When the final school bell rings and students rush into their much-anticipated summer break, it’s easy to assume their learning will pause until the next academic year. But for many students, especially those without access to structured enrichment opportunities, summer can be a time of academic regression.
At The Juice, we spotlight educators not only for what they do in the classroom, but also for the example they set beyond it. When longtime reader and teacher Elena Hershey shared her story with us, she wasn’t seeking attention. She wanted to raise awareness about organ donation, which she calls “a privilege.” She hoped that her story could inspire others to consider becoming living donors — and help save lives.
Reading comprehension is often misrepresented as a standalone skill, assessed through isolated strategies like identifying main ideas, or summarizing the text. However, decades of research reveal a deeper truth: comprehension hinges on what students already know. Background knowledge—facts, vocabulary, and conceptual understanding—empowers readers to infer, analyze, and retain information.
Middle school is a pivotal time for students’ literacy development. As they transition from elementary school to more subject-specific learning, they are expected to navigate increasingly complex informational texts.
Science isn’t something that exists only in textbooks and labs. It’s happening all around us — from climate change to space exploration to the latest tech trends! But how can teachers get students excited about these complex topics?
In an age where students are overloaded with media, teachers are afraid of lawsuits over their curriculum decisions, and the slightest issue becomes easily politicized, it’s no wonder teachers are shying away from teaching the news.
2024 was all about innovation and empowering teachers with The Juice. Our mission to improve literacy and critical thinking skills inspired us to develop features that make teaching with informational texts and current events for students even more effective.
Informational text accounts for the majority of all reading in middle and high school. As students grow up, they spend less time in school reading fiction and more time reading informational texts.
Teaching nonfiction can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Using current events provides an engaging and relevant way to teach essential nonfiction standards, making the process enjoyable and impactful.
As students navigate the challenges of middle and high school, one subject often feels less relevant than others: history.
Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity for teachers to explore history, culture, and economics, creating lessons that resonate with students of all ages.- Fine-tune instruction
– Identify learning gaps
– Celebrate student successes
In today’s world, critical thinking is one of the most important skills we can help students develop. It allows them to navigate information, form well-rounded opinions, and communicate effectively. One of the best ways to foster this skill in the classroom is through discussions that challenge students to analyze real-world issues, consider multiple perspectives, and build logical arguments.
Formative assessments are an invaluable tool for monitoring student growth in real time. As schools face increasing demands to track student progress, formative assessment strategies provide educators with the data needed to
– Fine-tune instruction
– Identify learning gaps
– Celebrate student successes
Cross-curricular learning has become an essential strategy in our educational landscape. We know students engage better with lessons if they already have some background knowledge on the subject. Interdisciplinary teaching fosters greater student engagement and improved academic performance.
The Juice is at the forefront of this movement, offering a unique blend of EdTech resources designed to make teaching informational literacy to students across subjects both accessible and engaging.
Reading struggles in middle and high school can significantly impact a child’s self-esteem, as they’re often acutely aware of their peers’ abilities. This awareness can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and a reluctance to engage with reading tasks, further compounding the issue. As a parent, you play a pivotal role in helping your child navigate these challenges by offering emotional support and practical strategies to foster improvement. Understanding the Impact on Self-Esteem Children struggling with reading might feel “less than” their
Students must constantly navigate complex social, cultural, and political landscapes in today’s interconnected world. The key to evolving this skill is growing students’ world awareness and helping them connect their personal experiences with the broader global community.
As children progress through middle and high school, their academic demands grow, and so does the complexity of the texts they encounter. Reading becomes a critical skill, not only for mastering subjects like English and history but also for excelling in science, math, and beyond. Parents play a key role in fostering strong reading habits, which can dramatically impact a student’s academic performance and personal development. Encouraging a love for reading during these formative years is about more than just
The Juice wrapped up a successful summer of reading improvement with Boys and Girls Club. Read what the program director had to say.
Engaged students are more likely to succeed academically, develop critical thinking skills, and retain information longer.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to keep students engaged with reading, even during the summer break. With The Juice’s new mobile reading app, students can continue to boost their reading skills on the go with leveled news articles, staying informed about the world around them while enjoying their summer break.
