English teacher confession: I use to avoid teaching poetry like meatloaf day in the cafeteria. Teaching poetry intimidated me because I never fully understood technical things like meter and assonance. I constantly worried that my interpretation of a poem was “wrong.” And because of the classical selections in my textbook, I found teaching poetry as boring as my students did learning it. ... Read More about Teaching Poetry in Curriculum Context
Girl Power Plans for Women’s History Month and Beyond
Girls do not yet see themselves in the White House. Girls do not yet regularly see themselves as CEOs. Girls do not yet see themselves enough in textbooks. Therefore, it’s a valid question to ask: Are girls seeing themselves in your curriculum? Women’s History Month provides an excellent opportunity to explore female history makers and learn how to highlight female leaders and experts in ... Read More about Girl Power Plans for Women’s History Month and Beyond
Literary Black History Activities for ELA
While Black authors should be highlighted in every aspect of an ELA class, I’m going to use Black History Month to showcase some ideas that will make a profound impact on your English literature curriculum all year long. These Black History ELA activities can help you plan an extra special celebration during February while extending representation throughout the year. Host a Black author ... Read More about Literary Black History Activities for ELA
12 Podcast episodes that will make you a better ELA teacher
As English teachers, we realize the value of life-long learning. If we can teach our ELA students critical thinking strategies and complex text skills, then we have given them the tools they need to become productive and happy life-long learners. One reason podcasts are the perfect tool for teachers is because they provide life-long learning opportunities on the go. It’s difficult to stay ... Read More about 12 Podcast episodes that will make you a better ELA teacher
Elevate your ELA lesson plans this new year
The new year is all about reflecting on the past and planning for the future. As teachers, we know that reflection is one of the key practices to becoming better at our craft. As humans, we realize that doing the same ELA lesson plans over and over makes us stale and robs us of excitement. This new year, let's elevate our English literature lesson plans with new strategies, ideas, and goals. Here ... Read More about Elevate your ELA lesson plans this new year
English Teacher Type Gift Guide
You know yourself better than anyone, but if you are like me, when it comes to making a holiday wish list, you draw a blank. Hopefully this teacher by type brainstorm will help with both giving and receiving! 1. The Imaginative Instructor For the creative type who enjoys dreaming up innovative lessons: This Winter Poetry Pack will provide hours of imaginative play for both students ... Read More about English Teacher Type Gift Guide
