In the summer of 2020, I did a curriculum audit to reflect upon which voices in literature were being amplified and honored in my classroom. I knew it would reveal several white male authors, but until I saw it clearly displayed in a pie chart, I had no idea just how many. Even after working for years on adding diverse ELA curriculum to my British Literature class, my color-coded chart still ... Read More about How to do a Diverse ELA Curriculum Audit
How to plan a podcast unit for middle school and high school
In some ELA circles I’m known as The Podcast Queen. Though I’m not sure where it started, I theorize that this title has been bestowed upon me because 1. I never shut up about podcasts and 2. Many of my podcast units, resources, and roundups have engaged classes when little else would, especially during distant learning. While I gladly accept that title with honor, I humbly hope that this post ... Read More about How to plan a podcast unit for middle school and high school
Group Essays: Slash your grading stack with this collaborative essay hack!
Here’s some ELA math for you: If it takes you 5 minutes to grade a single essay would you rather grade 90 essays in 450 minutes or 30 essays in 150 minutes? What could you do with an extra 300 minutes in your life? That’s five extra hours to read a book, go to the park, or simply live your life. If you are wondering how you can cut 60 essays from your stack without blacking out your student ... Read More about Group Essays: Slash your grading stack with this collaborative essay hack!
Teaching Dolly Parton’s America Podcast
The moment I heard Dolly Parton’s America Podcast, I knew it was something special. My trained English teacher ear was right because this podcast has since topped the charts and went on to win a Peabody Award for excellence in storytelling. Just like with teaching the Serial podcast, I wanted to share this brilliant work of journalism with my students, so I happily spent the summer creating a ... Read More about Teaching Dolly Parton’s America Podcast
Jamboard Alternative: Creative Whiteboard Templates for the ELA Classroom
Jamboard got many of us through the dark days of teaching remotely during a global pandemic. This simple but effective platform worked wonders in fostering collaboration in the 1:1 classroom as well as traditional classrooms. Now Jamboard is sunsetting, but that doesn't mean you have to give up this amazing engagement tool. In fact, the Jamboard alternative I'm going to showcase may be even better ... Read More about Jamboard Alternative: Creative Whiteboard Templates for the ELA Classroom
Holiday Podcasts for the Classroom
Over the past year, I've tried to provide lots of seasonal podcast recommendations since I know that they are helpful during wild teaching days like Halloween and Valentine's Day and important while engaging learners during Black History and Women's History. One of the most opportune times to use the power of podcasts in the classroom is the day before holiday break. Podcasts create a cozy "radio ... Read More about Holiday Podcasts for the Classroom
