Learning stations or centers are very popular in elementary grades, but do they work with older students? Absolutely. In fact, they are an incredible tool for focus and learning. So, if you're wondering how you can use learning stations in a high school classroom, read on! (and if you want some … [Read more...] about How to Use Learning Stations in a High School Classroom
5 Ways to Make Poetry Fun and Accessible
5 Ways to Make Poetry Fun and Accessible Students don't get too excited when we begin teaching poetry. In fact, we often get a lot of groaning and eye-rolling when the poetry lessons start. Turn this around with 5 ways to make poetry fun and accessible to your students: 1. Play Figurative … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Make Poetry Fun and Accessible
Theme: is it one word or a statement?
I've been sitting here, fingers above the keys, wondering if I should call this theme discussion a "debate." The reason for my hesitation? It's not a debate for me; in fact, it's a bit of a pet peeve when my students want to use one word to describe a theme. That's because for me the answer to the … [Read more...] about Theme: is it one word or a statement?
Reading, Writing & Awareness with Nonfiction
Despite the fact that our students are very connected to the online world, they are not always aware of what's happening outside of their own circle of snaps and texts. So, I decided to come up with a way to teach reading, writing, & awareness with nonfiction. I've been working to find ways … [Read more...] about Reading, Writing & Awareness with Nonfiction
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
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
Teaching Literary Analysis: 5 things that really work!
Grading literary analysis essays has never been something I've looked forward to. Often, it's an exercise in frustration and a chance to feel like I've failed my students. But the last few days, I've been in the middle of grading final essays from my tenth graders, and I have to say I'm excited with … [Read more...] about Teaching Literary Analysis: 5 things that really work!
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
How to Teach The Process of Literary Analysis
Many secondary English teachers struggle with how to teach the process of literary analysis. Students often think they are analyzing a text when they are really just summarizing the plot. If we want students to write meaningful literary analysis, we need to explicitly teach the process and give them … [Read more...] about How to Teach The Process of Literary Analysis