This resource includes an Anticipation Guide for the novel The Giver by Lois Lowry. An anticipation guide is a comprehension strategy that is used before reading to activate students’ prior knowledge and build curiosity about a new topic. In this lesson,… Read More »The Giver Unit Plan | 6 Weeks of Lesson Plans | Entire Novel Study
This is the perfect introductory lesson for any teacher beginning a novel study on Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Begin with the anticipation guide included. An anticipation guide is a comprehension strategy that is used before reading to activate students’ prior knowledge… Read More »Scythe Lesson Plans | Entire Novel Study
Want to enjoy a stress-free summer? If there’s anyone who deserves to rest, relax, and reset over the next couple of months, it’s you! Learn my best tips to make the most out of your… Read More »How to Enjoy a Stress-Free Summer Break: A Guide for Teachers
Giving students more meaningful assignments will facilitate learning, encourage engagement, and keep student moans, groans, and eye rolls at bay. Learn how to get started with my top tips for making ELA assignments more meaningful… Read More »A Teacher’s Guide to More Meaningful Assignments for Secondary ELA
Don’t pack up just yet—learn why you should be planning an end of year reflection activity. Better yet, steal any of my 10 reflective activities that will keep students engaged in a meaningful way until… Read More »10 Engaging End-of-Year Reflection Ideas for Secondary ELA
Free verse is the perfect poetic form for those who like to bend—or totally break—the rules. It introduces you to a world where the words flow naturally and rhythm dances to its own tune, creating… Read More »What Is Free Verse?
Have you ever read a poem and noticed that some of the rhymes aren’t an exact match but manage to somehow sound like they could be? That’s the magic of slant rhyme. It’s a subtle… Read More »What is Slant Rhyme?
There’s no denying that poetry can be challenging for students, especially when it comes to learning all the terms. But the more they know, the more they can understand (and maybe even appreciate) the literary… Read More »What is Meter?
What makes a story a good story? Engaging characters? A descriptive setting? Conflict and tension? A powerful message? A satisfying ending? (Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.) Without plot structure, all of these elements would… Read More »What is Plot Structure in Literature?
Have you ever read a story where you feel like you know the characters? Or like you can picture them as if they were right before you? That’s the power of strong characterization. Get ready… Read More »What is Characterization in Literature?