Because, let’s face it, these damn kids have already started bringing their cooties into the room anyway. May as well make it a party and lean in with a new thematic unit, right? Alright, ELA teachers, I see you. You’re tired of the same old routine, juggling the classics, trying to keep students engaged while […]
Category Archives: ELL
Why Adapted Literature Matters for High School Students in SPED and ELL
Imagine sitting in a classroom, the teacher hands out a book, and as soon as you open it, the words start swimming on the page. It’s like trying to decode a message in a language you’ve never learned, and instead of feeling curious or excited, you’re overwhelmed. You want to engage, but the material is […]
20% off short story units on TpT!
If you’ve wondered about my short story units, this is your chance to check them out at a discount! They are truly turnkey, all-in-one digital assignments. Just push out ONE DOCUMENT per story. Everything is linked from there. Perfect sub plans because you can go into them ICE COLD and still have a productive day […]
Embedding Close Reading Into Your Daily ELA Routine
Seems like the higher-ups are saying the phrase “close reading” so often these days that, if this were a drinking game, I’d be dead from alcohol poisoning. It’s kind of like when you way the word “watermelon” enough times in a row and the word stops having any connection to a melon you can eat […]
Quick Plug–Gatsby Standardized Test-Style Review Qs Slideshow on TpT
I discovered I’m getting excellent results with this type of daily review, and it lets me prep them for the next round of assessments (sigh). To get up to speed on this entire thing and what pushed me to this point, check out my blog post, That Standardized Testing Grind, from a few weeks ago. […]
Rethinking the Structure of 90-Minute Engagement
Our intensive ELA1 kids weren’t able to do that. When Claire and I designed our 90-minute blocks as a thematic experience, it was too much for them. Even kids who liked the topic would starting wilting at about the 45-minute mark. Even though the lesson designed looked fantastic on paper, it wasn’t working with actual students.
Quick Plug–New, Turnkey Gatsby Unit on TpT!
Just finished up an awesome new novel unit for Gatsby to use with my juniors after spring break. I’ve got them sorted into thematic groups, so they’re practicing close reading and pulling quotes on a single topic as they go through the novel. I’m really proud of how far they’ve come with this skill. I’m […]
Animal Farm Is Still Relevant (Sigh).
The students who MOST NEED to read and understand the message of Animal Farm are also the same students most likely to struggle to read it…
That Standardized Testing Grind
Ugly truth. Standardized tests matter. I f—-ing hate them, but it’s not up to me whether or not my students take them. And I needed to help them be ready.
Fahrenheit 451 Is Live, And You Can’t Burn This Version!
Easier-To-Read Fahrenheit 451 is Ready To Go! Once again, I am delighted to bring you a new title for your ELL and SPED students! Also useful, I’d like to add, for lazy kids and literal kids. Kind of a one-stop shop. The irony that I’ve created an un-burnable digital copy of a book about burning […]
