How to Use Choice Reading to Boost Engagement in Secondary ELA with Samantha in Secondary [Ep. 19]

If you’ve been around the podcast for a while, you know how much I value choice reading—and in this episode, I’m joined by Samantha from Samantha in Secondary, who shares that same passion. Samantha walks us through how she incorporates choice reading units alongside her required curriculum and offers a treasure trove of engaging, real-world activities that bring books to life for students.

From book tastings and speed dating to literary field trips and one-pagers, Samantha shows how creative reading projects can boost engagement, deepen comprehension, and help students develop independent reading habits. Whether you’re looking to enhance your current reading routine or build a brand-new choice reading unit, this episode is packed with ideas to get your students reading—and loving it.

Read more in the show notes. 

Get to Know Samantha from Samantha in Secondary

Samantha is the 15-year veteran educator behind the blog Samantha in Secondary. She's a wife and mama to a little girl, currently on pause from classroom teaching to raise her. Choice reading and YA books are Samantha's passion. You can find her chatting all about her favorites on Instagram @samanthainsecondary. 

Connect with Samatha in Secondary

• www.samanthainsecondary.com
• www.samanthainsecondary.com/looksforbooks
• www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary

Related episodes and blog posts: 

• Keeping Students Engaged with Simple Student Choice Strategies
• Student Choice with Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog

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