We’re kicking off a new four-part series all about teaching the Hero’s Journey—starting with the dos and don’ts of unit design. In this episode, we share how this timeless framework can lead to deeper thinking, richer discussions, and yes… even a newfound love for fantasy (spoiler: one of us used to be a skeptic!). You’ll walk away with essential questions to anchor your units AND a free evidence tracker to help students go beyond surface-level plot.

Resources:

• Freebie: Hero’s Journey Evidence Tracker
• Join Happy Hour!
• Shop more BNT resources

Related Episodes:

• Episode 15, To Write an Essential Question
• Episode 16, To Find Supplementory Texts
• Episode 59, Essential Question Workshop: 12th Grade Lit
• Episode 81, Essential Question Workshop: Dystopia (Woohoo!)

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode256

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Ready to make your summer reading program awesome? Head to bravenewteaching.com/summerreading

Support the show

📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

• Join Happy Hour!
• Curriculum Rehab
• Down with the Reading Quiz
• Shop the BNT Resource Library
• Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

We’ve all had those end-of-year activities that looked great on paper—but quickly turned into chaos in the classroom. In this episode, we’re sharing some of our own “what were we thinking?” moments, along with practical strategies to help you rethink and rescue those well-intentioned lessons. From creative writing prompts that actually work to research assignments that don’t overwhelm, we’re diving into how structure and clarity can save your sanity this time of year!

Resources:

• End of Year Activity Bundle for Secondary ELA
• Build a Story: Summer Break Countdown
• End of Year Countdown - Famous Last Lines
• End of Year Time Capsule
• End of Year Station Activity
• More End of Year Resources
• Blog Post: 10 Ideas for a Fun, Reflective End of Year Activity

Related Episodes:

• Episode 254, Looking Ahead to Next Year: Fundraising Ideas for Books (Book Fairs & Read-a-Thons)
• Episode 253, Summer Reading Rescue - Part 2
• Episode 252, Summer Reading Rescue - Part 1
• Episode 144, Teacher Spring Cleaning: Curriculum & Activities
• Episode 129, Classroom Transformations & “Fun” Activities
• Episode 8 & 9, To Teach at the End of the Year

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode255

"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"

Ready to make your summer reading program awesome? Head to bravenewteaching.com/summerreading

Support the show

📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

• Join Happy Hour!
• Curriculum Rehab
• Down with the Reading Quiz
• Shop the BNT Resource Library
• Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Looking for a way to fundraise and build a love of reading in your school? In this episode, we share how a well-planned Read-a-Thon can bring in big funds for books while creating a strong literacy culture. Amanda walks through her recent experience running a successful Read-a-Thon, including choosing a platform, organizing volunteers, and getting local businesses involved. We’re also talking about the perks of hosting a book fair (yes, in high school) to set the stage for an amazing school year ahead!

Amanda has compiled her step-by-step process for hosting a read-a-thon into a resource for you, complete with text message, social media, and email prompts for families! And guess what? If you’re a member of Happy Hour, you’ll receive it for FREE! If you aren’t a member of Happy Hour, you can grab that resource here.

Resources:

• Amanda's Read-a-Thon Resource
• Get Movin’ Fund Hub
• RallyUp
• Join Happy Hour!

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode254

"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"

Ready to make your summer reading program awesome? Head to bravenewteaching.com/summerreading

Support the show

📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻

• Join Happy Hour!
• Curriculum Rehab
• Down with the Reading Quiz
• Shop the BNT Resource Library
• Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel