Tag: gothic literature

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Teaching Frankenstein Thematically: Are Monsters Born or Created?

There’s a long-standing debate in ELA classrooms between content-based and skills-based instruction — but here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be either/or. When you anchor a unit around a compelling essential question and a rich central text, you can do both simultaneously. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is the perfect vehicle for this kind of thematic, … Continue reading Teaching Frankenstein Thematically: Are Monsters Born or Created?

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Teaching Dark Romanticism in High School English: A Thematic Unit That Actually Works

Teaching Dark Romanticism in High School English: A Thematic Unit That Actually Works If you’re searching for a way to make American literature feel urgent, personal, and genuinely compelling to your students, Dark Romanticism is your answer. This subgenre is tailor-made for the high school classroom—full of psychological tension, Gothic atmosphere, and themes that teenagers … Continue reading Teaching Dark Romanticism in High School English: A Thematic Unit That Actually Works

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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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Vampires Through Time: Fear, Desire, and the Shadow Self

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

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Exploring the Shadows: Teaching Dark Romanticism Through Thematic Inquiry

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

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Teaching The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Dark Romanticism and Creative Projects

“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

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The Fall of the House of Usher: 6 Engaging Activities for High School Students

“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

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Gothic Literature and Writing Activities for High School English

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

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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