My theme for 2024 books is no theme. I wanted to read whatever interested me, old or new, adult or young adult. I often worry about reading the “right” books, but I spent this year reading whatever interests me. Check out my 2024 book overview to inspire your 2025 reading habits!
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Bold Claims—What They Are and Why We Want Them
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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