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This semester I decided to change my approach to teaching poetry from covering a stand-alone poetry unit, to sprinkling poetic activities throughout the course. For example, creating a blackout poem using pages from a short story or novel study, or pairing a text with a poem of similar theme or devices. Another way I included …
ELA Matters is a collaborative group of middle school and high school teachers who love to help all teachers. Here are some of the latest posts from our contributors that focus on middle school reading and high school reading with text suggestions, activities, and test prep options too! Carolyn from Middle School Café One of …
Mentor texts are one of the most powerful ways to teach writing because they offer students both a model to follow (in other words, build in scaffolding) as well as inspiration for what to say. If you’re looking for fun and engaging ways to incorporate mentor texts into the secondary ELA classroom, read on for …
We have all entered a professional development session thinking about the never-ending to-do list we have as teachers. Add the additional steps for English teachers to grade the piles of paragraphs, essays, and presentations. I end up feeling disgruntled sitting in a meeting that feels like it could have been an email or filled with …
I love using picture books. Anytime I can, I do. I find that they engage and excite my students instantly. As teachers, we have the students who love writing and the ones who would rather be doing anything else. This year, my class is filled with students who despise writing. I am constantly trying to …
Summer reading is required for many high school students and your school may ask that you recommend novels for your students to read this year. Samantha from Samantha in Secondary is bringing you a list that will help you update your arsenal. Instead of recommending novels that have been done time and time again, refresh …
We made it! Hooray! With most schools done or wrapping up in the next week or so, it’s time to rest, to relax, and to recharge. After such a year we know it may be more important than ever to make time for this. Here you’ll find suggestions from some of our contributors about apps, …
Adding a classroom library to my classroom was one of my best strategies I’ve used to promote literacy and connect with students about the books I was reading. It doesn’t matter how big or small your classroom library is! Even a few books on a shelf is incredibly powerful to foster a community of readers. …
Have you ever been in a teaching rut and weren’t sure were to start looking for inspiration? Let’s face it, this year has been challenging and many of us have slipped into survival mode. As we finish this school year, let’s finish strong. Spring break is right around the corner and the perfect time for …
