Pennington Publishing Blog

Perhaps no other educational practice cries out for mastery of executive function and study skills more so than independent work. How can we provide meaningful, independent practice for students without constant teacher supervision?

The 56 executive function and study skills in Targeted Independent Practice | Executive Function and Study Skills lessons will help your students learn what every student should know via independent practice. The easy-to-follow lesson format of 1. Personal Assessment 2. Study Skill Tips and 3. Reflection is ideal for self-guided learning. No prep. Minimal correction. Maximum assessment-based learning. Easy classroom management. Perfect for independent work during small groups, ideal for sub plans, a quick go-to for rainy days, nothing better for early finishers.

Table of Contents

Motivation

1. How to Get Motivated
   2. How to Prevent Procrastination
   3. How to Set Goals
   4. How to Develop a Positive Mental Attitude

Organization and Time Management 

5. How to Create a Home Study Environment
   6. How to Get Organized for Homework
   7. How to Complete a Daily Review
   8. How to Manage Time for Homework

Reading Strategies and Skills

9. How to Choose Books for Independent Reading
   10. How to Develop Good Reading Habits
   11. How to Improve Oral Reading Fluency
   12. How to Improve Silent Reading Fluency
   13. How to Read Interactively
   14. How to Improve Reading Comprehension
   15. How to Make Inferences
   16. How to Use Marginal Annotations
   17. How to Read Non–Fiction Textbooks
   18. How to Identify the Main Idea
   19. How to Complete a Close Reading for Narrative Text
   20. How to Complete a Close Reading for Expository Text
   21. How to Use Context Clues

Research 

22. How to Quote and Cite Textual Evidence
    23. How to Identify Bias and Errors in Reasoning
    24. How to Research Safely and Evaluate Internet Sources

Memorization Strategies

25. How to Memorize with the Grouping Strategy
    26. How to Memorize with the Association Strategy
    27. How to Memorize with the Linking Strategy
    28. How to Memorize with the Catch Words Strategy
    29. How to Memorize with the Catch Sentence Strategy
    30. How to Memorize with the Location Strategy

Essay Writing 

31. How to Dissect a Writing Prompt
    32. How to Write a Thesis Statement
    33. How to Avoid Errors in Writing Style
    34. How to Follow Essay Writing Rules
    35. How to Write an Essay Introduction
    36. How to Write Essay Body Paragraphs
    37. How to Write an Essay Conclusion
    38. How to Write in Complex Sentences

Listening and Note–taking 

39. How to Practice Active Listening
    40. How to Take Notes
    41. How to Organize Cornell Notes
    42. How to Organize Formal Outline Notes

Grammar, Spelling, and Mechanics Study Skills

43. How to Identify and Use the Parts of Speech
    44. How to Use Grammatical Sentence Openers for Sentence Variety
    45. How to Use Precise Verb Tenses
    46. How to Eliminate the “to be” Verbs
    47. How to Spell by the Rules
    48. How to Apply the Syllable Rules
    49. How to Punctuate Properly
    50. How to Capitalize Correctly
    51. How to Avoid Non-Standard Usage

Test Preparation and Test–taking

52. How to Prepare for Tests
    53. How to Use Objective Test–taking Strategies
    54. How to Use Matching Test–taking Strategies
    55. How to Use Fill–in–the–Blank Test–taking Strategies
    56. How to Use Multiple Choice Test–taking Strategies

Diagnostic Self-Assessment and Mastery Matrix

Executive Function and Study Skills are particularly well-suited to diagnostic differentiation and independent practice. Not all students need practice on collective nouns or capitalization of titles. Some do; but some don’t. Targeted worksheets with formative assessments make sense. Why not take a look at the full affordable program to see if this is what you need to get max results in your classes. Grades 4 on up.

Targeted Independent Practice

My Targeted Independent Practice series supports teachers with quality assessment-based independent learning. Each program includes 1. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine student needs 2. Targeted worksheets corresponding to the specific diagnostic test components 3. Formative assessments to determine mastery. View each program in its entirety.

*** Reading Fluency and Comprehension

*** Spelling

*** Phonics

*** Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

*** Literacy Knowledge

*** Executive Function and Study Skills

Not sure if your students need interventions? Download the free Targeted Independent Practice Diagnostic Assessments and let the data inform your instructional decision-making.

Grammar/Mechanics executive function skills, organizational skills, study skills, test preparation, time management

Should teachers use phonics worksheets in reading intervention for targeted practice?

As a teacher and parent, I have always heard that worksheets are super frowned upon and the mark of a lazy teacher passing out busy work.”

“NO WORKSHEETS!” has been drilled into me in teacher prep, workshops, etc.  However, recently I had a chance to visit some upper elementary and middle schools to visit successful teachers. The direct instruction was excellent as expected, but what was not expected was what happened afterwards in the schools I visited. After teaching the lesson, out  came the worksheets! And unlike what I’ve always been told, these worksheets were excellent–short, focused practice on what the teacher just taught.

In some classes, students worked quietly on their own; in others, students worked on the worksheets in pairs. In a few classes, teachers interrupted students working on the worksheets when some of the students had finished “early” and reviewed answers with the class. In some, students who finished started on another worksheet.

I asked why this worksheet was unrelated to the focus of the initial practice worksheet, and teachers told me that each student has been diagnostically assessed and assigned corresponding worksheets to master their individual deficits. Wow! So if the lesson were on r-controlled vowels, when the students finished, they might be working on individualized spelling or grammar worksheets until all students had finished the first practice worksheet.

In one class, students kept going up to teacher’s desk during “worksheet time.” I thought they were asking questions (and some were), but as I listened in on a few, the teacher was reading the students’ answers on a short formative assessment at the bottom of the worksheets. In these short, 30-second conferences, students were either assigned an “A” on the worksheet and told to mark it off on their progress monitoring matrix or they received a check √ for completion and a quick re-teaching. Such great feedback for students!

So this makes me wonder why so many teachers and administrators view worksheets as a “no-no,” I guess it depends on the quality of the worksheet, its purpose, and what the teacher does with the completed worksheet.

I love what Dr. Tim Shanahan, Professor Emeritus University of Chicago and Research Lead on the National Reading Panel, recently had to say about worksheets:

 Like most professors, I have long looked askance at worksheets and their role in reading instruction (though I had relied upon them as a teacher)… Good teachers often use a mix of direct instruction along with some practice sheets (Shanahan on Literacy).

Of course we all believe that direct, explicit, whole-class instruction should be our priority, but some small group and individualized work is necessary to differentiate instruction, and it certainly makes sense that the independent worksheets and/or activities we use in our classrooms can help maximize learning and differentiate tiered instruction..

I’ve found that independent practice, targeted to specific, diagnostically assessed literacy deficits, gets the best results. And worksheet practice should conclude with formative assessment to determine mastery of the practiced concept or skill.

Check out Targeted Independent Practice | Phonics for phonics worksheets to extend independent practice of an explicit lesson AND differentiate instruction. BONUS! The program includes a fantastic diagnostic phonics assessment to pinpoint individual needs. See the whole program!

Targeted Independent Practice

My Targeted Independent Practice series supports teachers with quality assessment-based independent learning. Each program includes 1. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine student needs 2. Targeted worksheets corresponding to the specific diagnostic test components 3. Formative assessments to determine mastery. View each program in its entirety.

*** Reading Fluency and Comprehension

*** Spelling

*** Phonics

*** Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

*** Literacy Knowledge

*** Executive Function and Study Skills

Not sure if your students need interventions? Download the free Targeted Independent Practice Diagnostic Assessments and let the data inform your instructional decision-making.

Grammar/Mechanics differentiate phonics, how to teach phonics, phonics practice, phonics skills, phonics workbook, phonics worksheets, Tier 2 phonics, Tier 3 phonics, word recognition worksheets

Can teachers combine reading fluency and comprehension practice? I often read negative comments about reading fluency practice and how we teachers should be focusing on comprehension. Here are a few, garnered from Facebook posts:

What is the preoccupation with reading speed? I want students to slow down and focus on the meaning of the text.

Repeated reading practice seems such a waste of time. Wouldn’t students be better off reading new texts, rather than repeating old ones. Chapter books come to mind?

I’m sick and tired of reading fluency passages with students reading over and over the same. Yes, their word recognition is improving, but the purpose of reading is comprehension, right? Shouldn’t we be helping students apply reading strategies to understand what they read?

The dumbest thing is to have separate fluency passage and vocabulary-based passages, and comprehension-based passages.

Fluency practice only reinforces the notion that reading is all about saying the words.

Certainly some valid points here. However, we know that the research is quite clear establishing a statistically significant relationship between fluency and comprehension. High effects sizes.

Doesn’t it make sense to enhance this relationship by combining reading fluency and comprehension practice? Here’s a great option: Targeted Independent Practice | Reading Fluency and Comprehension provides 43 expository animal fluency articles and 43 corresponding animal comprehension worksheets, along with corresponding YouTube videos, each recorded at 3 different speeds for modeled reading practice. Word counts and timing sheets included.

If you are teaching grades 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, you will love this resource. You can combine reading fluency and comprehension practice and differentiate instruction at the same time!

How does the program work?

1. Students take and record a cold (unpracticed) timing on one of 43 expository articles.
2. Students practice reading, along with the modeled reading at the level (A, B, or C) you assign, based upon the free fluency assessment, and then complete repeated readings on their own.
3. Students take and record a hot (practiced) timing.
4. Students complete the comprehension questions on the same article.

Each of the 43 articles is composed in a leveled format–the first two paragraphs are at third-year/level/grade reading level; the next two are at the fifth; and the last two are at the seventh. Slower readers get practice on controlled vocabulary and are pushed to read at the higher reading levels once the contextual content has been established. Faster readers are challenged by the increasingly difficult multi-syllabic vocabulary. This format is perfect for differentiated fluency instruction.

This toolkit also includes 43 corresponding animal comprehension worksheets with content-specific comprehension questions embedded in the margins next to the relevant text. These low-higher order thinking questions ask readers to summarize, connect, re-think, interpret, and predict (the SCRIP comprehension strategy cues) to promote reader dialog(ue) with the text. Students practice self-monitoring their own reading comprehension as they read. This “talking to the text” transfers to better independent reading comprehension and retention. Answers provided, of course.

The animal fluency and comprehension articles each describe the physical characteristics of the animal, paragraphs detailing each animal’s habitat, what the animal eats, the animal’s family, interesting facts, and the status of the species (endangered or not). The writing is engaging and students will enjoy learning about both common and uncommon animals.

Check out this affordable program. It’s truly a 2 for 1… reading fluency and comprehension! Targeted Independent Practice | Reading Fluency and Comprehension

Targeted Independent Practice

My Targeted Independent Practice series supports teachers with quality assessment-based independent learning. Each program includes 1. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine student needs 2. Targeted worksheets corresponding to the specific diagnostic test components 3. Formative assessments to determine mastery. View each program in its entirety.

*** Reading Fluency and Comprehension

*** Spelling

*** Phonics

*** Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

*** Literacy Knowledge

*** Executive Function and Study Skills

Not sure if your students need interventions? Download the free Targeted Independent Practice Diagnostic Assessments and let the data inform your instructional decision-making.

Grammar/Mechanics combine reading fluency and comprehension, fluency passages, reading comprehension, reading fluency, reading strategies, repeated reading

Do spelling worksheets work? It depends.

First, it depends upon a teacher’s thoughts about independent worksheets. Most of us have grown up with the notions that only bad or lazy teachers use worksheets, that they involve “drill and kill” practice, and that students hate them or find them “boring.”

To disabuse us of these notions, I turn to Dr. Tim Shanahan, Professor Emeritus University of Chicago and Research Lead on the National Reading Panel to get his take on using independent seatwork, such as worksheets.

Like most professors, I have long looked askance at worksheets and their role in reading instruction (though I had relied upon them as a teacher). These newer studies (e.g., Amendum, et al., 2024), suggest that they are not as bad as we have been led to believe (Taylor, et al., 2005). Good teachers often use a mix of direct instruction along with some practice sheets. (Shanahan’s Comments).

Of course we all believe that direct, explicit, whole-class instruction should be our priority, but some small group and individualized work is necessary to differentiate instruction, and it certainly makes sense that the independent worksheets and/or activities we use in our classrooms can help maximize learning.

Second, it depends upon the spelling worksheet. I’ve found that independent worksheets practice, targeted to specific, diagnostically-assessed spelling pattern deficits, coupled with a rigorous grade-level spelling program can be a game-changer. And spelling pattern worksheet practice should conclude with formative assessment to determine mastery.

Spelling is especially well-suited to diagnostic differentiation and independent practice. My affordable program includes a comprehensive diagnostic, and worksheets with concise definitions, clear examples, spelling sorts, and and writing practice. Not all of your students need to practice the i before e spelling pattern, but some do. Targeted Independent Practice | Spelling will help you pinpoint and teach to assessed spelling needs. Each spelling pattern worksheet includes a formative assessment. Grades 3 on up.

Targeted Independent Practice

My Targeted Independent Practice series supports teachers with quality assessment-based independent learning. Each program includes 1. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine student needs 2. Targeted worksheets corresponding to the specific diagnostic test components 3. Formative assessments to determine mastery. View each program in its entirety.

*** Reading Fluency and Comprehension

*** Spelling

*** Phonics

*** Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

*** Literacy Knowledge

*** Executive Function and Study Skills

Not sure if your students need interventions? Download the free Targeted Independent Practice Diagnostic Assessments and let the data inform your instructional decision-making.

Grammar/Mechanics spelling diagnostic, spelling patterns, spelling sorts, spelling workbook, spelling worksheets

Should teachers use worksheets to teach and practice literacy knowledge? Yes! If you’re familiar with the science of reading and Dr. Scarborough’s famous reading rope, you might recall that literacy knowledge is listed as a key component of the upper language comprehension strand of the rope (the lower strand is word recognition). Literacy knowledge refers to a reader and writer’s knowledge of genre, such as a mystery novel or argumentative essay. Literacy knowledge also refers to literary elements featured in those genre, such as metaphors or personification. Finally, literary knowledge refers to text features, literary and poetic devices and structures, such as theme or expository paragraph organization.

But doesn’t literacy knowledge best lend itself to direct, explicit, whole-class instruction? I would agree, but students best understand retain what they are learning through targeted practice. Often a teacher will use novels, short stories, or articles to teach genre, literary elements, text features and structures. A conscientious teacher may have time to teach a dozen genre in a given year; however, to build literacy knowledge many more are necessary to explore. Targeted independent worksheets provide the best means of providing comprehensive instruction and practice on the breadth of literacy knowledge.

And, despite what we’ve been told to believe, there’s nothing bad about a good worksheet! Check out what Dr. Tim Shanahan, Professor Emeritus University of Chicago and Research Lead on the National Reading Panel, has to say…

Like most professors, I have long looked askance at worksheets and their role in reading instruction (though I had relied upon them as a teacher). These newer studies (e.g., Amendum, et al., 2024), suggest that they are not as bad as we have been led to believe (Taylor, et al., 2005). Good teachers often use a mix of direct instruction along with some practice sheets.

The study Dr. Shanahan refers to (Amendum, et al., 2024) “…was a correlational study, which identified how time was spent in classrooms and its relationship to learning to read. It found that the most effective teachers were using a combination of authentic texts and worksheets, etc. Unlike in some past studies, there was no particular benefit to using one type of material over another — in other words, they did see some learning gains due to use of seatwork (worksheet) activities” (Shanahan’s Comments).

Of course we all believe that direct, explicit, whole-class instruction should be our priority, but some small group and individualized work is necessary to differentiate instruction, and it certainly makes sense that the independent worksheets and/or activities we use in our classrooms can help maximize learning.

I’ve found that independent practice, targeted to specific, diagnostically assessed literacy deficits, gets the best results. And worksheet practice should conclude with formative assessment to determine mastery of the practiced concept or skill.

Literacy Knowledge is particularly well-suited to diagnostic differentiation and independent practice. My affordable program includes a short diagnostic, concise definitions, clear examples, and connected reading and writing practice. You don’t need to teach an entire novel to teach the science fiction genre. Here are 20 literary genre with all the grade-level standards dealing with text features, literary and poetic devices and structures. I invite you to check out the entire affordable program. Grades 4 on up.

Targeted Independent Practice

My Targeted Independent Practice series supports teachers with quality assessment-based independent learning. Each program includes 1. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine student needs 2. Targeted worksheets corresponding to the specific diagnostic test components 3. Formative assessments to determine mastery. View each program in its entirety.

*** Reading Fluency and Comprehension

*** Spelling

*** Phonics

*** Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

*** Literacy Knowledge

*** Executive Function and Study Skills

Not sure if your students need interventions? Download the free Targeted Independent Practice Diagnostic Assessments and let the data inform your instructional decision-making.

Grammar/Mechanics genre, literary devices, poetic devices, structures, text features, text structure

Should teachers use grammar worksheets for targeted practice? Is there any research on this? Check out what Dr. Tim Shanahan, Professor Emeritus University of Chicago and Research Lead on the National Reading Panel, has to say…

Recently, I noticed a couple of research studies published in 2024 about seatwork and it reminded me of this blog. Like most professors, I have long looked askance at worksheets and their role in reading instruction (though I had relied upon them as a teacher). These newer studies (e.g., Amendum, et al., 2024), suggest that they are not as bad as we have been led to believe (Taylor, et al., 2005). Good teachers often use a mix of direct instruction along with some practice sheets.

The study Dr. Shanahan refers to (Amendum, et al., 2024) “…was a correlational study, which identified how time was spent in classrooms and its relationship to learning to read. It found that the most effective teachers were using a combination of authentic texts and worksheets, etc. Unlike in some past studies, there was no particular benefit to using one type of material over another — in other words, they did see some learning gains due to use of seatwork (worksheet) activities” (Shanahan’s Comments).

Of course we all believe that direct, explicit, whole-class instruction should be our priority, but some small group and individualized work is necessary to differentiate instruction, and it certainly makes sense that the independent worksheets and/or activities we use in our classrooms can help maximize learning.

I’ve found that independent practice, targeted to specific, diagnostically assessed literacy deficits, gets the best results. And worksheet practice should conclude with formative assessment to determine mastery of the practiced concept or skill.

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics are particularly well-suited to diagnostic differentiation and independent practice. Not all students need practice on collective nouns or capitalization of titles. Some do; but some don’t. Targeted worksheets with formative assessments make sense. Why not take a look at the full affordable program to see if this is what you need to get max results in your classes. Grades 4 on up.

Targeted Independent Practice

My Targeted Independent Practice series supports teachers with quality assessment-based independent learning. Each program includes 1. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment to determine student needs 2. Targeted worksheets corresponding to the specific diagnostic test components 3. Formative assessments to determine mastery. View each program in its entirety.

*** Reading Fluency and Comprehension

*** Spelling

*** Phonics

*** Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

*** Literacy Knowledge

*** Executive Function and Study Skills

Not sure if your students need interventions? Download the free Targeted Independent Practice Diagnostic Assessments and let the data inform your instructional decision-making.

Grammar/Mechanics grammar practice, grammar workbooks, grammar worksheets, mechanics worksheets, punctuation worksheets

How Elementary Teachers Can Turn Students Into History Detectives

In the final post of our series, we’re diving into historical thinking skills—an essential but often ignored aspect of social studies education. Learning history isn’t just about memorizing dates and names; it’s about interpreting evidence, analyzing perspectives, and conflicting viewpoints. We’ll introduce you to a program that will help your students think like historians while they become 100% History Detectives! If you haven’t yet read the first three posts, The Social Studies Squeeze: How It Hurts Civic Engagement and Reading Skills, Bring Community Right Into Your Classroom, and U.S. Geography and State History Matters. Here’s How to Find the Time to Teach Them, we invite you to do so.

History is often squeezed into the margins of the elementary school day. With the pressing demands of reading, math, and science, teaching history can seem like a luxury that elementary school teachers just can’t afford.

But history is not something that should be relegated to the “nice to have” column. History creates an understanding about the ongoing debates and arguments that shape our world. Without history, students miss vital lessons about evidence, perspective, and citizenship. 

History Detectives

How can we make history engaging and meaningful while ensuring it fits into an already packed school day? The answer is simple: teach it through stories. Provide students with rich, inherently interesting stories that highlight the many unanswered questions that real historians face. Make students investigators. That’s exactly what 241 Books’ 100% History Detectives does.

The books in the 100% History Detectives series transform readers into detectives who, led by the energetic Miss Flash and her history-loving smart speaker, Clio, tackle thought-provoking questions about U.S. history. Each book doesn’t just present history; it challenges students to think like historians — gathering and examining evidence, checking sources, and forming reasoned conclusions.

This approach allows students to see history not as a static list of facts but as an ongoing argument where multiple perspectives matter. Through investigations into topics like the secrets of Chaco Canyon, the contradictions of James Madison, and the divided loyalties of the American Revolution, students learn that history is complex, sometimes messy, and always open to interpretation.

But be forewarned: 241’s history-as-a-mystery approach can turn students into full-time sleuths. One teacher told 241 that a student who normally struggled to read (and didn’t particularly like to do so) couldn’t stop his investigation of revolutionary war hero, Molly Pitcher. Was she real? He had to know. After learning about The Mysterious Molly P. in the classroom, he told his teacher that he continued researching online on his own time. 

Developing Citizenship Skills Through Historical Investigation

In addition to learning how to analyze evidence, students also develop critical citizenship skills. By examining historical debates, they practice respectful disagreement, listen to differing viewpoints, challenge assumptions, and engage in meaningful discussions. These skills are crucial for civic engagement by helping students become thoughtful, informed participants in democratic society.

The books and accompanying lesson activities align with both reading and social studies standards and are based on the science of reading. The stories build critical background knowledge through engaging illustrations and exciting yet considerate text. Whether students are uncovering hidden stories, weighing conflicting accounts, or debating historical truths, they are actively engaged in the work of historians.

Best of all, you can try out the easy-to-use program for free right now. Just visit 241books.com. Grab the sample bundle and try it out in your class today. No prep. Great teaching!

If you want your students to see history as a thrilling investigation rather than a dull recitation of facts, 100% History Detectives is the perfect program to bring the past to life. Because when kids learn to think like historians, they don’t just understand history—they learn how to engage with the world around them.

Steve Seely is an award winning teacher and a veteran curriculum designer. In 2024, he co-founded 241 Books where he creates books and materials to teach reading and social studies at the same time. If you have comments, questions, or want to request a 241 demo, please send an email to Steve at  sseely@241books.com.

Grammar/Mechanics fifth grade history curriculum, history detectives

Welcome to the third post in our series on improving elementary students’ reading and social studies skills. If you haven’t yet read the first two posts, The Social Studies Squeeze: How It Hurts Civic Engagement and Reading Skills and Bring Community Right Into Your Classroom, we invite you to do so. In our third post, we’ll tell you about a reading-first social studies program that will help you teach U.S. geography and state history during your reading block. This program helps students make sense of the world around them, giving them the background knowledge they need to become stronger, more capable readers. And it’s free! 

Imagine trying to read a novel without knowing where the story takes place. Would Charlotte’s Web be as meaningful if the reader had no concept of what a rural farm looked like? Would The Wizard of Oz make sense without some idea of where Kansas is? Geography isn’t just about maps—it’s understanding how the world works, how people live, and how places shape stories, history, and daily life.

U.S. Geography

However, it’s becoming an increasing challenge to find time to teach geography in classrooms where teachers are faced with students struggling to read, write, and learn math skills. Geography can feel like an “extra” that gets lost in the shuffle. Yet geographical knowledge helps students know how places connect, how regions differ, and how their world fits into the big, wide world. Geography provides background knowledge that all kids need to make sense of the rest of their learning day.

So what’s the answer? We can’t add more time to the school day, nor would we want to! But we can make better use of the time we already have by teaching two subjects at once. A two-for-one, you might say.

Which is exactly what we’re doing at 241 Books. Our Around the U.S.A. in 80 Days series blends geography with reading, creating a powerful two-for-one learning experience that helps students become stronger readers while they learn more about the United States. 

Each of nine books in this series follows Vi, Vic, and Aunt V. as they take on Grandpa Vinny’s Challenge—an unforgettable road trip to see all 50 states. Along the way, students don’t just read about places; they see, explore, and make sense of them. They develop map skills, analyze landscapes, gain key background knowledge, and discover how geography shapes culture, history, and daily life.

A unique aspect of the program is its focus on state history. Each book has a lesson activity that culminates in a My State Project where students explore the geography, history, economics, and government of their own state. This ensures that students don’t just learn about faraway places—they also gain a deep understanding of their home state and how it fits into the national landscape. 

It is a fourth-grade teacher’s dream program because it teaches reading, U.S. geography, and state history all at the same time. Teacher Kelly Dutton noticed a high-level of engagement when she recently used a 241 Book Bundle with her students. Specifically, one student noted, “The maps are cool and they help me learn.”

The best news is that you can try out 241’s ready-to-run lessons for free right now. Just visit 241books.com.  

With engaging videos, print books, and interactive activities that are all based on the science of reading, the 241 Books’ method ensures that geography isn’t just another subject squeezed into the schedule—it’s an essential, integrated part of literacy instruction. 

If you want to help your students read with deeper understanding while giving them a sense of place in the world, this is the perfect way to bring geography and state history back into the classroom. Because when kids know where they are, they can better imagine where they’re going.

Steve Seely is an award winning teacher and a veteran curriculum designer. In 2024, he co-founded 241 Books where he creates books and materials to teach reading and social studies at the same time. If you have comments, questions, or want to request a 241 demo, please send an email to Steve at  sseely@241books.com. 

Grammar/Mechanics social studies, U.S. Geography