Exploring Memory, Identity, and Literary Analysis with the Short Story “1,000-Year-Old Ghosts”

What makes us who we are? Is it our memories, our experiences, or something deeper? These are the questions at the heart of “1,000-Year-Old Ghosts“ by Laura Chow Reeve, a beautifully written short story that blends magical realism with deeply human themes of identity, memory, and family. If you’re looking for a text that will … Continue reading Exploring Memory, Identity, and Literary Analysis with the Short Story “1,000-Year-Old Ghosts”

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

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

A Multi-modal Approach to Teaching “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”

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”

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

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

Engaging Back to School Activities for High School English: Build Relationships, Spark Reading, and Foster SEL

Whether you have weeks or days until it’s back to school season for you, I am sure that you are already considering ways to make the first weeks of class the best yet. Even in high school, we know that the first 10 days of school are crucial to setting up expectations, making connections, and setting the tone for our classroom. These are my top tips for setting my year up for success! Continue reading Engaging Back to School Activities for High School English: Build Relationships, Spark Reading, and Foster SEL

Teaching About Greek Fatalism through Mythical Heroes

Greek fatalism stemmed from the belief in the omnipotence of the Fates, who determined the destinies of mortals. This idea of predestined fate influenced various aspects of Greek life, including religion, philosophy, and literature. The Fates, also known as the Moirai, are three sister goddesses responsible for assigning destinies to mortals and cutting their life’s … Continue reading Teaching About Greek Fatalism through Mythical Heroes