October 2026 - Margin Notes

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TRY THIS TOMORROW: VOCABULARY REVIEW WITH MYSTERY WORD GAME

This vocabulary review game is an activity that came up in conversation with our Academic Support Teachers. This is a perfect option for those who have done the explicit vocabulary routine and are looking for ways to review this learning and keep the vocabulary words circulating in classroom discussion. This helps students review previously taught vocabulary by using questioning, reasoning, and elimination to identify a hidden word.

How to Set Up

The teacher selects a previously taught vocabulary word connected to the current text or unit and keeps it hidden.

Students work as a whole class, in small groups, or in partners to determine the word through structured yes/no questioning.

Game Rules

The teacher chooses a secret vocabulary word.
- The word should come from the current unit’s instructional vocabulary.
Students ask yes/no questions only.
- Questions must be designed to narrow down the meaning, function, or role of the word.

Examples:

- Is the word a noun/verb/adjective?
- Does the word describe a character?
- Is the word connected to the setting?
- Does the word represent a theme or central idea?
- Is the word used to show emotion?
The teacher answers only yes or no.
Hint system:
- After a set number of questions (e.g., 5–7 questions), students may earn one hint.
- Hints should support understanding without revealing the word directly.
- Example hints:
  - Word category (part of speech)
  - The section of the text it relates to
  - A synonym or related idea
  - A reminder of how it was used in instruction
Winning the game
- Students win when they correctly identify the vocabulary word.
- Encourage justification: students should explain why they believe the word fits based on prior answers.

Debrief

After the word is revealed, consider furthering the discussion to provide opportunity to use the word:

With a partner, come up with a sentence connected to the text that uses the mystery word.

Try this tomorrow to reinforce your vocabulary lesson!

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THE BETWEEN WORLDS B&B BY AMY MAE BAXTER

Oct

The YA novel is the perfect spooky-season read for anyone who prefers whimsy and cozy cottagecore to darkness and fright.

After being locked out of her house, Margo finds herself at a bizarre and impossibly expansive bed and breakfast that exists between worlds. The inn also sits outside of time: Margo can stay as long as she likes, and no time will have passed when she returns to the human world.

And honestly, who wouldn’t want to check in for a while?

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with Margo at The Between Worlds B&B. Each time I returned to the book after reluctantly rejoining the real world, it felt like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket and settling in for delightful shenanigans with my besties. I had such a wonderful time reading this book that I can’t help smiling as I write about it.

Although Margo does not realize it at first, every part of her stay has been shaped around what she needs and wants, even the things she has not yet figured out for herself. Along the way, she meets some of the most amazing magical beings, a not-so-evil demon, a woodland fairie, a wizard, and a ghost, and some equally amazing magical animals. Even though the inn is highly unusual, it’s amazing how quickly it feels like home.

Margo not only learns so much about who she is and what is important to her, she helps the other guest staying at the inn do the same. She forms intergenerational and interspecies friendships that are sure to last a lifetime.

Although this coming-of-age tale fits neatly in the YA fantasy genre, I am sure that any reader who loves a good cozy read will find this story as delightful as I did. After reading a more serious and violent historical fantasy with a complicated world building, The Between Worlds B&B was the perfect comfort read.

This would be a fantastic addition to a middle or high school classroom library, especially for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, found family, magical creatures, and stories that are full of hope. It could also lend itself to conversations about belonging, identity, friendship, and the ways people can help each other grow.

After finishing a serious and violent historical fantasy with complicated world-building, The Between Worlds B&B was exactly the comfort read I needed. It is gentle, funny, imaginative, and full of heart.

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TRY THIS TOMORROW: THE NEW YORK TIMES WRITING CURRICULUM FOR 2026-27

Oct

Last week, we shared the New York Times Learning Network’s new 15-minute lessons. They’re one part of a much larger collection of resources for Grades 6–12 teachers. The Learning Network has also released its 2026–27 writing curriculum.

We’ve highlighted this curriculum before, and this year’s curriculum is worth another look. It brings together writing prompts, mentor texts, guides, student examples, and optional contests.

Here’s what you’ll find in the 2026–27 lineup:

Writing and Creating in the Age of A.I.: A new three-part introductory lesson asking students why people write and what changes when they use A.I. to help them compose.
Everyday Practice: Student Opinion questions and Picture Prompts for short, regular writing.
The Tiny Memoir: A personal narrative of just 100 words.
The “Coming of Age” Project: A visual piece about growing up in 2026, accompanied by a written artist statement.
The STEM Video: A short video built around a question and an interview with an expert.
The Open Letter: An evidence-based argument addressed to someone who can make a change.
The Podcast: An original audio piece on a topic and in a format students choose.
Independent Reading and Writing: Responses to something students choose to read, watch, or listen to in The Times.

The curriculum page links to resources for each piece, including guides and examples of student work. There’s also a “Want More?” section with materials from past projects, such as cultural reviews, how-to writing, photo essays, and poetry. Teachers can spend so much time looking for resources online, so we wanted to highlight this as a great place to start.