Category Archive: For Educators

“All Are Welcome” Into a Community of Reading

Posted in: For Educators, Impact Stories

For many students, the start of the school year can be stressful – prompting isolation, shyness, and learning obstacles. The most important part of an educator’s job is making students feel welcome. “I’m always looking for opportunities for our kids to experience that their work and their words do have... Read more

Educator Resource: The First Book Trauma Toolkit

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, For Educators

We want all students to be happy, healthy, and prepared to reach their highest potential. These aspirations are most often possible when children have environments that provide safety, support, love, and nurturing. Unfortunately, this is far from reality for almost half of the children in the United States – about... Read more

Promoting Respect & Empathy: A Toolkit for Educators, by Educators

Posted in: For Educators

Teaching kids empathy and respect prepares them to create a more caring and compassionate world. In the absence of empathy, differences have the potential to breed conflict – especially during a child’s early years, when they are naturally inclined to think only of themselves and their immediate needs. Members of... Read more

What is unconscious bias? And how can educators fight it?

Posted in: For Educators

The truth is, we all have unconscious bias. But what is “unconscious bias”? This is what happens when we allow our own attitudes, feelings, stereotypes, or beliefs impact our judgment or understanding of other people. It’s called “unconscious” because it is not something we do deliberately; rather, it is an involuntary... Read more

And Now, Es Mi Turno…

Posted in: For Educators

Today’s blog is a guest post by Erika Duncan, executive and artistic director of HerStory Writers Workshop. Find Brave Journeys/Pasos Valientes on the First Book Marketplace. ************************************************************ “Who has the courage to read this week’s story in English?” Mr. Hogu asks his students, who are not only new to Hempstead... Read more

Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion In Your Classroom

Posted in: For Educators

As the U.S. population becomes more and more diverse, the need to embrace the many cultures in our classrooms is more important than ever. When a student’s learning environment respects their history, values, beliefs, and behaviors, students and their families are better positioned to thrive in school. Many educators said... Read more

LIGHTS ALIVE! Why Telling Your Story Matters

Posted in: Author Voices, For Educators

Guest post by author Laura Geringer Bass. There is a scene in my new middle grade novel, The Girl with More than One Heart, that is based on a real life parent conference I had once with my son’s kindergarten teacher. I called the chapter “Lights Alive” which is the... Read more

Telling Our Stories: Author Laura Geringer Bass & the #BeYourOwn Writing Workshop

Posted in: Author Voices, For Educators

Everyone has a story to tell. Often, we need a little encouragement to listen to the voice inside our heads and hearts that tells us, “Be your own!” We are so proud to work with author Laura Geringer Bass to help empower young readers and writers to tell their own... Read more

Three Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Your Students

Posted in: For Educators

Every year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The celebration emphasizes the histories, traditions, and contributions of our Spanish and Latine ancestors – so that year-round, we can take pride in the diversity of our country, and its resulting strength.  It’s a great time... Read more

5 Creative Ways to Use Books in Spanish

Posted in: For Educators

Guest post by Camila Rios, First Book intern Spanish-language books are a versatile and valuable resource. Use them with Spanish speakers, Spanish learners, bilingual students, and English language learners in any setting where you’re working with kids and families. Use Spanish-Language Books To… Foster Strong Bilingual Skills Research shows that students who read or are... Read more