Tag: learning

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Engaging High School ELA Test Prep: A Smarter Approach to Assessments During Testing Season

Engaging High School ELA Test Prep: A Smarter Approach to Assessments During Testing Season Spring semester in high school ELA means one thing: Testing season is coming. SATs. ACTs. State assessments. AP exams. End-of-course tests. And if you’re a secondary English teacher, you probably have mixed feelings about standardized test prep. I know I do! … Continue reading Engaging High School ELA Test Prep: A Smarter Approach to Assessments During Testing Season

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Engaging ELA Assignments That Aren’t Essays (But Still Rigorous)

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)

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Engaging ELA Test Prep Ideas for Middle and High School Teachers

Test prep season doesn’t have to mean endless packets and disengaged students. Discover engaging ELA test prep ideas that build reading, writing, grammar, and analysis skills without burnout. Learn how to use escape rooms, quick writes, and structured writing strategies to prepare students for standardized tests. 👉 Read the blog to see how easy test prep can be. Continue reading Engaging ELA Test Prep Ideas for Middle and High School Teachers

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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 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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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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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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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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Using Close Reads to Improve Vocabulary Skills in Middle and High School

High school English teachers face a vocabulary crisis affecting text comprehension. Strategies like close readings, Greek and Latin roots, and Science of Reading help bridge the gap. Incorporating these into daily practices ensures students receive consistent exposure to conquer vocabulary struggles. Continue reading Using Close Reads to Improve Vocabulary Skills in Middle and High School