An English teacher who is passionate about PBL and diverse world literature.
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)
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
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
Around the World With Mrs. C 