Classroom Resources
Free discussion guides, lesson plans, and activity sheets designed to help teachers use George Kanis' books in the classroom.
George's books are designed to spark conversations, encourage reflection, and help young people think for themselves. These classroom resources support teachers in creating meaningful learning experiences with his books.
All materials are free to download and use in your classroom. Whether you're teaching a single book or building a unit around one of George's series, these resources provide structure, discussion questions, and activities that bring the books to life.
How to Use These Resources
Discussion Guides
Structured discussion questions designed to deepen comprehension and encourage critical thinking about the book's themes.
Lesson Plans
Ready-to-use lesson plans with learning objectives, activities, and assessment ideas for classroom instruction.
Activity Sheets
Printable worksheets and activities that help students engage with key concepts and apply learning to their own lives.
Resources by Series
Free Money
Free Money is a children's book that helps young readers understand that money is not magic. It is connected to choices, habits, work, patience, generosity, and responsibility. Through clear, honest storytelling, George Kanis shows children how their everyday decisions shape their relationship with money.
Recommended Grade Levels
Subject Areas
Free Money
A children's book about money, choices, value, and responsibility.
Discussion Guide
Structured questions to guide classroom discussions about key themes and concepts in the book.
Lesson Plan
Complete lesson plan with objectives, activities, and assessment strategies for classroom use.
Activity Sheets
Printable activities and worksheets that help students engage with the book's key concepts.
The Stupid Ideas Series
The Stupid Ideas Series is a bold nonfiction collection for teens and young adults. Using irony, humor, sarcasm, facts, and straight talk, these books challenge dangerous myths, social pressure, unhealthy habits, and bad advice. Each book tackles real issues that matter to young people.
Recommended Grade Levels
Subject Areas
Why Social Media is Good for You
A bold exploration of dangerous myths and social pressure facing teens.
Discussion Guide
Structured questions to guide classroom discussions about key themes and concepts in the book.
Lesson Plan
Complete lesson plan with objectives, activities, and assessment strategies for classroom use.
Activity Sheets
Printable activities and worksheets that help students engage with the book's key concepts.
Why Energy Drinks are good for You
Debunking myths about health, habits, and personal choices.
Discussion Guide
Structured questions to guide classroom discussions about key themes and concepts in the book.
Lesson Plan
Complete lesson plan with objectives, activities, and assessment strategies for classroom use.
Activity Sheets
Printable activities and worksheets that help students engage with the book's key concepts.
Why Ignoring Your Mental Health is Good for you
Exploring relationship myths and emotional intelligence.
Discussion Guide
Structured questions to guide classroom discussions about key themes and concepts in the book.
Lesson Plan
Complete lesson plan with objectives, activities, and assessment strategies for classroom use.
Activity Sheets
Printable activities and worksheets that help students engage with the book's key concepts.
Growing Hearts & Minds
Growing Hearts & Minds is a thoughtful guide for helping children develop kindness, emotional awareness, mindfulness, and compassion. This book explores how we can nurture the full development of young people, creating space for growth in both heart and mind.
Recommended Grade Levels
Subject Areas
Teaching young people about compassion is one of the most important things we can do for them and the future of humanity.
This book is designed to help children discover the power of compassion and mindfulness in a way that feels natural, joyful, and a lot of fun also. But it is also a resource for you. As parents and caregivers, you play an essential role in shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation. Your guidance, patience, and love are the foundation upon which children grow.
Discussion Guide
Structured questions to guide classroom discussions about key themes and concepts in the book.
Lesson Plan
Complete lesson plan with objectives, activities, and assessment strategies for classroom use.
Activity Sheets
Printable activities and worksheets that help students engage with the book's key concepts.
Teaching Tips & Best Practices
💡 Creating Conversation
- • Start with open-ended questions
- • Validate all perspectives and experiences
- • Allow time for reflection before answering
- • Connect book themes to students' lives
- • Encourage peer-to-peer discussion
🎯 Setting Learning Goals
- • Identify key concepts before reading
- • Set clear learning objectives
- • Track student comprehension
- • Connect to existing curriculum
- • Celebrate insights and growth
👥 Classroom Climate
- • Build psychological safety
- • Normalize expressing different viewpoints
- • Create trust between students
- • Model respectful listening
- • Address sensitive topics thoughtfully
📊 Assessment Ideas
- • Journal reflections and personal insights
- • Group presentations on themes
- • Creative responses and projects
- • Exit tickets and quick checks
- • Student self-assessment and feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I allocate for reading and discussions?
Most of George's books work well as 2-4 week units, depending on your grade level and schedule. Discussion guides suggest timeframes for each activity.
Can I use these materials with mixed age groups?
Yes! Many of George's books resonate across age groups. However, we recommend adjusting the discussion depth and activity complexity based on your students' development levels.
Do I need to read the book first?
Absolutely. We recommend reading the book yourself to become familiar with George's voice, approach, and key themes. This helps you guide discussions more effectively.
What if my students have sensitive experiences related to the book's topics?
George's books handle real topics thoughtfully. We recommend reviewing the book content ahead of time and being prepared to support students emotionally. Always have access to school counseling resources if needed.
Can I modify or adapt the resources for my classroom?
Yes! Please adapt these materials to fit your students' needs and learning context. We only ask that you maintain the integrity of George's core messages and ideas.
How do I get bulk copies of the books for my classroom?
Visit our Publishers & Schools page for information about bulk orders, school editions, and educational licensing options.
Need Additional Support?
Have questions about using George's books in your classroom? Want to suggest topics for new resources? We'd love to hear from you.
Ready to Use George's Books in Your Classroom?
Explore all of George's books and find the perfect fit for your students and curriculum.
Browse All Books →