Building Book Love

Horror Short Story: Teaching The Pit and the Pendulum by Poe

Horror short stories have a unique way of capturing the dark side of our imaginations, and few do it better than Edgar Allan Poe. If you're an English teacher who delights in disturbing teenagers for a living, then you’ll love teaching “The Pit and the Pendulum!” ;) This gripping short story is full of suspense, rigor, and terror, making it the perfect mentor text to explore the horror genre. Are you ready to plan your Pit and the Pendulum activities? Read on if you dare! Hook Students with a Terror Trail Start your lesson with fear and excitement by creating a “Terror Trail” in your classroom. This activity will get your students moving and discussing ... Read More about Horror Short Story: Teaching The Pit and the Pendulum by Poe

Gothic Literature Short Story: Teaching The Oval Portrait by Poe

Needing a super short story to model for an ELA PD session, I stumbled upon Poe’s shortest short story, “The Oval Portrait.” Though I’m a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, I had never read this Gothic gem before and was delighted by how much analysis English teachers can squeeze out of only two pages (one double-sided copy!). Whether you need a fitting Gothic literature short story, a quick introduction to Poe's work, or a spooky short story for Halloween, “The Oval Portrait” by Poe might just answer your ails. Why The Oval Portrait Makes A Perfect Gothic Short Story The Oval Portrait is a short but highly impactful story. It tells the tale of a wounded man who recovers in ... Read More about Gothic Literature Short Story: Teaching The Oval Portrait by Poe

9/11 Lesson Plan for Middle & High School Students

The topic of 9/11 is often difficult to navigate in the classroom, but as with most things in life, adding a dog to the mix can make things easier. If you are looking for a respectful and meaningful way to honor September 11th, then let’s explore this engaging, reflective 9/11 lesson plan for middle and high school students. Play a Podcast for a 9/11 Lesson Plan Stories resonate more deeply than facts alone. One powerful 9/11 resource is the podcast episode "This is Love - Episode 20: Roselle and Michael," which tells the story of a guide dog named Roselle and her owner, Michael, during the attacks. Using this heartwarming story gives you an easy way to bring a human (and ... Read More about 9/11 Lesson Plan for Middle & High School Students

English Teacher Podcasts for the ELA Classroom

One thing I know for sure is that the to-do list of an English teacher doesn’t need to be any longer. Consequently, if you are looking for ways to stay up-to-date with the latest teaching strategies without adding extra work, then meet your new PD multitasking BFF– English teacher podcasts. This handy form of media can be a game-changer for professional development and classroom innovation. So, pull up your favorite podcast app, ready your earbuds, and let’s explore the growing importance of podcasts in education, how they can enhance your teaching skills, and where to find the best podcasts for English teachers! English Teacher Podcasts for Professional Development It’s ... Read More about English Teacher Podcasts for the ELA Classroom