Clik here to view.
The Importance of Metacognition in Learning
How often do you ask your students to think about thinking? If I am honest with myself, I have done it far less in the past than I am doing in the present. Metacognition is critical for the learning...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Scaffolding the Multiple-Paragraph Essay for Struggling Writers
Your students are arguing with you, whining left and right, straying off task, staring at a blank screen, even exhibiting behavior issues. They’ve shut down. You’re only trying to do your job. Why...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Teach Shakespeare: Scaffolding Approaches for All Learners
Ever wondered how to teach Shakespeare so that all students are engaged and learning? Are you searching for scaffolding approaches that work? Keep reading. Welcome to “This or That,” a monthly chat...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Mid-Year Classroom Decorations to Re-energize the Tired Teacher
Drink more water. Eat healthy. Get more sleep. Exercise. Listen to music. Go outside. Redecorate. Wait….redecorate? We’ve all heard the predictable recommendations for improving mood and energy...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Simple Yet Meaningful Thanksgiving Writing Activities
Looking for a way to engage your secondary ELA students this holiday season? Try using simple yet meaningful Thanksgiving writing activities to keep your classes focused and interested during those...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Best Books for Teens by Ruta Sepetys
Looking for high-interest literature? Stick around to find out why three of the best books for teens by Ruta Sepetys deserve a spot in your classroom library. Welcome to “This or That,” a monthly chat...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Holiday Classroom Management Tips for Secondary Teachers
Wondering how you can maintain better control during the holiday season? Keep reading for three important classroom management tips for secondary teachers. When you picture comfort and joy of the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
5 More Vocabulary Activities for Older Students
If you want your students to learn words for the purpose of remembering them and actually using them in reading and writing, you need to make sure they engage with their vocabulary in unique and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Write a Recommendation Letter for Students
Are you wondering how to write a recommendation letter for students? Perhaps you’ve written one in the past, but it’s been awhile, or maybe you’ve never composed a recommendation letter, but you have...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Motivate Struggling Readers
Teaching reluctant students? Wondering how to motivate struggling readers? Keep reading. In today’s post, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to connect and encourage students to read when they have...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Important Reading Strategies for Struggling Readers in High School
Are you teaching struggling readers at the high school level and looking for ways to scaffold comprehension of complex texts? In this post, read about four reading strategies that are imperative to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Avoiding Plagiarism: Teaching Tips for High School
Avoiding plagiarism can be a tricky topic to teach in high school. It’s important for teachers to make students aware of the consequences and to empower them with the tools they need to cite research...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Improving Reading Fluency in High School
Do you have students sitting in your high school class who struggle to read fluently? Sure. We all do. The problem is that most bachelor programs do not prepare teachers to address this issue. How can...
View ArticleClik here to view.
5 Student-Centered Ways to Use Rubrics
Rubrics have so many possible uses for secondary teachers. They not only make students aware of grading criteria and help you to assess projects, presentations, and writing in a somewhat consistent...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Choosing a Vocabulary Program for Secondary
Choosing a vocabulary program for middle school and high school English classes can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many options available, and unless you experiment with all of them, how...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Sequence Writing Instruction
Wondering how to sequence writing instruction in the secondary ELA classroom? Writing is, by nature, a somewhat abstract and subjective concept. It’s difficult to pin writing instruction down to a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
8 Manageable ELA Test Prep Strategies
One of the most stressful parts of teaching ELA is standardized test prep. Preparing students to succeed on a standardized test is frustrating on many levels. Still, teachers as a whole have resolve,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Nonfiction Reading Response Activities for Secondary
Common Core Standards have required that English courses for older students have a heavy emphasis on informational texts. The problem with this mandate? Informational texts aren’t always enticing to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Differentiating Grammar Lessons: An Approach
You’re on the stage teaching one of your rock star grammar lessons, and everything is going well…or so you think. As you look out on the sea of faces, you start to notice your students are giving you...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Nonfiction-Inspired Poetry: A Creative Writing Assignment
Poetry and nonfiction are quite possibly two of the most polarizing text genres for both teachers and students. People tend to gravitate toward them or away from them, but they are both so important in...
View Article
