27 (Fri)...... long story.... My husband is also out of work as of Nov. 30th but fortunately has leads... I finish my degree Feb. 12. I wish I could just go somewhere and start over. Especially if I could work with you. You are one of the best mentors I have had in life and in teaching. Blessings to you.
Reynolds, you lift up my spirits every time I watch one of your videos. Your kindness reaches farther than you know. I am glad that you are a part of my journey to become an educator and a better person. Keep it up. I watch EVERY video. Someday I hope to thank you in person and to meet your not so secret wife. Steph
"Leading with the Heart: Coach K's Successful Strategies For Basketball, Business, and Life" by Mike Krzyzewski
+Stephanie Henry what?! 😮 what happened?
+Sue E. Nice! I’m going to check it out!
+Stephanie Henry Thanks so much for such a thoughtful comment. I really appreciate it and I’m so glad that I️ can help. I️ don’t know what else to say. You make me feel very humbled.
That quote is genius! I am stealing this wonderful idea.
+Vanessa Theut Yes! Hope it works!
I so admire your Close the Loop policy and I aim towards it myself. Maybe one day I’ll get there :) Have you looked into Paul Jennings’ books? They may work for some of your guys ....
+Kafoople Land It’s definitely taken years to work in this practice. I’ll look into them thanks for the suggestion!
I don’t know if your still looking for things for your kids to read but Randy Pausch’s book The Last Lecture is broken up into bite sized bits and is inspirational/enlightening.
Wish i had seen this 5 years ago, I would've loved to have taught with you!
Madison made the vlog!!! Great chat.
+Heather P for sure. She and her friends were in front of us almost the whole time that we were trick-or-treating. 😂
Have your students read S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders? I realize it's typically read in middle school, but it would make for an easy, engaging read and provide meaningful discussions about class privilege, social groups, etc. I haven't used this source, but you may want to look at the Krause Center for Innovation online for free online ebooks, free audiobooks, and free movies. Amen for developing grit! Amen for building good work relationships. I'm gonna create and close a loop this week!
+The Buddy Zone love it! Closing the loop will change your life. 😊 My guys did read the Outsiders in middle school. That’s a great pick though!👍🏽
A velocity of being:letters to young people... Poetry books too considering your rap interest. Lyrics. Stuff on the pentambic meter. Poems to be spoken... pocket crimes that need to be solved... or explained... Speeches.
One of my professors in college preached that if you ask your students to write or read, you need to be a role model for them. If you ask your students to read a book, and you are working on your computer what do you think your students are thinking?
I wish I saw this video/ knew about your channel when this one was posted, I would’ve loved to co teach w u 🥺
At the end of the semester/year or whenever you want to get rid of the permanent marker you can take a dry erase marker and color over it to get it off. It would need to be one that you didn't want to use anymore, though. A teacher I know wrote numbers on her desks with a permanent marker and got it off like that!
+Chloe' Anastasia nice!! Great tip Chloe!
What about short story collections / anthologies?
Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron
The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories
Kaleidoscope
Diverse Energies.
Tons of good ones out there. Much easier to hold their attention for a short story than a whole book they're only going to dig into for part of a day.
+Get Out • Do Stuff love it! Thanks!!
Good luck finding a new co-teacher! I would love to be in your class! Love your videos! 6th grade teacher from Switzerland:-)
Yes! Best of luck #mrreynolds I'm in school and I just got hired for substitute in FL and I'm not seasoned yet ahah
You're the teacher I aspire to be! I've been binge watching your vids in between studying for my state's English teaching exam. Do you have a list of journal topics available to download or purchase on your site?
Thanks so much. I’m glad I can help. Shoot me an email at realrapwithreynolds@gmail.com and I’ll send them to you.
The jungle by Upton Sinclair is a great book to read and a great book to have deep discussions about!
Is it legal to copy pages out of a book and hand it out? I always feel gross when that happens in PD meetings I’m in. Doesn’t seem fair to the creator of the book. I don’t really understand copyright rules/laws.
+Colby Sharp I’ve gotten permission in the past from some publishers and writers. The problem with schools is that we dream on a budget.
My first principal told me something that has always stuck with me. It was something like: don't plan the budget, budget the plan.
It has always stuck with me, and I try my hardest to plan that way. :)
Book excerpt suggestions: pick one of Wendell Berry's essays, maybe from Sex, economy Freedon and Community. Or just for fun, a chapter from David Sedaris' Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls. Also, it's hard to beat a good short story by John Steinbeck. Red Pony, anyone? And for pure quirkiness, try a short story by George Saunders from his book Tenth of December. I forget the name of it, but the second or third (I think) story in the book is about a couple of high school kids and a kidnapper. Don't worry (spoiler alert) it has a happy ending. The last story, about a kid an old man is the best one in the book.
I wanted to leave a comment even though I'm way late on readings that may work.. Here are a few... Wilson Rawls 'summer of the monkeys', 'animal farm', 'ole yeller', short stories by 'Roald Dahl'
Suggestions: To Kill A Mockingbird, Negroland: A Memoir, by Margo Jefferson, or 'anything by Toni Morrison.
I have no idea on lengths sorry.
SSR suggestions for students who dont being their book:
Button Poetry collection Books (collections from Slam poets you see on facebook they are topical and mature) i like: Depression and other magic tricks, and New American best friend.
House on Mango Street - Sandra Cisneros
Impressions of an Indian Childhood - Zitkala Sa (native american writer)
Im excited to see what is written in the comments for SSR because i think all teachers struggle with this.
+Wheelee's Travels AWESOME! I️ only know one of those titles so I’m excited to look them up. Thanks for taking the time. I really appreciate it.
If I was done with college and had my degree I would come teach with you in hot minute. I live twenty minutes from Philly in Winslow Twp, which I think you've mentioned in one of your video is where you did your student teaching
+Mackenzie Gossard yes! I️ did student teach at Winslow High School with Mr. Zaccaria!! He was really impactful. Where are you going to college?
I go to Camden County College right now to take advantage of the NJ STARRS program. I will most likely be transferring to Rowan University to finish my degree
Book suggestion: A Hand to Guide Me by Denzel Washington Subtitle: Legends and Leaders Celebrate The People Who Shaped Their Lives
+Abby Rosario thanks Abby! I’m going to look it up.
I have no doubt that anyone, regardless of how much experience they have, would learn SO much from co-teaching with you!!! I would LOVE to for a bit! But as you said, Israel is a wee bit far.......
+Digitally Yours, Adele Thanks ☺️
Check out the Moth books. They are short story memoirs and some of them are written by famous people. One I used was "Prom" by Hasan Minhaj and they really connected with it. It helps that he is a comedian! There is also one from Ismael Beah, writer of "A Long Way Gone." The Moth book is called "All These Wonders" and the second is called "Occasional Magic." I hope this helps!
Awesome! I’ll look it up now. Thanks for the recommendation!
Can we get an update on whether the Henry Rollins quote seemed to make a difference?
Malcolm Gladwell for short vignettes for student reading. David and Goliath, Outliers, etc.
I would love to co-teach with you! If you ever move to Southern California, I teach in the absolute best all-high-school district. Just saying. SSR thoughts- House On Mango Street (I would suggest the following vignettes for your boys, since they would just be picking it up and not necessarily doing lessons: The house on Mango Street -- Gil's furniture bought & sold -- Louie, his cousin & his other cousin -- Those who don't -- A rice sandwich -- Papa who wakes up tired in the dark -- Geraldo no last name -- A smart cookie - A house of my own. I also have book that is a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s poems and short stories. Some of my kids dig that.
These are great picks. Funny enough we have been talking about Southern California for some time. We are planning to visit next summer as part of a TH-cam tour, so maybe we could meet.
Also, are those flying books behind you in your profile picture?!
Real Rap With Reynolds I would love that. Keep me in the loop.
love your channel and energy. have you ever thought about going into admin (principal)? not saying you should because you are great and more schools need teachers like you on the front line.
I've been asked before. In my experience teaching gives me more freedom to really meet with students and to make a difference. Administrators do get to meet a lot with parents and families and have a say on things like curriculum and school culture, but they also have to do budgets and board meetings and scheduling. 😬
Younkers will truly be missed. Honestly
Anything by Alice Walker, an amazing woman, especially, "The Temple of My Familiar"
I see that you made this video last year, so I realize that you might not see this comment... but “Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed is THE BEST. It’s a collection of essays compiled from an advice column, which sounds weird but is incredibly well written. I think it would be perfect for what you’re looking for.
I see you Kristina! I’m going to look it up on Amazon now. Thanks for the suggestion! I appreciate the recommendation ☺️
Have your students ever read a Separate Peace. We read that when I was in high school
Are they still looking? I'm a Philly resident. I already teach art class PT
I would love to work with you! Bummer! Hope you'll find the right person!
+Diary of A Mad Black Teacher thanks!! We will see. 😊
PS I’m having trouble determining your Halloween costume, Reynolds.....(?)
+Kafoople Land 🤣 I dressed up as Real Rap With Reynolds this year. To be honest I haven’t quite been feeling like my silly self lately and decided to skip it 🙃
Wish I could sub there! Kansas is a bit of a commute...
+Sara Childs - The Onlyschooling Mom 😂 maybe a bit far!
Maybe the books they are getting are reinforcing instead of the books they should bring. 4 functions of behavior: attention, escape, access to an item, self stimulation. Actually it's common for men to have anger management problems due to cultural perceptions of masculinity and how anger is the only appropriate masculine emotion to Express.....
The epilogue of Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel
Awwww man.... Is the job still open 3 years later? 😆
You could maybe do famous or inspiring speeches that are important and useful to be familiar with. Just find a text version online and print out a couple pages :)
If you don’t find a co teacher maybe you want to come teach out in California :). To a great week ahead. Also if you follow my fool proof plan you can score some amazing candy with out any work.
If I went to my friend and they said that they would have to "close the loop " id never tell them anything ever again
+Booda Gibson 😂😂 It’s not for every occasion. What I️ try to get away from is those folks that dump all of their issues on you and then never resolve them. Airing it out now and again is important. I’m just not trying to stop the gossip train and speak the truth in love. It’s never meant to cause harm. 😊
I miss east coast Halloween
Oh man, wish I had seen this “posting” back then.
Is it even legal for your school to have you without a co-teacher? That's so awful! I'm a Sped. teacher who teaches English and 1 section of history and I would LOVE to teach you with you but I'm NYC based and it would be kinda crazy to interview in a completely different state.
+Nina Thomas it’s not legal but they are looking so my guess is there is some grace while they are working on it. Thanks so much for the work you do Nina. 😊
Did the quote on the desk help that dude out at all?
+Nicole Hampsher he read it and he said he liked it. I️ want to sit down with him this week and talk about it. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Do you dye your hair?
25 minute classes?! How can you get things done?
Classes are 25 minutes long on Wednesdays. The rest of the week they are about 50 minutes. Sorry for the mix up. 😉
It would be so cool to coteach with you! Too bad I'm in south Florida though lol
+Aileen Rivero I️ love Florida. If you ever get tired of the heat and sunshine let me know. 😊😂
I wish! But I'm in Iowa :(
+Apryl Johnson if you ever get tired of those snowy winters let me know. One of my best friends is from Iowa and he always talks about the cold and snow. 😂 😊 thanks Apryl!!
Would be so cool to teach with you!!! If I were a highschool teacher I'd totally go for it haha
+T- Dog T-Dog!!! Where’ve you been?!!
Just trying to not be on youtube so much haha
Also, writing too many of those apology notes.
So sad I am two years too late 😭
Sheree as long as it was on time for you. ☺️
To anyone worrying about permanent markers in public schools: Alcohol will dissolve that ink! Most common disinfectants have enough alcohol in them to clean permanent marker off of a clean surface, a chem teacher
Great idea on gratitude.
Help suggestion for formal language. True Grit by Charles Portis. Main passages quite formal and elevated in tone if not grammar. Almost Shakespearean in effect, but the 19th century English more accessible. The Chohen Brothers movie conveys this well. Beautiful language.
Help with "boring" Shakespeare. Dont read it in either standard American English or British Receive Pronunciation. First listen to some Original Pronunciation versions of passages to see how the cadence of its native form makes the dialogue pop. Then code switch to reading/performing passages in a deep southern drawl or appalacian twang. Very similar speech cadences that make the words live (just treat it seriously for it to work). Reimagine Julius Caesar and company as confederate generals and politicians (as a matter of speech)...you will be amazed at how the text and characters fill with blood and fire. Why it works...because aristocratic southern used to be aristocratic RP...its older, and just wilted a little in the southern heat. And more backwoods southern dialects have the same roots as the OP and has changed less. Southern dialects still live, and live closer emotionally and phonetically to the Bard's own speech than do the modern upper class patterns of palaver.
Chapters of "The Diary Of a Young Girl" would be meaningful, I guess
Too late to comment probably, but Chop Wood, Carry Water
Late comment but Tuesdays w Morrie
One of my favorite books ever! Great pick!
@@CJReynolds Wow! So happy you responded. In college and hoping to be a teacher. As many students have already said, your videos are not only inspirational, but very helpful, practical, and honest! Thanks man
The truth about stories is a good book and most chapters aren’t that long
+Emily Hill thanks Em! I’m going to look it up!!
I would totes do it
+Taylor Ann 😊
I met a teacher that had his students read MLK speeches
I actually have a sealed copy of a Chkn Soup for the Teenage Soul that you’re welcomed to have. Just message me. I’ll send it. Thnx again.
*palestine