Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: your students don’t like reading poetry, and your peers don’t care to teach it. A common refrain in my neck of the woods. Those of us that love poetry have tried everything. And believe me I enjoy 20th century poems like Maxine Kumin’s Woodchucks or 21st century […]
Why We Should Be Teaching Romantic Poets in High School ELA Read More »
Incorporating historical texts into our high school English Language Arts curriculum not only enhances students’ literary skills but also deepens their understanding of pivotal moments in history. One such essential text is Frederick Douglass’s “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.” This timeless autobiography provides a lens into the horrors of slavery,
Why Frederick Douglass Belongs in Every High School ELA Classroom Read More »
Are you searching for a meticulously crafted, comprehensive American Literature curriculum to engage your high school juniors and seniors? Look no further! I’m thrilled to introduce my year-long curriculum tailored specifically for grades 11-12. This curriculum covers the best in both American literature and rhetoric in chronological order while covering every 11-12.RL and RI standard.
Comprehensive Year-Long American Literature Curriculum Read More »
As I noted in another blog post, there are so many texts we can pair with The Great Gatsby. Text pairings are a must to deepen students’ understanding and engagement with the novel’s themes of wealth, identity society. In this blog post, we’ll explore three texts to pair with Fitzgerald’s masterpiece: Langston Hughes’ “Advertisement for
Pairing The Great Gatsby: Wealth, Identity, and Society Read More »
The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal cultural and artistic movement in the early 20th century that had a profound impact on literature, music, art, and social consciousness. As educators it is our job to present to our students a diverse range of authors that truly represent America. As curriculums increasingly push for 21st century texts,
A Guide to Teaching the Harlem Renaissance in Your Classroom Read More »
Those of us still teaching Flannery O’Connor know that few stories resonate with the same intensity and complexity. Known for her Southern Gothic tales, O’Connor’s short stories are a rich tapestry of human experience, moral dilemmas, and dark humor. For educators seeking to engage students in profound discussions about the human condition, Flannery O’Connor’s works
Teaching Flannery O’Connor: Unlocking Literary Depth Read More »
As educators we are constantly called upon to review our curriculums to make sure we are meeting the state standards. I’m sure we’ve all felt that frustration of wanting to teach great texts while being asked “how does it meet the standards?” The ideal Junior English curriculum for the first quarter should address the classics
Crafting Excellence: The Ideal Junior English Q1 Curriculum Read More »
In the ever-evolving landscape of high school English literature, educators are often asked to move beyond the timeless works that have captivated readers for centuries. Bringing diverse voices into our curriculums is always a plus, but we must not ignore the classics. First of all, they ‘re classic for a reason right? As I mentioned
The Benefits of Teaching Twain in High School Read More »
Shakespearean sonnets, with their rich language and poetic craftsmanship, have stood the test of time as enduring works of art. When students study sonnets in a secondary ELA classroom, they can explore these compact yet powerful poems while building essential skills. Often secondary ELA teachers look to avoid the classics. As I wrote in a
3 Reasons Secondary ELA Students Should Study Sonnets Read More »
In the realm of high school English, selecting the perfect film to supplement your curriculum can be a challenging task. The aim is to engage students while effectively conveying important literary themes. When it comes to teaching Transcendentalism, many educators often turn to the classic Dead Poets Society as a teaching tool. However, I propose
Teaching Transcendentalism through Little Women (2019) Read More »