An English teacher who is passionate about PBL and diverse world literature.
Vampires are one of the most ancient and widely known mythical creatures, present 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 land, of great strength… … Continue reading Vampires Through Time: Fear, Desire, and the Shadow Self
Are you looking for a way to captivate your high school English students while diving deep into the complexities of American literature? Dark Romanticism offers a thrilling opportunity to engage students in a thematic exploration of fear, anxiety, and perception. By centering the inquiry question “How do our fears and anxieties influence the way we perceive … Continue reading Exploring the Shadows: Teaching Dark Romanticism Through Thematic Inquiry
Winter provides a unique opportunity to delve into diverse myths and folklore, making it an engaging season to introduce your students to tales that capture the essence of the colder months. These stories, drawn from cultures around the world, are not just captivating but rich with themes of resilience, transformation, and the mysteries of the … Continue reading Engaging Winter Myths for the Classroom
The Arthurian legends, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, is one of my all-time favorite stories! Sadly, I usually don’t have the time to read through the entire tale with students. Plus, the language can be a bit daunting for some of our 21st century learners. This is where I decided to use my 21st … Continue reading A Multi-modal Approach to Teaching “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” follows the story of Ichabod Crane, a lanky and superstitious schoolteacher, who arrives in the quaint village of Sleepy Hollow. He becomes enamored with the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel and vies for her hand against the brawny Brom Bones. One spooky night, as Ichabod is riding home, he encounters the … Continue reading Teaching The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Dark Romanticism and Creative Projects
“The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe is a haunting tale that high school students LOVE! It follows the narrator as he visits his childhood friend, Roderick Usher. He finds Roderick in his decaying family home. The story unfolds with an ever-growing sense of gloom and dread. It reflects the deteriorating … Continue reading The Fall of the House of Usher: 6 Engaging Activities for High School Students
Gothic literature is always a win with high school students. We are often drawn to the strange and macabre things in life. The eerie settings, mysterious characters, and dark themes captivate our imaginations, pulling us into worlds where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. These stories not only entertain. They also provide rich … Continue reading Gothic Literature and Writing Activities for High School English
Explore six engaging Romeo and Juliet classroom activities for high school students, including pre-reading warm-ups, character analysis, film comparison, and creative projects—all designed to make teaching Shakespeare meaningful and fun. Continue reading 6 Activities to Use When Teaching Romeo and Juliet
The first two weeks of the schoolyear is critical for establishing relationships with our students and setting up expectations for the year. This time sets the tone for a positive and productive classroom environment. Engaging activities and clear communication during these initial days can foster a sense of community and excitement for the year ahead. … Continue reading 8 Back to School Activities Middle and High School English Teachers LOVE
Around the World With Mrs. C 