Category Archive: For Educators

How Microsoft’s Literacy Tools Improve Reading Comprehension in Classrooms

Posted in: For Educators, Our Partners

Educators are continuously confronted with a growing and diverse range of student needs, necessitating a responsive and individualized approach to teaching. In recent years, the prevalence of literacy challenges, particularly among English language learners and students with learning differences, has increased significantly, particularly in underserved communities. To level the playing... Read more

Internet-Free Activities to Engage your Students at Home

Posted in: For Educators

Guest blog post written by Morgan Bluma, First Book Marketing and Communications Assistant. Morgan graduated from American University with a double major in Literature and Journalism. Over the years, technology has become a major tool for learning, with many children adjusting to remote learning in recent years. Boosting educational activities... Read more

Back to School: How to Create a Welcoming Environment

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, For Educators

At the beginning of a new school year, creating a classroom and a space where students and families feel welcome and comfortable is important. First Book has taken extra care to create resources and space for educators working diligently to help all students feel welcome. The First Book Marketplace is... Read more

How to Add Social and Emotional Learning to Your Classroom

Posted in: For Educators

Guest blog post written by Anya Gizis, First Book Development Intern. Anya is currently studying political economics at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. When you help students develop empathy, set goals, and manage their emotions, you’re boosting their overall academic progress. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) creates comfort and assists... Read more

The Book Bank and Its Impact

Posted in: For Educators

Morgan Bluma is the Marketing and Communications Intern for First Book. She graduated from American University with a double major in Literature and Journalism.  First Book’s National Book Bank is a great and affordable option for our Network educators serving kids in need, to get a large quantity of brand-new... Read more

Empowering Educators: ABAR Teaching in Action

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, For Educators, Our Partners

In 2019, First Book surveyed its network of educators, with the intention to provide additional resources that would help them proactively engage their students in conversations about race. These findings helped create a series of free resources that were informed by leading anti-bias and antiracist (ABAR) experts like Britt Hawthorne,... Read more

How to Celebrate Earth Day with First Book

Posted in: For Educators

For many of us, Earth Day reminds of our childhood lessons to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and perhaps recalls memories of school-wide competitions, for which homeroom could bring in the most recycled items. Pizza parties for the win! But now, Earth Day is and can be so much more, with many... Read more

Top 5 Beyond Book Supplies to Add to Your Cart Right Now

Posted in: For Educators

Long-time educators and new Marketplace shoppers know that First Book is on a mission to build a path out of poverty through educational equity. Brand-new books are an essential part of the work we do, but the Marketplace also boasts additional supplies that go beyond books to help learners of... Read more

How Trauma Is Impacting Children in the Classroom

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, For Educators

In a recent survey of educators, we asked our network of educators about the impact of COVID-19 on students. The results show that kids are preoccupied with the pandemic, worried about their friends and family, and concerned about their own health. The survey confirmed what teachers and parents already know—the... Read more

Spring Clean Your Classroom Bookshelf

Posted in: Focus on First Book, For Educators

Daylight saving time officially started this week, which means spring is just around the corner. As you might spring clean your home, now is a great time to spring clean your bookshelf and evaluate if your classroom library celebrates and explores different identities and lived experiences. Spring cleaning your classroom... Read more