Looking for a one-page short story from a modern writer that’ll hook your students? Sticks, a flash fiction short story…
lesson plans

Would Emily Dickinson want to be TikTok Famous?
Definitely not. But her famous poem, “I’m Nobody! Who are You?,” is a useful tool to help students consider their…

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…

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…