Don’t you just love those teachers that are boundless wells of optimism? You know the ones I’m talking about; they are easy to spot. They believe they can change the world from their classrooms. They teach students beyond the curriculum. They inspire them to greatness with words of wisdom. And they offer the means to … Continue Reading
I teach a course that ends with a big standardized exam at the end. The first few years I taught it, I used to do test prep by the book. I gave my students a sample exam each quarter. They had 42 minutes to complete 40 of the 55 multiple-choice questions and I counted the … Continue Reading
Here’s a quick lesson I’ve put together for Halloween that will serve two purposes. First, we’ve been pushing ourselves the last three weeks digging into our choice novels and need something a little out of the routine and fun. (All work and no play make Mrs. Barber and AP Lit students a dull crowd). Second, … Continue Reading
Indigenous People Literature by Susan Barber Happy Indigenous People Day! I wanted to highlight some texts by indigenous authors that I use in class. There are so many other works that could be on this list, but here’s a start if you’re looking to add indigenous voices to your curriculum. There, There by Tommy Orange “If you … Continue Reading
We’re finishing our first choice novel in class, and I always have questions from teachers about how I run choice reading. How do you know … Continue Reading
The poor short story – overlooked, under-appreciated, and neglected. Ask an English teacher what they teach and a litany of novels is sure to follow. Poetry has more prestige as well. Six poets have recited poems at presidential inaugurations, but no one has embraced the podium to read a short story. I, too, have brushed … Continue Reading
Our first poetry unit is Counting Descent by Clint Smith and our first official lesson on structure was this week. I LOVE teaching structure because it’s one of the few concepts that students have very little exposure to or experience with in their prior lit classes. If they have had experience with structure, few know … Continue Reading
Teaching tone is a difficult thing, especially to high schoolers. Since it is such a challenge, it doesn’t get its due diligence but it is one of the most important literacy skills a reader needs to possess. Here are some common problems I have run into in my classroom when teaching tone: They don’t know … Continue Reading
College football, pumpkin spice lattes, and college essays – happy fall y’all! Brian shared The Biggest College Essay Mistakes a few weeks ago, and I wanted to follow up with how I handle writing conferences specifically pertaining to college essays. I spend very little time teaching the college essay but rather highlight a few points … Continue Reading
I know that your back pocket has a bunch of tried and true poems, but maybe there’s room for a few more. Here are five poems all written in the last 25 years that are hidden gems. Maybe you can unwind with one each day at the end of your teaching day. Maybe you want … Continue Reading
