Tag: teaching

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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 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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Engaging Classroom Activities for Teaching The Hobbit

Bring adventure to your secondary ELA classroom with engaging activities for The Hobbit! Explore creative ideas for teaching this classic—hero’s journey lessons, character growth projects, and ready-to-use close reading resources. Read the blog post for details and classroom-ready materials that make Tolkien’s world come alive! Continue reading Engaging Classroom Activities for Teaching The Hobbit

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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