Our quarter ends next week, which means my AP Lit students have to write a timed writing on their independent reading. Although we’ve done some practice essays and lots of paragraphs, this will be their first summative, on-demand essay. And, I’ll be honest, they’re anxious.
To help them feel ...
Read More about Strategies to Help Your Students Prepare For On-demand Writing
A Free Poem Lesson: “ Zz Introduction to Poetry” by Billy Collins
Every once in a while, you teach a text and everything is perfect. It’s the perfect blend of the text, the class make-up, and the lesson. This week, I had that moment with Billy Collins’ “Introduction Poetry,” so I wanted to share it with you!
For context, my school is on a modified block ...
Read More about A Free Poem Lesson: “ Zz Introduction to Poetry” by Billy Collins
The Purpose and Value of a High School Writing Center
Back in 2018, I successfully pitched, created, and ran our school’s Writing Center. It ran for two years. However, 2019 presented budget cuts and I was given two options: run the WC for free, or close it up. I wish I could say I was servant-hearted enough to do it for free, but I was already doing ...
Read More about The Purpose and Value of a High School Writing Center
The Power of Visual Pairing in Teaching Literary Terms
When I was in high school, I came home with a C- on my History midterm. My parents were shocked and, honestly, so was I. While not exactly a straight A student, I had never gone down to the Cs before. I couldn’t exactly articulate why history was so hard for me, other than saying I just couldn’t ...
Read More about The Power of Visual Pairing in Teaching Literary Terms
Strategies for Introducing Independent Reading
I’ve written several blog posts about the importance of independent reading in the ELA classroom. This week, I rolled it out with both my Honors and AP Lit students in different ways. Here is a rundown of different ways you can roll out independent reading with your high school students, regardless ...
Read More about Strategies for Introducing Independent Reading
Creating a Classroom for Focus and Creativity
I recently put the finishing touches on my classroom and shared some images on Instagram. One teacher gave me one of my greatest compliments after viewing the pictures, saying, "I want to learn here."
This post contains affiliate links, which can earn me a small commission. I only include ...
Read More about Creating a Classroom for Focus and Creativity