What grammar lesson do you want your students to see? The approach we take with each grammar lesson will influence how our students interact with future discussions concerning language. (I…
Increasingly, parents ask me what they should be doing with their older students during summer break. It makes sense: articles abound about preventing the summer slide and reading with teenagers.…
Teaching graphic novels? I have taught graphic novels and have them in my classroom library. The picture below illustrates how I feel about graphic novels: colorful, with appealing pictures and…
Are you intentionally modeling behavior for older students? Multifaceted. Layered. Complex. When I think of memorable teachers, of teachers who changed my life for the better, I now realized that…
Lately, a recurring question has shown up in my email: how do I survive the end of the school year? I’ll be super honest and tell my readers that on…
Writing graphic organizers are lifesavers with my students. Some students sit and write a paper. Other students need a bit of guidance. Another part of the class will enjoy writing…
Teaching a creative writing class? I’ve developed my attitude as I’ve taught this elective. I’ve written before about my creative writing class concerning the first week’s lesson plans and activities…
Engaging grammar activities for review. Reflecting on my teaching experiences, I review grammar with students to clarify rules for college entrance exams. We review grammar before final exams. We review…
Stuck on providing writing feedback to students? I have three quick ways to provide meaningful writing feedback to older students. I want my students to leave my classroom ready to write…
Hands-on grammar: students holding and engaging with their language? Yes, please. Students LOVE manipulating, playing, and holding their language with grammar manipulatives. If you don’t know what grammar manipulatives are,…
