First Chapter Friday: The Secret for Engaging Your Middle School Reading Students

As the bell rang and the hustle of lunchtime faded into silence, Mrs Evans prepared for the next period with a flicker of excitement. Today marked the much-anticipated revival of a reading initiative she affectionately called “First Chapter Friday.” The premise was simple yet potent: each Friday, she would introduce her middle school students to the first chapter of a captivating novel, igniting their curiosity and setting the stage for exploration.

The classroom was abuzz with the chatter of young adolescents, their minds teeming with the possibilities of adventure, mystery, and magic that lay within the pages of a book. Mrs Evans could hardly contain her enthusiasm as she held up the chosen tome for the week, its cover adorned with an intriguing illustration that promised worlds unknown.

"Who here has ever heard of ‘The Bone Season’?" she asked, watching with a grin as several hands shot up, mingling with shy glances from others who had yet to discover the joy of reading. That was precisely the crux of her mission: to bridge the gap between reluctant readers and literary engagement.

With a theatrical flair, she began to read aloud, her voice weaving through the narrative, enveloping her students in the spell of the story. As the first chapter unfolded, she paid close attention to their reactions—wide eyes, leaning forward in their seats, whispering to one another about their theories and predictions.

“It’s not just about reading,” Mrs Evans often reminded her colleagues. “It’s about sparking an interest, creating discussions, and fostering a love for stories.” By the end of the session, she would encourage students to share their thoughts and vote on whether they wanted to continue the journey with the book or explore another tale the following week.

Thus, First Chapter Friday became not just a lesson in literature, but an event to eagerly anticipate. A simple first chapter could open the door to a rich, vibrant world of imagination, turning even the most indifferent of students into passionate readers, one Friday at a time.

9 Fun Investment Money Board Games for Middle School Students

Introducing young minds to the world of investing can be both educational and entertaining. Here are nine engaging board games perfect for middle school students that can spark their interest in finance and money management!

1. Monopoly - A classic favourite, Monopoly teaches players about property investment and the importance of strategic decision-making. As they buy, sell, and trade properties, students learn valuable lessons about cash flow and resource management.

2. The Game of Life - In this entertaining and interactive board game, players embark on a journey through education, career choices, and financial decisions. It helps students understand the impact of their choices on their overall wealth and happiness.

3. Cashflow 101 - Designed by Robert Kiyosaki, this game focuses on financial education and investing. Players simulate real-life financial situations, aiming to escape the "rat race" by making savvy investment choices.

4. Stock Market Game - This digital or board game introduces students to stock trading concepts. Players invest virtual money in stocks, gaining insights into market fluctuations and the importance of research in making informed investment choices.

5. Acquire - A strategic game about hotel chains, Acquire encourages players to buy and merge companies to build wealth. It emphasises the significance of business strategy and financial foresight.

6. For Sale - A fast-paced auction game where players buy and sell properties, For Sale promotes quick thinking and highlights the art of negotiation, making it both fun and educational.

7. Pit - A lively game that immerses players in the commodities trading market. With a focus on trading goods and managing resources, Pit fosters quick decision-making and teamwork.

8. Investing: The Game - This board game introduces players to the basics of investing, allowing them to buy shares in companies and compete to build the most successful portfolio. It reinforces key concepts like risk and return.

9. Chopstick Challenge - While not a traditional investing game, this fun activity teaches students about the importance of resource management. Players use chopsticks to transfer tokens, emphasising skill and strategy in managing limited resources.

These games not only entertain but also impart essential lessons about finance and investment, making them perfect for middle school students eager to learn about money management in a fun way.