I’ll never forget the tension in the room the day our entire English department got called into the conference room. We were in trouble. Or rather, our scores were in trouble. But as all educators know, it’s often difficult to separate yourself from the numbers on a page when the stakes are high. While I won’t pretend I was open to their strongly worded suggestions at the time, in hindsight, it ... Read More about Middle and High School ELA Test Prep All Year Long
Light Academia Middle School ELA Classroom Decor
There’s just something special about setting up a classroom for the new school year. A clean, organized, and welcoming space gives us warm feelings of optimism for what the new year will bring. I love this feeling so much that I volunteer to set up one local classroom each July. This year I went with a Light Academia classroom theme for a middle school ELA classroom in my area. After ... Read More about Light Academia Middle School ELA Classroom Decor
Literary Wanderlust: Bookish things to do in Savannah, Georgia
We honeymooned in Savannah, Georgia, so we’re biased, but we think it’s one of the most romantic cities in the world. With Spanish moss dripping from the live oaks and the amber glow of old fashioned street lights, it’s difficult not to be swooned by Savannah. Book lovers will also be enamored with what many believe to be the prettiest city in America. With twenty-two public squares in ... Read More about Literary Wanderlust: Bookish things to do in Savannah, Georgia
Teaching British Literature Thematically and Chronologically
There’s an ongoing debate among high school British literature teachers about the best British literature curriculum plan. Which is better: teaching British literature thematically or chronologically? Well, I’m here to give the wigged council my opinion. For me, the answer is BOTH. Yes, you can teach British literature chronologically with a theme. The best British literature pacing I’ve ... Read More about Teaching British Literature Thematically and Chronologically
Meaningful & Fun Activities for Teaching Lord of the Flies
I find myself referencing Lord of the Flies by William Golding probably more than any other book I’ve ever taught. That’s because you can see these group dynamics play out over and over again in real life. While the fallout of a bookclub or work team might not end in murder (we hope!), the Ralphs, Piggies, Simons, and Jacks of the world will always show up. Always. That’s why teaching Lord of the ... Read More about Meaningful & Fun Activities for Teaching Lord of the Flies
5 Creative Poetry Pairing Ideas for Secondary ELA
One of my favorite ways to incorporate poetry into the context of your ELA curriculum is with pairings. Poetry pairings can go far in adding dynamic writing, divergent thinking, and diverse voices to your ELA lesson plans. Read on to get inspired with fresh poetry pairing ideas from poetry expert Lesa Smith. Lesa Smith is a high school teacher from Toronto, Canada. While not a poet ... Read More about 5 Creative Poetry Pairing Ideas for Secondary ELA
