As anyone who teaches AP Lit or Lang knows, forming a strong claim is the backbone to a high-scoring essay. My Lit students are strong writers, but I’ve noticed that several of them start their essays weakly. They seem hesitant to take too strong of a stance on the text and, ultimately, write an ...
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9 Creative Writing Activities to Unlock Literary Analysis
I don’t teach a creative writing class anymore, but I write in my spare time. For me, it’s one act plays. When students ask me why I write plays, I tell them that I have many reasons for it, but ultimately it's good for my brain. I believe that creative writing improves writing, opens avenues in ...
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5 Ways Bell Ringers Can Improve Your Teaching
I recently lead a PD session on how teachers can use bell ringers to enhance their teaching, streamline instruction, or build student relationships. I spoke to teachers of all different subjects and levels, many of whom had different motives for using bellwork. I shared how bell ringers can be used ...
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Five Ways to Enhance and Improve Peer Reviewing
When I was in high school, I absolutely loathed peer reviewing. I was always partnered with a student who struggled to write. I would spend a half hour marking every mechanical mistake while my "partner" would glance at my paper and write a smiley face on the top.
I'm far removed from high school ...
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Thoughts From an Experienced Teacher On The AP Lit CED
I first taught AP Lit in 2006, immediately after graduating college. Admittedly, mine is a unique (and rather foolish) situation. Many teachers work for years, even decades, before applying their expertise to this advanced course. However, I was at a private school that found themselves in a ...
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Classic and Contemporary Text Pairings by Theme
This is the third and final installment on classic and contemporary text pairing. The first post matched up contemporary and classic texts by plot and the second by character. This last post matches old with new books based on theme. I hope you enjoy!
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