I met with a group of teachers on Thursday (shout out to Carterville!) to talk about A.I. text generators and…
writing

Using AI to Scrub for AI
Worried about students’ misuse of ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence text-generator that OpenAI.com launched two months ago? We all are.

Oops! I did it again… (free choice board download)
Last week, a TikToker asked if I had a non-fiction version of my literature activity choice board freebie. I don’t…

Literary Analysis Essay Writing
Literary analysis is the hardest writing mode to teach. Narrative, research, and argument? Got those covered. But literary analysis? Oof.…

Free! Story Path, Step-by-Step Storytelling Guide
As English teachers know, a lot of stories are the same story. Breaking down that successful narrative pattern with students…

Advice for a 6th Grade Writing Teacher
Today’s post is a question I received via email yesterday from a first-year teacher about to take on a summer…

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,…

How to Read a Painting
Literary analysis is tough. • “Explain how the author uses setting to establish the mood of this short story.”• “Determine…

Free Writing Prompts & Inspiration
You want to add more current event materials to your classes, but you definitely don’t have the time to dig…

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…