Scholastic Teaching Resources: Ideas for the Classroom
High-quality teaching resources can help turn learning objectives into engaging classroom experiences. Scholastic teaching resources cover a broad range of materials for teachers, including books, activity sheets and ideas for supporting reading and learning across different age groups. Availability and formats may vary, so it is worth checking the relevant Scholastic catalogue for current options.
Supporting reading and literacy
Books are at the heart of many classroom reading programmes. Stories, non-fiction titles and age-appropriate reading collections can help pupils build vocabulary, develop comprehension and discover the pleasure of reading. Teachers can use a shared text to introduce new themes, prompt discussion or connect literacy with subjects such as history, science and geography.
Reading activities can extend beyond the page. Pupils might predict what happens next, compare characters, explore unfamiliar words or write an alternative ending. These tasks encourage active reading while giving teachers opportunities to assess understanding.
Resources for different learning needs
Pupils learn in different ways and at different rates. A varied selection of resources can offer additional practice, fresh challenges or alternative ways into a topic. Visual prompts, practical activities and structured worksheets may help make abstract ideas more accessible, while extension tasks can encourage pupils who are ready to explore a concept further.
Resources are most effective when they are chosen with a clear purpose. Before using a worksheet or activity, consider what pupils should learn from it and how it fits into the lesson. A resource should support teaching, rather than simply fill time.
Making resources work in the classroom
Even a well-designed resource benefits from thoughtful preparation. Teachers can adapt instructions, examples and discussion questions to suit their class. A short activity might be used as a lesson starter, while a longer project could bring together skills developed over several lessons.
- Set a learning goal: Identify the knowledge or skill pupils should gain.
- Choose an appropriate level: Check that the language and task are suitable for the class.
- Make room for discussion: Use questions and collaborative tasks to deepen understanding.
- Review the outcome: Ask pupils to explain what they have learned or apply it in a new context.
Choosing the right teaching materials
When exploring Scholastic teaching resources, consider the age range, subject, curriculum links and available formats. It is also useful to check whether a resource can be adapted for pupils who need additional support or greater challenge. Teachers should review materials before using them to ensure that they are accurate, inclusive and appropriate for their classroom.
Teaching resources are most valuable when they complement professional judgement and strong relationships with pupils. Used thoughtfully, books and classroom activities can spark curiosity, support progress and help make learning memorable.
Effective Tips for Selecting Scholastic Teaching Resources
- Match resources to your pupils’ age and ability.
- Choose materials that support your learning objectives.
- Use varied formats, such as books, games and worksheets.
- Check resources are inclusive and accessible.
- Review what works and adapt resources as needed.
Match resources to your pupils’ age and ability.
Choose Scholastic teaching resources that suit your pupils’ age and ability so the activities feel accessible, engaging and appropriately challenging. Consider their reading levels, prior knowledge and individual learning needs, then adapt instructions or provide extra support where necessary. The right match can build confidence, encourage participation and help every pupil make meaningful progress.
Choose materials that support your learning objectives.
Choose Scholastic teaching resources that directly support your learning objectives. Before selecting a book, worksheet or activity, be clear about what pupils should know or be able to do by the end of the lesson. The right material will reinforce that goal, suit your pupils’ age and abilities, and give them a meaningful way to practise or demonstrate their learning.
Use varied formats, such as books, games and worksheets.
Use a variety of formats to keep learning fresh and engaging. Books can introduce new ideas and build reading skills, while games encourage pupils to practise concepts through play and interaction. Worksheets can provide focused practice and help teachers check understanding. Choosing the right format for each learning goal—and mixing them throughout a topic—can support different learning preferences and maintain pupils’ interest.
Check resources are inclusive and accessible.
Check that teaching resources are inclusive and accessible for every pupil. Look for clear, age-appropriate language, readable layouts and examples that reflect a range of backgrounds and experiences. Consider whether pupils with different needs can take part, and adapt text, activities or formats where necessary—for example, by offering larger print, visual prompts or alternative ways to respond. An inclusive resource helps all pupils feel represented and gives them a fair opportunity to learn.
Review what works and adapt resources as needed.
Reviewing what works helps you make the most of Scholastic teaching resources. Notice which activities engage pupils, support understanding and meet your learning objectives, then adapt anything that doesn’t quite fit. You might simplify instructions, add extra support or provide a greater challenge. Small adjustments can make a resource more relevant to your class and more effective for different learning needs.