A few years back, I noticed something weird – kids sometimes, maybe even often, learned more when I did less. One…
print and teach
When You’ve Lost the Battle
In my first few years of teaching, I didn’t want to use my sick days. If I woke with a…
Year in Review: Top 4 Most-Read Posts
For the most part, I ignore blog stats. I don’t have a “click funnel” or desire to shake you down…
A Modern Magi
Many of us will present “The Gift of the Magi,” O. Henry’s tale of gift giving and self-sacrifice in December,…
Favorite Halloween Week Lessons
Note: This is an updated repost featuring some of my favorite end-of-October lesson ideas. In 7th grade, my friend Sarah…
Let Jason Reynolds Teach Your Class
I’ve started reading again. After a moment of unpleasant reflection when I publicly admitted I’m an English teacher who doesn’t…
Last Week of School Lesson Ideas
Note: This is an updated repost featuring some of my favorite end-of-the-year lesson ideas. You’ve wrapped your last major unit…
Mother’s Day Activity Freebie for Teens
It’s late April. State testing is done (whew!), upperclassmen are ramping up for A.P. tests, and everyone’s just wrung out.…
New Textbook for the Math Department?
Today’s post starts in the kitchen. Like most normal people, I hate doing dishes. It’s gross and I’ve fought (and…
Words from the Wise
(While I’m spending spring break finishing my 20Time2018 project, here’s an updated repost sharing ideas and tools to celebrate the upcoming National…