Category: literacy

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The Power of Creative Writing in Grades 4–6: Why It Matters and How to Make It Easy

Creative writing for upper elementary and middle school grades doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated! In this blog post, discover why creative writing is one of the most important skills your students can build and get ideas for easy, low-prep activities your students will love. Learn how mystery stories, seasonal prompts, and potion-making can transform your writing block. Click to read the full post and get inspired. Continue reading The Power of Creative Writing in Grades 4–6: Why It Matters and How to Make It Easy

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The Perfect Short Story for Teaching Disillusionment and Author’s Purpose- Salvation by Langston Hughes

Have you ever taught a short story that sparked an honest classroom conversation about belief, pressure, growing up, and disillusionment? Langston Hughes’ “Salvation” is one of those rare memoirs that hits students right where they are. It’s raw, relatable, and rich in narrative techniques that high schoolers need to master—especially when prepping for writing and … Continue reading The Perfect Short Story for Teaching Disillusionment and Author’s Purpose- Salvation by Langston Hughes

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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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Using Close Reads to Improve Vocabulary Skills in Middle and High School

High school English teachers face a vocabulary crisis affecting text comprehension. Strategies like close readings, Greek and Latin roots, and Science of Reading help bridge the gap. Incorporating these into daily practices ensures students receive consistent exposure to conquer vocabulary struggles. Continue reading Using Close Reads to Improve Vocabulary Skills in Middle and High School

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Are monsters born or created? A Thematic Approach to Frankenstein

There seems to be a divide in some circles of ELA teachers between content-based and skills-based instruction. However, there really doesn’t have to be. By providing our students with a rich thematic approach to a central text and a compelling essential question to anchor it in, we can do both! In today’s post, I am … Continue reading Are monsters born or created? A Thematic Approach to Frankenstein

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3 High School Teachers Tips on Building Vocabulary in Secondary Education

High school English teachers face a vocabulary crisis affecting text comprehension. Strategies like close readings, Greek and Latin roots, and Science of Reading help bridge the gap. Incorporating these into daily practices ensures students receive consistent exposure to conquer vocabulary struggles. Continue reading 3 High School Teachers Tips on Building Vocabulary in Secondary Education