ELA teachers know that visualization is a key component of reading comprehension. And nothing works those visualization muscles quite like a podcast like The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel. The sound effects, voice actors, and music really bring this story to life and hook students from episode one! If you are ready to take off, here are some Mars Patel podcast worksheets, activities, ... Read More about Teaching Mars Patel: Podcast Worksheets, Activities, & Discussion Questions

There are very few short stories where English teachers get to go all out on their love of color symbolism, but “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe provides the perfect excuse to do so! Poe supplies the colors in this spooky short story, but it’s up to his readers to decipher their meaning. Every hue tells a story in this haunting tale, so get ready to go absolutely wild with these ... Read More about Color Symbolism: The Masque of the Red Death Activities

If you have been tasked with teaching 11th grade American literature, you are either a baddie entrusted to do the course justice or you’ve ticked someone off in the scheduling department. I jest, but the American literature curriculum is challenging in more ways than one. First, the American literature canon itself is full of some of the most rigorous texts your students will ever read. And on top ... Read More about Teaching American Literature: Course Outline, Introduction, & Lesson Plans

I’ve never met a school supply I didn’t love. Pre-sharpened pencils, all the heart eyes. A fresh box of crayons, let me sniff. Crisp new notebooks, gimme. My bank account starts to panic when I walk down a back to school aisle, but the truth is, you only need a few select ELA school supplies to enhance learning in your English class.  Here are 5 essential ELA school supplies backed by ... Read More about 5 Essential ELA School Supplies Backed By Science

The World on the Turtle’s Back” is often the first text in your American Literature class, so I always felt pressure to make a great first impression and do this Iroquois creation story justice. To me, this meant “The World on the Turtle’s Back” lesson plan ideas that will set a respectful tone for new perspectives, scaffold activities to give students a confident start, and add a creative element ... Read More about The World on the Turtle’s Back Lesson Plan Ideas

Every year, I have the privilege of setting up a local ELA classroom to give back to my Appalachian Highlands community. While each classroom holds a place in my heart, this one is extra special to me. Not only did this tiny Tennessee school play a huge role in my childhood (it was my K-8 alma mater), but it also served as a community hub in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Some of the students ... Read More about Cozy Cafe Themed Junior High ELA Classroom