Category: 21st century learning

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How to Teach Greek Mythology in Middle and High School (Without Starting from Scratch)

If you’ve ever searched for a way to bring Greek mythology into your classroom that actually engages students — and doesn’t require you to spend your weekend hunting down texts, designing handouts, and writing discussion questions — you’re in the right place! Greek mythology is one of those units that sounds exciting on paper but … Continue reading How to Teach Greek Mythology in Middle and High School (Without Starting from Scratch)

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How to Teach Fairy Tales Through Critical Lens Theory (With Disney)

Secondary ELA  ·  Literary Analysis  ·  Resource Reviews  ·  High School ELA Unit A complete 6–8 week literary analysis unit that uses Disney movies and classic fairy tales to make feminist, Marxist, and cultural criticism genuinely engaging for secondary students. Updated March 2026  ·  13 min read  ·  Grades 9–12 Why Fairy Tales Are the … Continue reading How to Teach Fairy Tales Through Critical Lens Theory (With Disney)

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Teaching Dark Romanticism in High School English: A Thematic Unit That Actually Works

Teaching Dark Romanticism in High School English: A Thematic Unit That Actually Works If you’re searching for a way to make American literature feel urgent, personal, and genuinely compelling to your students, Dark Romanticism is your answer. This subgenre is tailor-made for the high school classroom—full of psychological tension, Gothic atmosphere, and themes that teenagers … Continue reading Teaching Dark Romanticism in High School English: A Thematic Unit That Actually Works

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Engaging ELA Assignments That Aren’t Essays (But Still Rigorous)

Looking to move beyond the traditional essay without sacrificing rigor? This post explores creative, standards-aligned ELA assignments—like Bloom Balls, short-form videos, PBL projects, and creative informational writing—that increase engagement while still requiring deep analysis, evidence, and purposeful communication. Continue reading Engaging ELA Assignments That Aren’t Essays (But Still Rigorous)

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Engaging ELA Test Prep Ideas for Middle and High School Teachers

Test prep season doesn’t have to mean endless packets and disengaged students. Discover engaging ELA test prep ideas that build reading, writing, grammar, and analysis skills without burnout. Learn how to use escape rooms, quick writes, and structured writing strategies to prepare students for standardized tests. 👉 Read the blog to see how easy test prep can be. Continue reading Engaging ELA Test Prep Ideas for Middle and High School Teachers

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January ELA Made Simple: A Winter-Themed Inquiry Unit Students Love

January can feel like the longest month of the school year. Students are coming back from break unfocused, routines need to be reestablished, and teachers are expected to jump right back into rigorous instruction—often with very little energy left in the tank. That’s exactly why I created my Time-Saver January Winter Inquiry Bundle: a flexible, … Continue reading January ELA Made Simple: A Winter-Themed Inquiry Unit Students Love

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Why Song of the Sea Belongs in Your ELA Classroom: Celtic Mythology, Symbolism, and a Powerful Mini Unit

Song of the Sea is a beautiful, award-winning, Irish animated film that your students are absolutely going to love! And you are going to appreciate how deep you can take ELA skills with it. Read the post to see why this absolutely belongs in your secondary ELA classroom! Continue reading Why Song of the Sea Belongs in Your ELA Classroom: Celtic Mythology, Symbolism, and a Powerful Mini Unit

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How to Teach Young Goodman Brown: A Thematic Approach to Fear, Doubt, and Reality

If you’ve ever taught Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” you know it’s one of those stories that instantly sparks deep discussion. Students are quick to pick up on the eerie tone and unsettling atmosphere. BUT, it’s easy for them to get lost in the symbolism and miss the bigger picture. That’s where this resource comes … Continue reading How to Teach Young Goodman Brown: A Thematic Approach to Fear, Doubt, and Reality