Tag: education

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January ELA Made Simple: A Winter-Themed Inquiry Unit Students Love

January can feel like the longest month of the school year. Students are coming back from break unfocused, routines need to be reestablished, and teachers are expected to jump right back into rigorous instruction—often with very little energy left in the tank. That’s exactly why I created my Time-Saver January Winter Inquiry Bundle: a flexible, … Continue reading January ELA Made Simple: A Winter-Themed Inquiry Unit Students Love

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How to Teach Young Goodman Brown: A Thematic Approach to Fear, Doubt, and Reality

If you’ve ever taught Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” you know it’s one of those stories that instantly sparks deep discussion. Students are quick to pick up on the eerie tone and unsettling atmosphere. BUT, it’s easy for them to get lost in the symbolism and miss the bigger picture. That’s where this resource comes … Continue reading How to Teach Young Goodman Brown: A Thematic Approach to Fear, Doubt, and Reality

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How to Keep Students Engaged Before Winter Break with a Magical ELA Escape Room

The days leading up to Winter Break can feel like pure chaos. Between holiday excitement, special events, and the countdown to break, keeping students focused on learning feels nearly impossible. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “How do I keep my students reading and working when their minds are already on vacation?”—you’re in the right … Continue reading How to Keep Students Engaged Before Winter Break with a Magical ELA Escape Room

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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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Building Inquiry-Based Units in High School English: A Step-by-Step Teacher’s Guide

Struggling to get students engaged with classic texts? Inquiry-based learning might be the game-changer your classroom needs. In my latest blog post, I walk through how to build a powerful ELA unit around essential questions that spark curiosity, deepen thinking, and drive real-world connections. From selecting texts to designing scaffolded activities and assessments, this post offers practical steps—and ready-to-use resources—for making inquiry work in any high school English classroom. Read the full post here 👇 Continue reading Building Inquiry-Based Units in High School English: A Step-by-Step Teacher’s Guide

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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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3 Engaging Activities for the End of the Year in High School English

The end of the school year can be a strange mix of exhaustion and anticipation—for both teachers and students. You’re trying to maintain structure while also celebrating all the growth that’s happened. If you’re looking for meaningful and memorable activities to wrap up your English class, here are three favorites that combine reflection, creativity, and … Continue reading 3 Engaging Activities for the End of the Year in High School English

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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