One thing I’ve noticed from teaching Into the Wild is that if I can keep my students on track with the complicated plot, then they absolutely LOVE this nonfiction novel. However, if they get lost in the flashbacks and changing settings, then I’ve lost them forever. To ensure that all students are able to keep up with and connect to this beautiful story, I have designed a notebook that will keep ... Read More about 5 Reasons to use a Notebook with Your Into the Wild Unit
Fun Ways to Use Music in the English Classroom
Here's the deal--I'm weird about music. When my husband and I moved in together, he thought it was SO strange that I had lived most of my life in silence. I NEVER had background music playing and rarely listened to it in the car either. I'm not sure if my home life growing up played a part in this or what, but I've just always preferred silence over noise. The only time I actually listen to music ... Read More about Fun Ways to Use Music in the English Classroom
Home Exchange for Teachers
The irony of being a teacher is that we normally have ample time to travel, but insufficient funds to do so. With this thought on my mind, I came up with a brilliant idea to start a website for teachers to swap homes during their summer breaks. However, like with many of my brilliant ideas, someone else had already invented the concept. ;) Anyway, while I was totally bummed to see that MY idea was ... Read More about Home Exchange for Teachers
Teaching with Graphic Novels in Middle & High School ELA
As someone who was never into comics as a child, falling in love with graphic novels and their applications in the ELA classroom was a sweet surprise. But really, it shouldn’t be because graphic novels combine all my favorite ELA things: great literature, vivid imagery, and deep analysis. Just like the books themselves, teaching with graphic novels is an art form and this guide will equip you with ... Read More about Teaching with Graphic Novels in Middle & High School ELA
How and Why to Use Word Walls with Older Students
I've been using a Word Wall with my high school students for 9 years now, and the results have been incredible. How: I have 90-minute classes, so I'm able to give my students 8-10 minutes of free reading time each day. I put this time at the BEGINNING of the class for several reasons. 1. I express that free-choice reading is SO important in helping students with many aspects of ... Read More about How and Why to Use Word Walls with Older Students
6 Ways to Have a Book Club With Your Teenager or Tween
Let me preface this list by saying that I don’t have any children of my own yet, but I teach about 75 teenagers a day and have a dog and husband, so that makes me an expert on parenting right? HA. Jokes aside, I don’t think parents realize just how much their own reading habits and interest in books affect their child’s love of reading. A simple “Oh I’ve read that book, and it’s really good” can ... Read More about 6 Ways to Have a Book Club With Your Teenager or Tween
