Whether you are back to school full-time with social distancing measures, using blended learning, or creating fully distant classrooms, you're going to need some icebreaker ideas to start the year off right. Here are a few ideas that can be used no matter what kind of learning you'll be doing next school year. Google Slides Introductions: Use the icebreakers you love, but move them to Google ... Read More about Digital Icebreakers for Secondary Students
Social Justice Novels for Secondary Students
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
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