Understanding language and moving past grammar lessons: can we make the switch? The more I write about grammar and read research about the teaching of grammar, the more I am…
Posts Written ByLauralee
Teaching New Dictionary Words
Teaching new dictionary words can be a quick, easy lesson. Below, I’ve included a framework for such a lesson. One of my best lessons of the school year was unplanned.…
Why I’m Tired of Teaching To Kill A Mockingbird
I’m tired of teaching “To Kill A Mockingbird.” The reasons why are actually simple. The reasons and explanations for ditching To Kill A Mockingbird are plentiful. In this post, I…
The Joy of Reading with Secondary Students
What does research say about spreading the joy of reading with secondary students? We language arts teachers can encourage our readers to pick up books. My personal children are younger…
Modern Short Stories for High School English
What modern short stories for high school English classes can you teach? Add these modern and diverse voices to your curriculum. High school short stories can reflect our students’ lives. …
Teaching Literature with Examples of Child Abuse
You are probably teaching literature with examples of child abuse. I began looking at literature this year through a trauma-educated lens. It was a disturbing glimpse. A dozen or so…
Where To Publish Student Writing
Are you looking for where to publish student writing? I have ideas for the publishing step in the writing process. Publishing is the final step in the writing process. I…
Share Literature With Students: Show Your Love
Share literature with students to increase involvement with books and to build classroom community. Part of being an English teacher is allowing your students to witness you nerd out literature,…
Teaching Punctuation: Semicolon, Dash, Ellipsis, Comma, and More
Teaching punctuation rules? I have a punctuation guide for teachers and students! Teaching punctuation cannot happen in a “unit.” When we present punctuation resources and never tie those ideas to…
Project Organize My Classroom: Sensible Ideas for Teachers
Organize my classroom! This strange year of 2020 is causing me to seek control in every way. I organize to make my life easier than an unorganized life. As I…