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.

DIY Secret: How to Print on Post-It Notes (and Free Printable Template)

Have you ever wanted to add a personal touch to your notes or create customised reminders? Printing directly onto Post-It Notes is a fantastic way to achieve this! It’s easier than you might think, and with our free printable template, you’ll be creating professional-looking notes in no time.

First, ensure you have the right materials: a pack of standard Post-It Notes and a printer that can handle them. You’ll also need our downloadable template, which is specially designed to align perfectly with the sticky notes.

To get started, simply download the template and open it in your preferred word processing software. Adjust your text or add images as desired, ensuring they fit within the designated areas. Once you’re satisfied with your design, it’s time to prepare the Post-It Notes.

Carefully place a Post-It on a piece of plain paper, aligning it to ensure accurate printing. Load the paper into your printer, making sure the sticky side is facing the right way, and hit print. After printing, peel off your Post-It Notes and admire your handiwork!

Whether for gifts, office organisation, or personal projects, this DIY secret will turn mundane notes into delightful creations. Download the free template and start printing today!