Spreading research- based practices and the joy of reading.
Back to school can be a perfect time to begin centering your classrooms with social-emotional learning (SEL). There are five types of SEL skills: Middle and high school students need SEL support and there are many things that teachers can do to help them. These back to school activities are …
Time to blog about my two favorite things: books and travel as I recap my weekend at the American Library Association (ALA) conference in Chicago. This was my first time attending ALA and even though it is geared towards those in the librarian world, I thought, “well, I do have …
I remember seeing Metamorphosis on our 9th grade pacing guide and thought that my district was CRAZY for requiring it for ninth graders yet it turned out to be one of my students’ favorite stories especially the culminating writing activity in which we put the characters on trial using mock …
Read MoreArgument Writing Practice using Mock Trials in Classrooms
As secondary teachers, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our classrooms, and one wonderful way to do so is by embracing Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual observance, which runs from September 15th to October 15th, provides an excellent occasion to explore the rich tapestry of …
In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever for English Language Arts (ELA) teachers to use technology to engage and inspire their students. These tech tools empower educators to cultivate a deeper appreciation for language arts, fostering collaboration, critical analysis, and digital literacy skills that are indispensable in the …
One common question in teacher facebook groups is “what are some must have books to have in my classroom” and my standard response is always the same: Start with the students in your classroom and ensure that they are represented by including diverse books. As Dr. Bishop noted, “[W]hen children …
Read MoreDiverse Books for Middle and High School Classrooms
Building a reader’s community in your classroom is a way to motivate middle and high school readers. Many middle and high school students struggle to read much less have a desire to read for pleasure. Yet, reading can help students develop critical thinking skills, learn new information, and expand their …
Read MoreBuilding a Reader’s Community to Motivate Middle and High School Readers