As English teachers know, a lot of stories are the same story. Breaking down that successful narrative pattern with students…
lesson plans
A Short Story You Should Know
I’m about 100 years late to the party, but I just discovered Katherine Mansfield’s “The Doll’s House” and need to…
Free Teacher Planner Template
Go ahead and call me a minimalist because when it comes to lesson planning, I’m a fan of “less is…
Editable Worksheet Templates
Building a good worksheet is tricky.It has to be useful. No busywork.It has to guide students to do a lot…
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,…
Gen Z + Satire = Video Gold!
Are you in on the joke? You are now. Based on the suggestion of a teacher friend (thanks, Darby!), I…
Five Classroom Essentials
I know, I know, it’s only the beginning of August, but it really is time to start thinking about the…
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…