Teaching historical fiction allows for reading and writing opportunities. Readers love historical fiction. Students devour my classroom library selection of this genre. Sometimes, a student will read every historical fiction…
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Fall 2025 First Chapter Friday Picks
Fall 2025 First Chapter Friday picks are here! In an effort to organize myself and to encourage other teachers to read aloud every Friday with their older students, I have…
Real Support for Teaching The Great Gatsby
Real support for teaching The Great Gatsby is here—no fluff! Once in awhile, teaching a book shocks me. This American classic is over a hundred years old, and students still…
Engaging Coming of Age Activities for High School ELA
The benefits of coming of age activities for high school ELA are plentiful! You’ve probably taught a coming of age novel, from Dear Martin to The Hate You Give, to…
Teaching A Separate Peace with Modern Students
Teaching A Separate Peace to modern students is important. At my first teaching job, the curriculum was decided ahead of time, kinda. My first year, for example, I was told…
Memoirs and Reading Choice in High School
Memoirs and reading choice align perfectly for high school language arts classes. Memoir is my favorite genre which is why I was reluctant to teach them. Sure, I had memoirs…
Top 5 Alternatives to The Crucible for Teaching
Teachers look for alternatives to The Crucible for a variety of reasons. Here are some sound ones. The Crucible is in American literature textbooks going back decades. High school language…
Master Writing Conventions with Mentor Texts
Covering writing conventions with mentor texts can save teachers time and increase student engagement. Add young adult literature to bring engagement. Teaching Writing Conventions with Mentor Texts Teaching writing conventions…
Running Book Clubs in High School
Wondering about running book clubs in high school, perhaps books clubs and literature circles? I share my honest thoughts below. As a high school English teacher, it can often feel…
Ten Activities for Teaching The Odyssey
Ten Activities for Teaching The Odyssey Ten activities for teaching The Odyssey —add these pieces to your Odyssey unit! Teaching The Odyssey can be fun, can be overwhelming, can be…