[Note: You might’ve noticed things look different on the blog. The template I’ve used since 2014 has been “retired” by…
growth mindset
Teaching Theme with Rock, Paper, Scissors
In order to grow more comfortable and confident when discussing theme, students need lots of practice. Early in the year,…
Disability Awareness Bulletin Board
Did you know chart-topping singer Billie Eilish has Tourette Syndrome?Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles takes medication for ADHD? Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic…
Weird lesson idea for English teachers
Learn what my messed up teeth (and a great podcast episode) taught me about why I judge other people and…
Imagined Life: A Feel-Good Podcast about Failure
Life is hard. Plans fall apart. People disappoint you. And yet… My latest obsession – Wondery’s Imagined Life podcast –…
8 Print & Post Classroom Decor Ideas
Looking for free/inexpensive materials that’ll bring life to drab classroom walls and bulletin boards? (Yes, I’m assuming we’ll have some…
Q&A: Is School Even Important?
Today’s post comes from an email I received from a fellow English teacher. I’m sharing our conversation with her permission…
It’s beginning to look a lot like…20Time 2020
Around here, mid-January means prepping for 20Time, a spring semester project-based learning experience designed to bring real-world application to English/language…
Even More Brain Teasers!
Kids are wise to my ways, and I’m working to stay a step ahead of them with this all-new set…
20Time2019: The Results
Twelve (very long) weeks ago, I announced that I’d spend this spring semester creating a completed work of fiction to…