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Testing season is (hopefully) behind you, but now comes a whole different kind of challenge: keeping student engagement high during the final weeks of school.
Between field trips, award ceremonies, class parties, and constant schedule changes, the end of the year can feel chaotic. And while it’s tempting to switch into survival mode, these final weeks still matter—especially when it comes to literacy instruction and student engagement.
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily shares 3 simple, high-impact literacy ideas that help boost engagement while keeping learning meaningful through the last day of school.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
📚 Student Book Talks
Learn how student-led book talks can increase reading engagement, build speaking and listening skills, and create excitement around books. Emily shares a simple structure students can use to confidently recommend books to their classmates.
🎭 Fluency Performances
Discover how fluency performances can improve engagement, comprehension, rereading fluency, and expression—all while adding creativity and fun into your literacy block. These low-prep partner activities are perfect for May and easy to implement with poems, scripts, or short passages.
📖 Favorite Read-Alouds + the 3-2-1 Comprehension Structure
Bring back the books you love most and use them to drive meaningful literacy engagement. Emily shares a simple 3-2-1 framework to help you intentionally plan before, during, and after reading:
- 3 things to do before reading
- 2 intentional moves while reading
- 1 simple writing activity after reading
You’ll also hear one of Emily’s favorite end-of-year read-aloud recommendations!
If you’re looking for practical ways to maintain student engagement, simplify your literacy block, and still make an impact during the end-of-year chaos, this episode is full of teacher-friendly ideas you can start using right away.
✨ Plus, don’t forget to grab our FREE student book talk resource stellarteacher.com/freebie!
Resources Connected to this Episode:
- Summer is coming… and The Stellar Teacher Summer Learning Series kicks of June 1st! Join us for collaboration, learning, and fun. Visit stellarteacher.com/summer for more details.
- We’re here to support you beyond the podcast. Join our newsletter for helpful resources, simple strategies, and encouragement each week.
- If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Enjoyed this episode? Check out these!
- Episode 302: Hey Teachers, Don’t Miss the Magic of May
- Episode 300: You Can Love Teaching and Still Want It to Be Easier
Stay Connected:
- Follow us on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany
- Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!
More About Stellar Teacher Podcast:
Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast where we believe teaching literacy is a skill that can be strengthened with the right strategies, systems, and support.
Each week, Sara Marye — along with members of the Stellar Teacher Company team and other special guests — shares practical insights, instructional strategies, and honest conversations from the voices behind the magic of STC. With over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and school leader, Sara is passionate about helping upper elementary teachers simplify their literacy block and make a meaningful impact.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform: Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Castbox, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review, and follow.
Learn more about The Stellar Literacy Collective:
The Stellar Literacy Collective (SLC) is a membership designed for upper elementary teachers who want strong, effective literacy instruction… without spending hours planning every week.
Inside SLC, you’ll find ready-to-use, research-aligned lessons for reading, writing, and word study that work together to create a cohesive literacy block. From whole group comprehension lessons and vocabulary routines to small group supports and writing instruction, everything is built around consistent systems that support real classroom implementation.
If you’re tired of piecing lessons together or feeling like every week requires a brand-new strategy, SLC offers structure and clarity. It helps you simplify your literacy block, teach with intention, and create meaningful growth for your students!
Click HERE to learn more!
When the engagement is low and the school year is winding down, The Stellar Teacher Podcast is here to support you. Each episode is designed to empower upper elementary teachers to simplify lesson planning, strengthen classroom routines, and build confident, capable readers without burnout. Teaching doesn’t have to feel overwhelming to be effective. With practical strategies, honest conversations, and systems that work in real classrooms, you can protect your energy while still delivering meaningful instruction. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with encouragement and actionable ideas to support your literacy block all year long.
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