Secondary Language Arts
What is Mythology? How to do a Collaborative Vocabulary Activity in 6 Steps
Engage students in deep learning of new vocabulary and concepts by using this collaborative activity. In 6 steps you have a full lesson plan, student discussion, and understanding of new concepts.
The Why and the How of Using Podcasts in Class
Using podcasts in class engages students, helps them practice literacy and listening skills, and bring experts into your English class. With practical ideas you’ll know how to incorporate podcasts in class.
4 Resources to Teach Amanda Gorman’s Poem for the 2021 Inauguration
4 great lesson plan ideas with text and video to help you teach Amanda Gorman’s Poem for President Biden’s Inauguration “The Hill We Climb.”
5 Tips on How to Teach Political Texts that May Be Controversial
As English teachers, we teach historical speeches. But how do we teach political texts that are modern and are often controversial and politically-charged? We can’t
Two by Ten Strategy for Building Positive Relationships with Students
You can dramatically change the behavior of your hardest students using the two by ten strategy by spending just two minutes a day for ten days talking to students about what interests them.
Novels Worth Teaching: Whirligig by Paul Fleischman
Whirligig by Paul Fleischman definitely qualifies as a novel worth teaching. It is a slim, yet powerful, unassuming, yet life-changing, novel about mistakes, restitution, and forgiveness by others and of ourselves.
Petruchio Doesn’t Tame Katherine – Shakespeare Does
Every time I teach The Taming of the Shrew, I struggle with the question – is Shakespeare a feminist? Students ask and we wonder together;
How Using a Gratitude Journal Changed My Classroom Culture {And Myself!}
Oprah Winfrey told us all this, years ago – “Gratitude can transform any situation. It alters your vibration, moving you from negative energy to positive.”
My Top 3 Reading ACT Test Tips
After teaching ACT Prep for the last 14 years in public schools and for private companies, these are my top 3 Reading ACT test tips.