Teaching

After more than a decade in the classroom, The Great Gatsby  remains one of my absolute favorite novels to teach. It offers a literal buffet of literary elements to analyze, making the unit incredibly rich for students. However, because there are so many intricate pieces to pull apart, it can often feel overwhelming to decide what to prioritize and what to leave behind. To ensure students never miss a key element, I developed a Chapter-by-Chapter Unit Packet . This resource

Let’s be honest: teaching students how to write a formal analytical paragraph can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. However, I’ve found a secret weapon that turns "I don't get it" into "Can we write another one?": Bluey . This lesson is a great way to put the theoretical learning of analytical writing into practice in a way that students feel in control. The episode “Bike”  is a masterclass in storytelling and a perfect vehicle for teaching thematic messages. By watching t

There is something truly magical about a classroom buzzing with the sound of students actually talking  about books. Literature Circles have always been a staple for fostering independence, but the real challenge is moving students past "what happened" in the plot to "why it matters". That is why I am so excited to share these Lit. Circles Reflection Logs ! This resource isn't just a set of worksheets; it’s a toolkit designed to spark deep engagement and turn every reader int

I often feel that my organizational powers have two settings: “Rocking It” or “Struggling to Survive.” Those moments when I’m in the former setting feel like I could rule the world. I might as well be wearing golden bracelets, because Wonder Woman and I are one and the same. Then I slip to the latter, and my mind feels like a Rubik’s Cube that can never be solved. The Virgo in me cries when I succumb to these chaotic ways. After forgetting to submit October hot lunch orders f

Heads up: Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). I’m welcoming 30 new students this week as we start Term 2 at my high school. For most of my classes, we continue the curriculum established in Term 1. For my Academic Literacy course, though, I get a new batch of 9th through 12th graders each term. This class is a favorite of mine to teach, and since I’m the only one teach