Articles & Publications
In her new Loving Literacy and Teaching Toolbox articles, Larissa draws on her dual role as a literacy specialist and children’s author, sharing heartfelt essays and practical tips that highlight what truly connects with young readers- really great picture books.
Some articles were originally published in StoryMonsters Ink, these articles sparkle with Larissa’s signature blend of warmth and expertise—offering real classroom stories, mentor text recommendations, creative writing projects, and thoughtful reflections on the magic of reading aloud.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a lover of children’s books, you’ll discover meaningful ways to immerse kids in joyful literacy experiences—from building collaborative class books to nurturing safe, expressive spaces for story-time conversations. Each piece reflects Larissa’s deep commitment to helping every child feel seen, heard, and inspired through the power of literature.
Stories That Stick
New Literacy Column by Reading Specialist Larissa Juliano (and previous Teaching Toolbox Columnist)
I’ve organized these groups and clubs throughout my teaching career, and wanted to show their description that I provided to staff and families. Try one at school or home!
Loving Literacy: Learning to read AND Reading to Learn
New Literacy Column by Reading Specialist Larissa Juliano (and previous Teaching Toolbox Columnist)
My goal as a reading teacher at Nazareth Elementary is to not only give students the strategies to decode words and build phonics skills, but ALSO to spark background knowledge on old and new topics…
Teaching Toolbox: Freshen up Fact Finding With Really FUN Books!
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink Magazine
My nine year old daughter has recently discovered the fascinating creature named, Axolotl. Oh, how she loves Axolotls! Did you know that they live in the riverways of Mexico?…
Creating Class Books: Teaching Toolbox
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink Magazine
Children creating a classroom book for our book collection this year has been one of the most motivating and inspirational writing projects I’ve done in my 10 plus years of teaching. A class book is when each student contributes…
Teaching Toolbox: Authentic, Cool Writing
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink magazine
This spring and summer…make a book! For teachers and students, the months of April through June are packed with so many end of the year activities, summer holiday happenings, graduation ceremonies and final assessments…
SS and Science Mentor Texts and Writing Workshop
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink Magazine
Keeping social studies and science curriculum for primary grades that is engaging, exciting, and literacy infused can involve so many ideas, especially with Pinterest and other amazing DIY apps at our fingertips…
Ian Falconer - Olivia StoryMonsters Teaching Toolbox 2025
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink magazine
We have all met n Olivia. A sweet, precocious, vibrant, smart, and persistent child that always challenges us and teaches us more than we could ever imagine. Author Ian Falconer gave all of us such a beautiful and relatable character in his beloved Olivia…
Gracie Lou Tries Something Book Journey (Books and Beyond)
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink Magazine
Gracie Lou tries something new is my second book in the Gracie Lou adventure series and I can’t wait to share it with our readers. Many students reached out and hoped for more adventures about our curious and imaginative curly haired…
Loving Mentor Texts Article
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink Magazine
Reading aloud to children is one of the fundamental necessities of being a parent
and a teacher. Childhood memories should be filled with going to the library, snuggling
with a bedtime story and having a selection of books tucked under their bed. Transporting…
‘Peakaboo’ Pictures and Words Story Monsters
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink Magazine
Reading books is already a wonderful, interactive and
sensory igniting experience. Visualizing what the author is
writing, noticing and touching the illustrations, wondering and
questioning parts of a story, making inferences, and simply
giggling over funny and special parts!…
Loving Literacy # 2 July 2025 StoryMonsters
By Larissa Juliano Originally published in StoryMonsters Ink magazine
Decodable books, or books that have specific phonics
patterns/sequence, can seem ‘easy’ to us and look simple or
predictable, but they are a powerful tool in helping your child learn to read. This ‘kind of’ text is an incredibly effective and necessary literacy tool designed to reinforce the phonics…