As high school English teachers, we often pour our energy into crafting engaging lesson plans and providing thoughtful feedback on essays. But in our digital age, have we given enough attention to our classroom decor? Today’s virtual spaces are just
Teaching Shakespeare: A Holistic Approach to Teaching Shakespeare
For centuries, educators have taken a similar approach to teaching Shakespeare: read, analyze, repeat. But in an age of smartphones and streaming, isn’t it time we updated our approach? After 16 years of teaching, including 12 years with 10th grade
The ‘Previously On…’ Plot Review: A Deep Dive for English Teachers
The “Previously On…” plot review is a powerful tool borrowed from the world of television series. In the English classroom, this strategy serves multiple purposes: it refreshes students’ memories, connects past learning to new content, and immediately engages students in
Innovate Curriculum Design with these 5 Pop Culture-Inspired Strategies
Looking for a some pop in your curriculum design? Picture this: You’re sitting in a professional development seminar, and the speakers are… a Pokémon trainer, Iron Man, and a guy who gives away millions on YouTube. Sounds crazy, right? But
Shakespeare and the Gunpowder Plot: 5 Ways to Teach Historical Context Through Literature
It can be a struggle to make Shakespeare’s plays feel relevant and engaging to our students. One powerful way to bridge this gap is by connecting the Bard’s works to their historical context. In this post, we’ll explore how teaching