It’s important to me to reflect on my past year before I start making big plans for the new year ahead, so that’s why I’m back with another yearly Building Book Love review! Continuing the “12 Week Year” method, I averaged 10 action verbs a month this year which was my goal. I wanted to slow down a bit from last year, and I’m happy to report that I did. This year felt like a great pace for me, and I was even able to say yes to an incredible opportunity to host a workshop in Iceland in what is usually my busiest month (August)!
But enough about me– now let’s get into the annual year-end review and see what resonated with you the most in 2024!
Top 3 Most Popular New Posts of the Year:
- The number one spot goes to: Romeo and Juliet Activities, Teaching Ideas, and Lessons
I’m beyond thrilled that this post has been so helpful because it has encouraged me to add to my Shakespeare library. I recently just finished Hamlet, and have more in store for 2025!
I knew this one was going to be a banger. It hit right out of the gate because it’s full of helpful and FREE sub plans from me and my ELA friends.
I was so pleased with how this post turned out, and I’m glad that you found it helpful! I appreciate each and every one of you who read my blog!
the rest of my posts from 2024 in case you missed them:
- 5 Fun Free Apps for English Teachers
- Meaningful & Fun Activities for Teaching Transcendentalism
- Poetry Analysis How To Activities and Acronym
- How to Make Classroom Decor Bundles in Canva
- 5 Activity Ideas for Teaching Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
- Dark Academia High School English Classroom Decor
- English Teacher Podcasts for the ELA Classroom
- 9/11 Lesson Plan for Middle & High School Students
- Gothic Literature Short Story: Teaching The Oval Portrait by Poe
- Horror Short Story: Teaching The Pit and the Pendulum by Poe
- 5 Activities for Teaching The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury
- Hamlet Activities: Introduction, Lessons, and Teaching Ideas
A new category I’m adding to the review this year is your favorite freebies of the year. First up, I wrote an ebook over the summer to accompany my Iceland workshop, and it’s one of the handiest things I’ve ever made (or so I’ve been told)! Then, I had an idea to make a super fun quiz that would help English teachers discover their engagement style. I’d love for you to take it if you haven’t already! Teachers tell me it’s spot on, so I think you’ll gain a lot of insight about yourself plus get some freebies to enhance your engagement superpower! Lastly, as I’ve already mentioned, the free sub plans are a hit!
Favorite New Freebies:
- The ABCs of ELA: Engagement from A-Z
- What’s Your ELA Engagement Superpower Personality Quiz
- Emergency ELA Sub plans
2024 Resource Updates
Four years ago I set a goal to update at least one of my resources a month, and I’ve stuck with it. Updates are not my favorite for me, but they are my favorite for YOU because they mean that you get fresh resources for FREE! If you have purchased any of these resources in the past, be sure to re-download for the updates!
- January: Transcendentalism Unit
- February: Literary Valentines
- March: Bundled Podcast Worksheets
- April: ELA STEM Challenge Activity
- May: ELA End of Year Awards + Activity
- June: Nature Classroom Decor and World Classroom Decor
- July: ELA Daily Agenda Slides Templates
- August: Jamboard Alternative: ELA Discussion Starters
- September: The Pit and the Pendulum and The Pedestrian
- October: Literary Dinner Party
- November: Book Letters
- December: New Year Growth Mindset Activities
Since I spend A LOT of my time updating old resources to improve their quality, it’s always a treat when I get to create something new. There’s nothing like making a new resource that lights my creative fire a bit. Here are some new ELA resources and bundles I added to my shop in 2024:
- Romeo and Juliet Unit: Intro, Prologue, Activities Acts 1-5, Editable Lessons
- High School Grammar: Explicit Grammar Bellringers + In Context Grammar Method
- Middle School Grammar: Explicit Grammar Bellringers + In Context Grammar Method
- DIY Canva Classroom Decor: Middle School & High School Classroom Decor Templates
- Dark Academia Classroom Decor: Middle & High School Decor, Editable in Canva
- ELA First Week of School Bundle: Activities, Agenda Slides, Attendance Questions
- Gothic Literature Short Story: The Oval Portrait by Edgar Allan Poe Lesson Plan
- Edgar Allan Poe Bundle: Gothic Literature, The Raven, The Pit and the Pendulum
- Hamlet Unit: Hamlet Activities Acts 1-5, Soliloquy Guides, Editable Lesson Plans
- Independent Reading Activities Bundle: Fun Book Report Template, Book Projects
As I look back on this year, I’m filled with gratitude for having the opportunity to write and create for English teachers. This will be year 11 for me, and even after all this time, it’s still my dream job. I can’t thank you enough for reading and sharing my blog. I truly appreciate your readership and look forward to continuing to inspire you and support you in 2025!
