This week, the U.S. Senate surprised everyone by unanimously passing a bill that would eliminate our switching of clocks back-and-forth…
non-fiction
Mister Rogers & Tools of Rhetoric
When you think of Mister Rogers, what words come to mind?Kind? Yes.Nurturing? Of course.Master of debate? Wait…what?
Halloween Brain Candy for English Classes
Note: This is an updated repost featuring some of my favorite October lesson ideas. Since October has now become the…
11 Awesome End-of-the-Year Lesson Ideas
Note: This is an updated repost. You’ve wrapped your last major unit and final exams are still a week or…
You Don’t Always Have to be the Expert
A few years back, I noticed something weird – kids sometimes, maybe even often, learned more when I did less. One…
“Homewrecker” – Would You or Wouldn’t You?
I need your help with a judgment call. This month, one of my favorite podcasts, Criminal, detailed the compelling case…
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…
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…
Oprah = Real-World Rhetorical Goodness
If you caught last night’s Golden Globes, you were treated to this heartstopper of a speech by Oprah Winfrey. If…
Earth Day the Easy Way
Across the globe, folks will celebrate Earth Day this Saturday (April 22) with lots of community clean-up and educational events.…