The end of the school year can be an exciting time - but it can also be exhausting. Everyone is feeling pretty tired, drained from the work of the year. And it can be such a challenge to keep students motivated through those last few weeks of class. It's not an impossible task, though, especially if … [Read more...] about End of the Year Activities for English Class
Sentence expanding lessons
Some students struggle to write strong, effective sentences. They get the job done, but the results are often pretty basic because their ideas are underdeveloped and the writing lacks flow. One strategy that can make a big difference is sentence expanding lessons. Showing students the art of … [Read more...] about Sentence expanding lessons
Color Coding as a Writing Strategy
One of the simplest methods for teaching kids to think and write analytically is also one of the most effective: show them a sample paragraph and use color coding as a writing strategy. My tenth graders have been exploring the ways that point of view and perspective affect the novels they are … [Read more...] about Color Coding as a Writing Strategy
Differentiation with reading workshop
Last week, I wrote a post for The Secondary English Coffee Shop about why and how I use mentor texts with my students. I received several questions about differentiation with reading workshop, so I figured I need to write another post. The simple answer to whether or not you can differentiate … [Read more...] about Differentiation with reading workshop
Managing the Multi-Genre Project
The multi-genre project, as I wrote in my last post, is an amazing vehicle for critical thinking (Click here to read why). However, it can seem like a daunting task when you haven't done one before. I've tried it enough times that I have some suggestions to help you take on this project without … [Read more...] about Managing the Multi-Genre Project
Active Learning Strategy: Take it to the wall
One of my favourite strategies for student engagement involves paper, stickies and a wall. Usually, I give students a question or a task that requires critical thinking and have them brainstorm ideas that they write on chart paper or sticky notes. I love this strategy because not only does it get … [Read more...] about Active Learning Strategy: Take it to the wall
Teaching research skills: active learning
I know you've been there. You've taught the kids how to research. You've shown them how to embed quotations. You have given them piles of information on how to create a works cited page.And then you see their assignments. They are riddled with errors. Quotations are randomly inserted with no … [Read more...] about Teaching research skills: active learning
A Quick & Easy Skill-Building Activity for Analyzing Character
It's time to take a closer look at analyzing character in my classroom. We spent the first few weeks of reading workshop analyzing and experimenting with setting and point of view, and now I want my students to explore the ways that character is being developed in the novels they are … [Read more...] about A Quick & Easy Skill-Building Activity for Analyzing Character
Collaborative Poetry: “Where I am From” Poems
My twelfth grade class has been exploring the effect of word choice during our reading and writing workshop. They have written a number of journal entries that required them to experiment with diction, imagery and figurative language, and during my wanders and conferences, I've discovered a number … [Read more...] about Collaborative Poetry: “Where I am From” Poems
Descriptive Writing – Strategies for Teaching
I love teaching descriptive writing and I don't save it for creative assignments only. That is because the elements that make description so important in creative writing are the very ones that make for rich and engaging expository and persuasive pieces as well.I want my students to be able to … [Read more...] about Descriptive Writing – Strategies for Teaching
Teaching a novel with excerpts
It's a trend that I find disturbing: teaching a novel with excerpts and not expecting kids to read the whole thing. I don't say that to be condescending; trust me. I want to help because I think that by using excerpts we are robbing our students of the opportunity to learn to love reading. There … [Read more...] about Teaching a novel with excerpts
Redos: an essential part of the learning process
Years ago, I would have shuddered at the thought of asking my students to redo an assignment, envisioning myself chained to my desk for hours, buried under paper. However, several things made me change my mind about this and realize that redos were an essential part of the learning process. Giving … [Read more...] about Redos: an essential part of the learning process