Category: 21st century learning

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Blending Creativity and Academic Rigor in the Secondary ELA Classroom

As ELA teachers, we often prioritize academic writing at the expense of creative expression—but what if creativity isn’t a “break” from the standards, but rather a bridge to deeper learning?

In my latest blog post, I’m making the case for reintegrating creative writing into the middle and high school classroom. I share practical, low-prep strategies that still hit the standards, encourage critical thinking, and build writing confidence. Continue reading Blending Creativity and Academic Rigor in the Secondary ELA Classroom

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Analyzing Snow White in High School Through the Gender and Archetypal Lenses

In high school English classrooms, we teach students to question the world around them—its texts, its trends, its traditions. So why not help them question the fairy tales they grew up with? These aren’t just bedtime stories; they’re blueprints. They shape how students think about love, power, beauty, and even their own identities. In today’s post, we’ll look at how we can do this with the tale of Snow White! Continue reading Analyzing Snow White in High School Through the Gender and Archetypal Lenses

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Why Teaching Comic Books Belongs in High School English

Comic books are more than just entertainment—they’re the first truly American literary genre. With roots deeply embedded in American history and culture, these stories of heroes and antiheroes have helped generations process complex social issues, identity, justice, and change. If you’ve never explored comics in your classroom, you’re missing out on one of the most … Continue reading Why Teaching Comic Books Belongs in High School English

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A Creative Twist on Found Poetry for National Poetry Month

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the author shares a refreshing take on Found Poetry inspired by Paul Damien Elegy’s captivating video. Found Poetry allows students to creatively blend existing poetic lines into new works, enhancing critical reading and writing skills. The author offers a free lesson plan to engage students, making poetry accessible and enjoyable for all levels. Continue reading A Creative Twist on Found Poetry for National Poetry Month

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Bringing The Moth Podcast into the ELA Classroom: 3 Must-Listen Stories Your Students Will Love

I have found a new podcast that I am bursting to share with other English teachers! If you are not yet aware of The Moth Radio Hour and The Moth Podcast, now is the time. In a way, it reminds of Humans of New York. But, in this case, it’s people sharing a particular story … Continue reading Bringing The Moth Podcast into the ELA Classroom: 3 Must-Listen Stories Your Students Will Love

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The One High-Engagement ELA Activity You Need Right Now

As the school year winds down, engaging students becomes challenging. However, using podcasts like “Solve” can HOOK your students from start to finish! This podcast enables students to engage in a murder mystery, fostering critical listening, analysis, and collaboration. Structured group activities encourage debates and evidence gathering. This engaging format not only maintains interest but also develops essential ELA skills. Continue reading The One High-Engagement ELA Activity You Need Right Now

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Engaging ELA Test Prep That Actually Works (Without the Eye Rolls!)

March is affectionately (or facetiously) known as test prep month around here. That’s because we start taking all the state mandated tests in April. Let’s be real—test prep season is exhausting. Your students are already stressed, distracted, and over it before they even sit down for the SAT, ACT, state tests, or final exams. And … Continue reading Engaging ELA Test Prep That Actually Works (Without the Eye Rolls!)

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3 Magical Realism Short Stories To Teach in High School

Short stories are a staple in every ELA classroom. They are a wonderful way to have the full class instruction with smaller, but still impactful texts. However, I love to introduce my students to different genres of short stories. Today I am sharing about two Magical Realism short stories my students and I love. Magical … Continue reading 3 Magical Realism Short Stories To Teach in High School

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How to Teach “1,000-Year-Old Ghosts” by Laura Chow Reeve: A High School ELA Lesson Plan Guide

What makes us who we are? Is it our memories, our experiences, or something deeper? These are the questions at the heart of “1,000-Year-Old Ghosts” by Laura Chow Reeve — a short story that blends magical realism with deeply human themes of identity, memory, and family across three generations. A winner of the PEN America … Continue reading How to Teach “1,000-Year-Old Ghosts” by Laura Chow Reeve: A High School ELA Lesson Plan Guide