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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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, ... Read More about English Teacher Podcasts for the ELA Classroom
Dark Academia High School English Classroom Decor
There's something truly magical about setting up a classroom for the new school year! A clean and welcoming space fills us with optimism for what's to come. I love this feeling so much that I volunteer to set up a local classroom every July. Last year I did a Light Academia theme, so this year, I chose a Dark Academia theme for this high school English classroom. After decorating this ... Read More about Dark Academia High School English Classroom Decor
5 Activity Ideas for Teaching Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
As someone who grew up in a fire and brimstone church, I found that teaching "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards hit a little too close to home. Even without the vivid imagery and detailed descriptions, I can picture exactly what it would be like to sit in a pew and hear this historical Puritan sermon. I can also now appreciate just how much there is to learn from different ... Read More about 5 Activity Ideas for Teaching Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
