12 Ways to Improve Writing Skills in the Secondary ELA Classroom
Teaching writing skills can be a daunting task. Students are quick to thinking writing is punishment or prompt you with…
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How to Use Literary Food Trucks to Boost Your Independent Reading Programs in High School
High school English teachers know how challenging it can be to get students engaged in independent reading. With busy schedules…
How and Why You Absolutely Should Teach The Hate U Give
Are you an English teacher looking for a powerful text to teach your students? Look no further than The Hate…
10 Must Teach Poems for the High School English Classroom
Which poems should I be teaching? For English teachers searching for the answer, look no further! Here are 10 must-teach poems sure to engage any high school English class. From funny interpretations on modern life to true classics that span centuries— you’re sure to find something perfect for your students here.
Using Escape Rooms in the Secondary English Classroom
Escape rooms are one of the most exciting activities you can do with your students. Not only does the adventure…
5 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Secondary ELA Curriculum for the New Semester
As the new semester approaches, it’s a great opportunity to take a fresh look at your English Language Arts (ELA)…
Why you should use mock trials in High School ELA
Are you an English teacher looking for a new and engaging way to teach argumentative and research skills to your…
Teaching Sandra Cisnero’s “My Name” to Reengage Students in November
Sandra Cisnero’s “My Name” is a wonderfully short vignette, and I knew the moment I read it that I wanted to put it in front of my reading class. I love my reading class to death, but as the name suggests, sometimes getting them engaged in reading and writing can be difficult. These are students that have been burned by education before or just have not been able to focus on school for one reason or another.
HOW TO TEACH ROMEO AND JULIET IN A MODERN DAY CLASSROOM
Teaching Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet does not have to be a headache. There are a few things I have learned make teaching this timeless classic easier for both teachers and students, like chunking material with workbooks, using rap battles, and gif dialectical journals.
USING MENTOR TEXTS TO TEACH GRAMMAR
Teaching grammar using an English textbook can be dry and dull. If you want to engage students while improving their grammar and challenging them to try more creative elements, using mentor texts is perhaps the best approach for both the teacher and the students.