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
Elevating Socratic Seminars: Bringing True Socratic Philosophy into the English Classroom
Will the real Socratic Seminar please stand up? As I’ve been revamping my English 10 Honors curriculum, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on various teaching methods, particularly Socratic seminars. While these discussions are a staple in many English classrooms, I’ve
The First Day of School: A Case Study in Revamping English 10 Curriculum
The first day of school sets the tone for the entire year. It’s a day filled with nervous energy, excitement, and the promise of new beginnings. Next year will be my 17th year of first days. Last year went pretty
2 Unique and Powerful Activities for Building Classroom Community
We all know that it’s important to spend the first few weeks building classroom community. Teachers gather their icebreakers and team building activities and plan a few weeks of getting to know their students. But year after year, this practice