In these turbulent times, introducing middle school and high school students to novels that advocate for social justice is imperative. I imagine, as a young person, it can be very difficult to understand and process all of the injustices happening around the United States. It is hard even as an adult. Books can be especially helpful during times like these, so I wanted to post a few of my favorite ... Read More about Social Justice Novels for Secondary Students
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7 End of the Year ELA Activities for Your Secondary Classroom
End of the year ELA activities can be tricky in middle school and high school ELA. Everyone is tired (students and staff alike) and just wants to hit the reset button and start fresh again next year. Although it can be difficult to win the battle with fatigue, the end of the year provides a unique opportunity to bond with your students and end your year on a high note. Here are a few of my ... Read More about 7 End of the Year ELA Activities for Your Secondary Classroom
5 Ways to Enhance Classroom Culture with a Classroom Library
Classroom libraries can be so much more than just a place to store books because a classroom library truly can help you enhance classroom culture. If you leverage your classroom library in the right way, you can use it to build a robust culture of reading. Giving your students unbridled access to the right books at the right level can unlock the reader inside of each of your students. In addition, ... Read More about 5 Ways to Enhance Classroom Culture with a Classroom Library
How to Find Books the Best Books for Your High School Classroom Library
Creating a classroom library can be an overwhelming task, especially if you aren't quite sure how to find books for your high school classroom library. Truth be told, I didn't actually start curating my own library space until a few years ago. I wasn't convinced that I needed a classroom library as a high school teacher. Now that my bookshelf is full of great options for students, I realize that ... Read More about How to Find Books the Best Books for Your High School Classroom Library
Create Your Own Bitmoji Classroom
Alright, I'll admit it-- I might have gone down the rabbit hole with this one, but have you seen how adorable those little Bitmoji classrooms are? People are coming up with the cutest little concoctions to make classrooms that might feel far away right now a little closer to home. I wanted to post a round up of all my favorite resources for creating your own so that you can join me in this ... Read More about Create Your Own Bitmoji Classroom
Digital Vocabulary Activities for Virtual Learning
Studying vocabulary can be difficult enough in the secondary English Language Arts classroom let alone finding ways to get middle school or high school students to practice at home. Making digital vocabulary activities that are fun, engaging, and relevant has become key in my teaching practice as I've learned to navigate distance learning. These strategies can be used any time students are 1:1 in ... Read More about Digital Vocabulary Activities for Virtual Learning