Teaching nonfiction in secondary ELA? I almost titled this, “how to teach informational texts without putting your students to sleep or confusing them.” This post is a look into my…
Posts Written ByLauralee
Grammar Errors in Student Essays
Grammar errors in student essays can frustrate students and teachers. I advocate teaching grammar, clearly. I read grammar books and studies because I am passionate about grammar. I write about…
Creating a Rubric
Creating a rubric for an activity, presentation, or paper? It’s daunting. A dozen years into teaching, and I often stare at the screen, fearful of not getting it right. Today,…
Teaching Creative Writing with High School Students
Teaching creative writing will stretch you as a person and as a teacher. If you’re looking for how to teach a creative writing class, I hope my refection process benefits…
Writing a Letter of Recommendation for Students
If you are a high school teacher, at some point you will be tasked with writing a letter of recommendation for students. These are my ideas for proceeding with writing…
December Activities for ELA
December activities for ELA —read on to learn how I manage the stress and excitement of the upcoming winter break. I possess a single way to contribute to student and…
Sarah Dessen: Young Adult Literature
This is a review of a popular young adult literature author, Sarah Dessen and three of her young adult literature books. Welcome to “This or That,” a monthly chat where the…
How to Handle Educational Naysayers
Teachers deal with educational naysayers. Their responses can shape how the public perceives teachers and the public school system. Public education has a situation that exists simple from its arrangement.…
Ways to Teach Shakespeare with Meaning
Teach Shakespeare? Looking for vibrant ideas for Shakespeare lesson plans? Read on! When I started writing about ways to teach Shakespeare, I ran through all of his plays that I…
Create a Classroom Environment in which Students Value Education
A classroom environment can convey messages to students that words cannot. All* teachers want students to learn more than content. I want students to write well, but I also strive…