I will never forget the first time I read Romeo and Juliet. Fear is a memory maker. I was a freshman who didn’t attend middle school with the rest of my classmates, so I was new, shy, and worried that I wasn’t as smart as everyone else. My 9th-grade English teacher was almost as intimidating as the language, but she had a knack for teaching Shakespeare. Once she helped me gain comprehension ... Read More about Romeo and Juliet Activities, Teaching Ideas, and Lessons
Meaningful & Fun Activities for Teaching Transcendentalism
Teaching Transcendentalism can be challenging but oh-so rewarding, especially when you can connect Transcendental literature, beliefs, and values to modern (and ancient!) culture. At first, high schoolers might struggle with the movement’s abstract concepts and rigorous texts, but with some guided reading, fun activities, hands-on projects, and meaningful connections, you’ll be able to engage your ... Read More about Meaningful & Fun Activities for Teaching Transcendentalism
5 Fun Free Apps for English Teachers
I know a lot of teachers make resolutions to cut down their screen time (both in the classroom and out), but I’m not ashamed to admit that I love to use my phone. While it can be both a blessing and a curse, my smartphone makes my life easier and more fun! Here’s a list of my favorite free apps for English teachers and how to use them. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for ... Read More about 5 Fun Free Apps for English Teachers
Building Book Love 2023 Year-End Recap
I love taking a moment to reflect on the past year before planning out the new one. Two years ago I pulled back the curtain a bit to show you how I plan out my monthly action tasks for Building Book Love. This method continues to work for me, so it pretty much looks the same except for a few small tweaks. For starters, I set out to do 10+ actions each month instead of 7. However, I did a “roll ... Read More about Building Book Love 2023 Year-End Recap
Middle & High School ELA New Year Activities
Getting back into the swing of things after winter break can be daunting for both you and your middle or high school ELA students. One way to ease back into a classroom routine is by incorporating some fun New Year ELA activities that encourage reflection, review, and setting student goals. Here are some ELA New Year lesson plan ideas that will up the engagement and enjoyment of your first day ... Read More about Middle & High School ELA New Year Activities
Jolabokaflod ELA Christmas Classroom Party Ideas
Get ready to be inspired by the most cozy Christmas classroom party ideas, EVER! Jolabokaflod, meaning "Christmas book flood," is an Icelandic tradition that involves English teachers’ favorite topic, books! This holiday custom has gained popularity worldwide, and with a little bit of creativity, you can turn it into an engaging classroom party that promotes reading and starts winter break on a ... Read More about Jolabokaflod ELA Christmas Classroom Party Ideas
