Resistant readers are often reacting to confusion, not a lack of ability, and that’s exactly where the Four Reading Realms come in! In this episode, we walk through a framework Amanda developed to clarify the purpose behind different reading tasks, helping students understand what kind of thinking is required and why it matters. By separating reading into intentional realms (focused on identity, perseverance, efficiency, and discernment), we can set clearer expectations, build trust, and support deeper engagement, even for students who have struggled with reading in the past.

🔗 Resources:

• Webinar: The Four Reading Realms
• Become a founding beta tester of Brave New Teaching University!
• Watch BNT episodes on YouTube!
• Shop Our Faves.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 276, Ok, but what if the secret to getting them to read is getting them to WRITE???
• Episode 280, New Year Teacher Trends for 2026: Goals, Books, and Real Talk
• Episode 282, We’re Building Our ELA Units WRONG. Here’s How to Fix it.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode283

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• Join Happy Hour!
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• Down with the Reading Quiz
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What if our obsession with data is actually distracting us from the real work? In this team meeting, we dig into how a “data first” or “book first” approach can miss the human side of learning and why culture and engagement have to come first. We look ahead to what teaching needs to look like in 2026, sharing a conversation-first planning workflow that starts with what students actually care about and then selects the skills and texts that support those conversations!

Resources:

• Become a founding beta tester of Brave New Teaching University!
• Watch BNT episodes on YouTube!
• Shop Our Faves.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 221, Back to School Survival Kit for Teachers
• Episode 280, New Year Teacher Trends for 2026: Goals, Books, and Real Talk
• Episode 281, SEL and Organic Community Really Are This Simple

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode282

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

Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

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

Are you absolutely crawling through January molasses, too? I know I am! In this week’s Team BNT meeting we’re talking honestly about what happens when tired, overwhelmed students are trying (and failing) to keep everything in their heads as finals approach. I share simple, repeatable routines that help students reduce anxiety, take control of their time, and build real classroom community.

We also touch on real teacher life during this stretch, from finals grading and midyear resets to Costco snack runs, and wrap up with a sneak peek at Brave New Teaching University, our upcoming space designed to make everything we’ve created more organized, usable, and supportive for teachers in 2026 and beyond!

Resources:

• NEW: Watch BNT episodes on YouTube!
• Shop Our Faves.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 276, Ok, But What if the Secret to Getting Them to Read is Getting Them to WRITE??
• Episode 277, Phones, Chromebooks, AI, and the Battle for Their Attention (Send Help!)
• Episode 278, Kids Have Officially Forgotten How to Play, and We're Going to Help Them Remember!
• Episode 279, 2026 Will Bring Uncomfortable Shifts, and That’s a Really Good Thing
• Episode 280, New Year Teacher Trends for 2026: Goals, Books, and Real Talk - BNT Team Meeting

SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode281

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

Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

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