As English educators, we strive to make our ELA lessons as interesting and inclusive as possible. However, textbooks don't make this easy, especially when it comes to teaching Early American Literature. The thing is, there is no Early American Literature without Native American Literature and adding indigenous voices can help you with all your unit planning goals. In fact, adding Native ... Read More about There is no Early American Literature without Native American Literature
10 Creative Ways to Introduce a Literature Unit
Finding creative ways to introduce a unit isn't just fluff; research suggests that it's essentially one of the most important aspects of lesson planning. In the article, "Piqued: The case for curiosity" the author reports that scientists are discovering that curious learners from low-income households perform as well as affluent students and that all learners are much better at learning ... Read More about 10 Creative Ways to Introduce a Literature Unit
First Day of School Activities for High School and Middle School English
Much like students who spend more hours on the hook of an essay than they do the bulk of an essay, I often found myself with a case of English teacher writing block when it came to planning my first day of school activities. Though I have ten years (x two semesters each) of first-day experience, the back-to-school butterflies fluttered just as much on year ten as they did on year one. A ... Read More about First Day of School Activities for High School and Middle School English
Adventure Themed Classroom: An Eclectic Travel Classroom with Boho Vibes
There's just something so magical about looking at learning as an adventure, and that's the exact notion I wanted to highlight in this travel-themed classroom. I worked with the classroom decor that this room already had, so I was able to put together a high school adventure-themed classroom in just one day! When I saw the before pictures, I knew that I could add just a few eclectic touches to ... Read More about Adventure Themed Classroom: An Eclectic Travel Classroom with Boho Vibes
Nature Themed Classroom Decor: A Calming Plant Filled Classroom
Have you ever dreamed of transforming your classroom into a cozy and creative space inspired by nature? My first ever high school classroom was nature-themed and while I don’t have any pictures from that teaching era, I can paint you a picture of what it looked like: I printed some of my favorite hiking pictures to display around the room, hung a giant stick with twinkle lights from the ceiling, ... Read More about Nature Themed Classroom Decor: A Calming Plant Filled Classroom
Why You Should Be Using Podcasts in Secondary ELA
If books are a uniquely portable magic, then podcasts are the wizard in your pocket. When you find interesting podcasts for teens that they want to listen to, you will open up a whole new world of literacy for secondary students. Did you know that podcast listeners are 29% more likely to have a household income of more than $75,000? And that they are more likely to have secured a four-year college ... Read More about Why You Should Be Using Podcasts in Secondary ELA
