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I'm going to admit, although I love the idea of the Socratic seminar, I have not felt really successful with teaching my students how to do them.  In the past, most have been boring and stilted, as students mechanically did what they were asked to do, with little engagement in the discussion. … [Read more...] about Tweaking My Socratic Seminar Approach

It seems like an odd thing to do: plan to be sick.  In fact, those of us who work in germ factories hope to avoid it at all costs.  But it happens, precisely because we do work in germ factories.  Twenty-thirty bodies jammed in one hot room, using the same door knob, pencil sharpener … [Read more...] about Planning to be sick?

My tenth graders are completing the final step of their writing process today for their persuasive essays. I've been taking them through a two week workshop designed to install the importance of process, and they have been working hard.  As a reward, I'm going to spend the last few days before March … [Read more...] about Critical Analysis with Disney

What's the best way to get our students to engage in deep and meaningful learning?  I don't have the answer, but I do have a lot of questions.  And it's my curiosity and desire to learn that drives my search for that answer.When you have students with that innate curiosity, it's a … [Read more...] about Now That’s a Good Question!

Even though we have had very few days together this snowy semester, it will not be long before I meet with my students' parents.  When I do, I will be using something that worked really well in the past.Last semester, in preparation for our parent-teacher conferences, I had students do a … [Read more...] about Make your parent conferences more meaningful

Happy Friday! I'm linking up with Julie, of Faulkner's Fast Five, for her new series Friday Flashback to reflect back on this crazy, snowy month.1. I can't think about or write about February without using that nasty four letter word that has been haunting so many of us this year. … [Read more...] about February Friday Flashback

Teachers are Superheroes: Super Secondary Celebrates YOU!We got together and collaborated for a TpT sale. Make your wish lists and empty your carts for this ONE DAY super sale on February 25th. Most stores are discounted up to 20% off. Don't forget to use the promo code: HEROES. … [Read more...] about

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Many of my students have a problem. They give up way too easily.  Too often they pass in work that is half finished or done at the last minute.  I know they can do better.  And I need to do better at teaching them how.I truly believe that one of the biggest obstacles that keeps them … [Read more...] about Getting Gritty

I'm linking up with the gals from Desktop Learning Adventures and The ELA Buffet to share some funny stories from our classrooms.Having taught high school for twenty years or so, there have been many funny moments, but one of the funniest happened just after Christmas break this year.I had a twelfth … [Read more...] about February Funnies from the Secondary Smorgasbord

This semester, I've decided to approach my novel studies differently, whether it be for independent reading or for full class novels.  I've always loved the idea of interactive notebooks.  I love to cut and paste and doodle and create. And I know many of my students do too.  But I … [Read more...] about Feeling the Love with Reader’s Notebooks

So we had a lot of snow days last week. Three, in fact.  It was a lot of snow to shovel and a lot of school to miss.  The second semester had just begun, and we only got one day in before old Mother Nature interfered.  It wasn't such a big deal for my new classes, but my IB class goes … [Read more...] about Technology Love

'Tis the season of Valentine's love, and I'm excited to be joining some amazing secondary bloggers in this blog hop hosted by The Language Arts Classroom, Faulkner’s Fast Five, and The Literary Maven.I have a lot to feel grateful for on Valentine's day; my husband, children, … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day Blog Hop 2015