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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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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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The Ultimate Guide on Teaching Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: A Masterclass on Rhetoric and Persuasion

Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is an excellent tool for teaching rhetoric and persuasion, particularly through the masterful speeches in the first three acts. In this post I am highlighting how characters like Cassius manipulate Brutus into reconsidering his loyalty to Caesar, while Brutus ultimately persuades himself to join the conspiracy. The climax occurs when Brutus and Antony address the enraged citizens, showcasing their differing persuasive techniques. Focusing on these acts allows students to explore language’s influence in politics and everyday life, enhancing their critical reading skills. Continue reading The Ultimate Guide on Teaching Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: A Masterclass on Rhetoric and Persuasion

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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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Exploring Memory, Identity, and Literary Analysis with the Short Story “1,000-Year-Old Ghosts”

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 beautifully written short story that blends magical realism with deeply human themes of identity, memory, and family. If you’re looking for a text that will … Continue reading Exploring Memory, Identity, and Literary Analysis with the Short Story “1,000-Year-Old Ghosts”

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Fear and Desire in Dracula: Teaching Stoker’s Dracula Through Inquiry

Vampires are one of the most ancient and widely known mythical creatures. They have been a staple in many cultures around the world. The oldest recorded vampire myth of from a Babylonian prayer describes demons that devour flesh and suck blood, emphasizing the vampire’s origins as a symbol of primal fear. “Spirits that minish the … Continue reading Fear and Desire in Dracula: Teaching Stoker’s Dracula Through Inquiry

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Teaching Transcendentalism Thematically: A Fresh Approach for Your High School English Class

Teaching Transcendentalism is often a challenge for high school English teachers. Its abstract ideals and 19th-century language can feel inaccessible to students, leaving many to wonder how these ideas connect to their lives. However, when taught thematically, Transcendentalism comes alive! And our students can explore its core principles—self-reliance, nature, individuality, and civil disobedience—in meaningful and … Continue reading Teaching Transcendentalism Thematically: A Fresh Approach for Your High School English Class