In this post, we'll explore some tips on how you can build strong relationships with your students. By doing so, you'll be able to keep them engaged and interested in what you're teaching them. It's essential to find ways to connect with your students and create a positive learning environment. So, let's dive in and see how you can achieve this goal!
You know how it is, right? Nobody wants to just dive headfirst into things as soon as they walk through the door at school, work, or wherever. Even I need a minute to chat with a coworker, sip my coffee, or just chill before I start my tasks for the day. It's only fair to give our students the same consideration.
If we want our students to really thrive, we have to build solid connections with them. Simply giving out assignments and stuff isn't going to cut it.
Check out these fun ideas on how to start the class period AND build relationships at the same time.
This is just a short list of all the short activities you can do to start your class. Pick and choose and adapt to fit your personality! What would you add to the list?
]]>I LOVE a good potluck. I love potlucks so much because I get to try various foods and don't have to prepare any of it.
I am always willing to bring in food or throw in money for the food. I have not always been like this, though. I remember when I was a first-year teacher, I would always volunteer to bring plates and napkins. Mainly because I didn't know what to make, and I REALLY didn't want it to taste bad.
I found this delicious corn dip recipe, and it’s super simple! Check it out:
In a big bowl (with a lid if you have it)
Mix everything
Refrigerate overnight
Serve with chips— my teacher bestie will bring the chips in if I am making this!
Don't forget to bring a serving spoon!
Feel free to steal this simple recipe for your next school potluck! What is your favorite?
]]>This is the list I have used for a few years now, and each year, I change a little bit to each lesson.
Again, these are meant to be fun, educational, and engaging. Each project I would only take a day or two on. I personally loved doing these right after a big project or in the middle of a big project to give the students a break.
For October, I love diving into Edgar Allan Poe. The Tell-Tale Heart is my favorite short story of his to share. To make his writing come more alive, I give the students a copy of the short story, and then we listen to it in the dark. My favorite dramatic reading can be found here! While we are listening to the stories, I have the students create Emojis from the perspective of a character in the story (typically the narrator). If you want the directions for the Emoji Character Perspective activity, click Here.
The name lends itself pretty well, but this season is all about giving thanks. I have the students write two thank you cards to two adults of their choice who work in our building. Then, they can hand deliver them. This is always a hit with the staff! Now, for a more engaging and fun activity for the students, they all draw a piece of paper out of a bag that has an animate object on it. Their job is to write a thankful letter to said object and tell how their life would be so different without it.
One of my favorite traditions to do around the holidays is to send greeting cards to my friends and family. I love sharing new pictures and sending short updates about my family. So I figured some of my students would love this too, but how to do it and now completely skyrocket the color printing bill? CANVA! I have the students creating holiday cards on Canva, and then they can email them to themselves to print later, or they can email their cards to loved ones directly.
New Year, New Me all starts with letting go of the past. That is why I have the students write the Ultimate Break Up Letter to something they are leaving behind this year. HERE are the directions and hilarious examples!
Ahh, the love day! Love can be so tricky, though, so I share The Chaser by John Collier with the students. I love a story that makes you think and understand things not being said. For 7th grade, I typically have to really talk about what is going on for the students to grasp what the old man is doing. After listening to The Chaser, I have the students create their own potion to sell that sounds (& is) too good to be true! The Chaser Activity directions can be found HERE.
This day is all about the luck of the draw! The students randomly selected a picture of a house that was gifted to them by a leprechaun. The catch— the students MUST move into it. Their objective is to write a letter to the teacher all about their new house and the experience of living there. Lucky House Activity is HERE.
Crumpled Writing is another favorite of mine. This can be easily adapted for any holiday or season. The overall objective is for the students to write a story based on the picture for a short amount of time. Crumple the paper. Throw the paper. Grab someone else’s and then continue writing. It is so fun to read these stories— some many start as love stories and quickly turn to an alien abduction. For the full set of directions, click HERE.
I hope you enjoy some of these seasonal activities! Which one are you going to try out this year?
I have some tips to *hopefully* help you with this process! Or at least make you feel a little bit better about the 6-12 weeks you will be off.
Just to give you a better understanding of my situation, I want to clarify that my maternity leave is quite unique in terms of my teaching position, school policies, substitute teacher, and other factors. I am currently teaching 7th grade English Language Arts, with my only prep period being for that subject, and I teach for 57 minutes, four times a day. Luckily, my class sizes range from 16 to 20 students. Also, since my due date was in the middle of May, I only had three weeks of school left before summer break, which made up the rest of my leave. While I understand that my experience may not be the same as everyone else's, I hope that my advice can be adapted and help you during your own maternity leave.
Alrighty— let’s dive in!
Maternity Leave Planning:
Strategic Lesson Planning:
Consistent Routine:
Time Fillers:
By following these steps and being well-prepared, you can navigate your maternity leave with confidence, ensuring a successful learning experience for your students and a smoother transition for everyone involved.
What would you add to this list for our fellow teachers?
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As summer comes to an end, teachers begin to mentally prepare for going back to school. While some teachers may feel excited and eager to get back to the classroom, others may feel anxious or overwhelmed. It is important for us to take care of our mental health and prepare ourselves for the upcoming school year. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies that we can use to mentally prepare for going back to school.
Reflect on the previous school year Before diving into the new school year, take some time to reflect on the previous year. Think about what went well and what did not. Reflect on your successes, challenges, and lessons learned. Use this reflection as a way to set goals for the upcoming year and plan how you can make improvements.
Get organized One of the best ways to mentally prepare for going back to school is to get organized. Organize your classroom, your lesson plans, and your personal life. Create a to-do list and prioritize your tasks. This will help you feel more in control and reduce your stress levels.
Develop a self-care plan As a teacher, it is important to take care of yourself. Develop a self-care plan that includes activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. This could include exercise, reading, spending time with friends and family, or practicing mindfulness. Make sure to schedule time for self-care activities into your daily routine.
Connect with colleagues Connecting with colleagues is a great way to mentally prepare for going back to school. Attend faculty meetings, collaborate with other teachers, and participate in professional development opportunities. This will help you feel more connected to your school community and reduce feelings of isolation.
Stay positive It is important to maintain a positive attitude when going back to school. Focus on the opportunities and positive aspects of the upcoming school year. Stay optimistic and be open to new experiences and challenges.
By reflecting on the previous school year, getting organized, developing a self-care plan, connecting with colleagues, and staying positive, teachers can set themselves up for a successful and fulfilling school year.
Remember to prioritize your mental health and take care of yourself. Good luck, and have a great school year!
]]>Establish classroom routines: One of the most important things teachers can do is to Establish classroom routines. Students generally look for the structure the school year provides in what may be in stark contrast to a lazy summer. Establish routines and procedures the first week. This will help students to feel more comfortable and confident in the classroom.
Create a welcoming classroom environment: Teachers can help their students feel at home in the classroom by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. This can include things like having positive messages on the walls, decorating the classroom with items that reflect the students' interests, and creating a comfortable seating arrangement.
Get to know your students: Taking the time to get to know each student on an individual level can help to build a positive and trusting relationship between the teacher and the student. Teachers can learn about their students' interests, strengths, and challenges by asking open-ended questions and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Encourage collaboration and teamwork: Encouraging collaboration and teamwork among students can help to build a sense of community in the classroom. Teachers can facilitate group work, encourage students to work in pairs, and promote class discussions to foster a sense of camaraderie among students.
Address any gaps in learning: Students may have fallen behind academically from the last few years or may be out of practice with studying, reading, or organizing their schedules. Teachers can support their students by assessing their current levels of understanding and addressing any gaps in learning that have emerged. This may involve revisiting previous material, providing additional support and resources, or adjusting the pace of instruction.
Foster social and emotional wellbeing: Returning to school can be a stressful experience for some students. Teachers can support their students' social and emotional wellbeing by creating opportunities for students to connect with each other, promoting positive self-talk and mindfulness practices, and providing a safe space for students to share their thoughts and feelings.
Communicate with parents and caregivers: Teachers can help to support their students by communicating regularly with parents and caregivers. This may involve sharing updates on student progress, providing resources for support at home, and addressing any concerns that parents or caregivers may have.
How do you support students transitioning back to school? Let us know in the comments!
]]>Here are some steps for integrating Socratic Seminar in elementary classrooms:
Prepare your students: Before starting the seminar, teach your students the rules of Socratic Seminar. Explain the purpose, expectations, and how to participate actively. Make sure that all students understand the process and feel comfortable asking and answering questions. Check out this blog post for more details.
Choose a topic: Choose a topic that is relevant to your students' interests and level of understanding. You can select a topic from the curriculum (including a book) or current events that can stimulate critical thinking and discussion.
Formulate questions: You can have students come up with their own thought-provoking discussion questions, as we talk about in this blog post, or you can prepare a set of open-ended questions that challenge your students to think critically and encourage meaningful discussions. The questions should be thought-provoking and relevant to the topic. Ensure that each question has multiple perspectives, and there is no right or wrong answer.
Use provocative or thought-provoking questions: These types of questions can challenge students to think deeply and critically. For example, "What would have been the potential consequences if CHARACTER had done nothing in response to EVENT?"
Use hypothetical or "what if" questions: These types of questions can challenge students to consider alternative scenarios and to think creatively. For example, "What would happen if the roles of the characters in the text were reversed?"
Use comparative or contrasting questions: These types of questions can challenge students to think about the similarities and differences between different texts, ideas, or perspectives. For example, "How does theme of TEXT compare to the theme presented in another text we have read?"
Use multi-layered questions: These types of questions can challenge students to consider multiple perspectives and to think more deeply about the text. For example, "How might someone with a different background or perspective interpret EVENT, SITUATION, etc. differently?"
Use questions that require reflection: These types of questions can challenge students to consider their own experiences and perspectives in relation to the text. For example, "Are there any aspects of the text that you find particularly challenging or thought-provoking?
We have compiled some answers to the most commonly asked questions about teaching essay writing to middle and high school students.
The essential components of an essay include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. To teach these components effectively, break them down into smaller sections and provide examples of well-written essays. Teach students how to structure their essays by creating an outline before writing the first draft. For teaching basic essay components, check out our Essay Writing Basics Bundle
To help students develop and organize their ideas and arguments effectively, start by teaching them how to brainstorm and create a mind map. Encourage them to group their ideas into categories and teach them how to order their thoughts logically. Also, show them how to use transitions to link their ideas and ensure a smooth flow throughout the essay.
Teaching students how to write a clear and concise thesis statement is essential. Show them examples of good and bad thesis statements and teach them how to use precise language to convey their argument. Encourage them to avoid vague or general statements and ensure that their thesis statement is specific and relevant to their essay topic.
Encourage students to use evidence and examples to support their claims by teaching them how to research and gather information from reliable sources. Teach them how to analyze and evaluate their sources to determine their credibility. Encourage them to use quotes and statistics to support their arguments and ensure that they cite their sources properly.
Teaching students how to write effective introductions and conclusions is crucial. Encourage them to start their essay with a hook, such as a quote, anecdote, or a rhetorical question. Teach them how to write a clear thesis statement and preview the main points they will be discussing in their essay. For the conclusion, teach them to restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points of their essay.
Teach students to understand the importance of editing and revising their work by showing them examples of poorly written essays and the impact of careless mistakes. Encourage them to take breaks between writing and revising to help them see their work from a fresh perspective. Teach them how to proofread their work for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Provide feedback that is both constructive and helpful to students by focusing on specific areas that need improvement. Avoid criticism and instead provide suggestions for improvement. Use positive language and encourage students to take risks and experiment with their writing.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students with different learning styles and abilities by using a variety of teaching methods. Incorporate visual aids, group work, and hands-on activities to engage students with different learning styles. Provide extra support and resources for students who need additional help.
Help students develop their own voice and style in their writing by encouraging them to write about topics they are passionate about. Teach them to write in their own voice, using a tone that reflects their personality. Encourage them to experiment with different writing styles and techniques to help them find their own unique style.
To create assignments and assessments that accurately measure students' understanding of essay writing concepts and skills, create rubrics that clearly define the expectations for the assignment. Provide students with clear instructions and expectations for the assignment. Assess their essays based on the essential components of an essay, including the thesis statement, evidence, organization, and writing style.
Teaching essay writing to middle and high school students can be a challenging task, but with the right strategies and techniques, you can help your students become confident and proficient writers.
By breaking down the essential components of an essay, teaching students how to develop and organize their ideas, and providing feedback that is both constructive and helpful, you can help your students master the art of essay writing.
]]>With a smaller class size, summer school offers a chance for teachers to provide individualized attention to students. English teachers can use this opportunity to identify areas where their students need extra support and create personalized instruction plans to help them improve their skills. Teachers can help students retain their knowledge and prepare them for the upcoming academic year or focus on developing specific skills in their students. This may include reading, writing, critical thinking, or communication skills. By tailoring their teaching to specific areas of development, teachers can help their students to excel academically.
Summer school offers an opportunity for teachers to build relationships with their students in a more relaxed and informal setting. Teachers can use this time to learn more about their students' interests and goals and create a supportive learning environment. Make it fun and interactive: Summer school is a great opportunity to make learning fun and engaging. Incorporate games, multimedia, and hands-on activities that align with your curriculum to make the learning process more interactive. Collaborating with other teachers can also be an effective way to create a more diverse and engaging learning experience. Consider partnering with other English teachers to create a project or activity that incorporates a range of skills and perspectives.
Encourage students to read books of their choice and provide opportunities for them to write creatively and express their thoughts. Use technology to your advantage: Technology can be a powerful tool to enhance the learning experience. Use online resources, educational apps, and digital platforms to provide personalized instruction and track student progress.
What are your tips for making the most of summer school?
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Parent-Teacher Conferences are a time-honored tradition, and for good reason. Conferences are a chance for parent and teacher to reconnect and for teacher to focus on one student at a time.
I actually enjoy Parent-Teacher Conferences and actually look forward to them every year. My favorite is when conferences end in a successful partnership between parent and teacher working together to best serve the student. I also really like being able to offer praise for each student and watch the parent’s face light up. (Parents never get tired of hearing great things about their kid!)
What I wish for each year is for even more parents to come meet with me, especially the parents of students who I really need help with. Working late nights with little-to-no breaks is also not a favorite of mine. No matter the complaints most teachers have with conferences, the benefits usually make the sacrifice worth it.
In my many years of teaching, I have picked up a few lessons and tips in making the most out of Parent-Teacher Conferences, and what kind of teacher would I be if I didn’t share with you?!
Prepare with students. Because I don’t know which parents will attend at what time, I prepare all of my students just in case. To prepare, I give each student a manilla folder and ask them to dig through their work and put in a few pieces that they are proud of (1 piece of writing is required, plus homework, tests, projects, and other work that they like).
I also have students fill out a brief form that asks: 1. What have you done well this semester? 2. What are you still working on? 3. What was the most interesting topic for you?
I then organize the folders in crates so I can easily pull out the student work when a parent comes. With folders in hand, the focus of the conferences is kept with the student work and student voice. I get a lot of parents who are impressed with the level of work produced.
You may also want to include a current printout of the student’s grade in your class with details about scores on individual tasks. For some students who have particularly struggled or even improved in some area (quizzes, for instance), I like to highlight the pattern or trend, to make it more visual for parents to see.
Stay positive and solution-oriented. We all know that we should give positive feedback along with constructive criticism, but sometimes in the rush of conferences, we forget to take a step back and remember that parents have entrusted us with the education of their children. Instead of focusing on the lack of homework or low quiz scores, focus on the opportunities to bring up the homework or assessment grade through future diligence. I also post or photocopy my office hours, the school tutoring options, and other helpful resources that parents may not know about. When the conference is solution-focused, it conveys to the parent that you genuinely care about their child and want to see them succeed. In the end, that’s the bottom line for every parent. They just want to know if you care about their kid.
Actively listen. It seems that every year my heart is broken by the stories of the “simple hell people give other people” (Yes, that was To Kill a Mockingbird). Sometimes students have home issues, learning difficulties, school situations, health concerns, crazy schedules, and a whole host of other obstacles. More often than not, the only way that we learn about these struggles is by listening, not just waiting to talk.
Watch the time. Don’t spend so long with one parent that another is neglected. If the conference seems to need more time or is particularly contentious, invite them to schedule something for a later date and potentially with an admin or department chair.
Invite future communication. Tell parents the best way to communicate with you for future concerns. I prefer email, so I print small strips of paper with my email address to hand out when needed.
What are your tips for successful parent-teacher conferences? Leave them in the comment section below!
]]>Summer school programs look different in each school district across the country, but one thing that is almost a constant is that student motivation is certainly not high. Many students are in summer school to get a head start on classes for the next school year or to retake a course they previously failed.
Either way, many summer school classes aren’t very popular with students, however necessary. Most summer school classes are longer sessions (longer than the traditional class period), smaller (or larger if combined with another class), and (likely) more ahem... tedious.
If a student is in a summer school class because they previously failed that class, chances are they didn’t have a positive experience with school to begin with. So why make it worse by assigning book work and requiring them to sit for hours and expect them to be engaged? Instead, try these suggestions to spice up summer school!
First, be sure that you're making the environment engaging for students:
Create a positive and welcoming learning environment: Start by creating a positive and welcoming learning environment. Set the tone by greeting students at the door, decorating the classroom, and incorporating fun elements that align with your curriculum. Because it's summer, you may want to integrate summer themes, and have students bring decor from home to help you decorate the room and make it their own.
Incorporate hands-on activities: Incorporate hands-on activities that allow students to engage with the material in a more interactive way. This may include group projects, field trips, or experiments. Here are some ideas that have worked well in my classes.
Use multimedia and technology: Use multimedia and technology to make the learning experience more dynamic and engaging. This may include using educational apps, interactive whiteboards, and videos to supplement your lessons.
Provide opportunities for choice and creativity: Offer students opportunities for choice and creativity. This may include letting them choose the books they read or giving them the freedom to express themselves through writing and art projects. Another way to do this is to integrate Literature Circles or Socratic Seminar.
Make learning relevant and practical: Make learning relevant and practical by connecting it to real-world situations. For example, you could teach writing skills by having students write persuasive letters to local politicians or practicing public speaking by having students give speeches on issues that are important to them. Try integrating relevant informational texts.
What do you do to spice up your summer school sessions? I’d love to hear your questions, comments, and suggestions below!
What recommendations do you have? Is my form helpful? I’d love to hear from you in the comment section!
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I’d love to hear from you! Do you think digital note-taking will impact student information retention? What will you do to ensure that your students continue to excel in the digital classroom?
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A few years ago, I came across this article in the New Yorker that described a couple’s first dinner as a recipe. I thought it was an interesting social commentary that teenagers could easily relate to (even though the article is geared toward young adults). So, I decided to mix up the argument writing for the week to include an assignment modeled after this article. We read the article together and discussed the elements of style, content, and convention that were employed as well as the arguments, both explicit and implicit.
A couple of the reasons I liked this assignment were:
The Prompt:
Write a social commentary that takes the form of a process.
Teacher Note:
We extensively brainstormed social issues/situations and process writing forms in class. Social issues included family dynamics/sibling rivalries, report card season, smartphone use, sports team/club/group hierarchies, college applications, and other topics.
Processes included: writing a recipe, giving directions, giving a formal invitation, and proctoring a test, among other ideas.
Would you use this assignment in your class? What other creative ways do you teach argument writing? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below!
Visit our store for more helpful writing products!
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Here is the list of celebrations related to the ELA world!
March 2nd- World Teen Mental Wellness Day
March 2nd- National Read Across America
March 3rd- National Speech and Debate Education Day
March 4th- National Grammar Day
March 8th- National Proofreading Day
March 14th- National Write Down Your Story Day
March 17th- St. Patrick’s Day
March 18th- National Corn Dog Day— okay, maybe not ELA related, but it is one of my favorite treats
March 19th- International Read to Me Day
March 19th- Let’s Laugh Day
March 20th- World Story Telling Day
March 21st- World Poetry Day
March 25th- Tolkien Reading Day
1st Full week of March- Read an E-Book Week
1st Full week of March- Teen Tech Week
March- Women’s History Month
Alright, now I shared the list, but you are probably thinking, okay, what do I do with them?
Here are some ways I have used national celebrations in my classroom the past:
Share any other ideas you may have for these National Celebrations below!
As teachers, we fight battles many times and on multiple levels. We also wear many hats: that of educator, parent, social worker, and mediator. It can be difficult to juggle all this at once, especially when dropping the ball or two is inevitable.
As hard as we work to help every student succeed, there are a couple of things we just have to let go. To focus on the small, seemingly insignificant annoyances that we encounter every day clouds our days with negativity. Every teacher has to decide their bottom lines regarding their classrooms, teaching, and students. It's important to identify those so you don’t find yourself playing a losing game of whack-a-mole trying to address everything, everywhere, all at once. Here are a few things I have decided to just "let go."
Below is a list of things I, as a teacher, decided were unimportant enough to get under my skin. However, this is my list and may differ from yours, which is okay. As long as you take the time to consider what matters to you and what you can let go of, you’re on your way to feeling more balanced and less stressed.
Electronics - Rules involving personal devices such as cell phones vary by school, district, and even state. Some schools have a very strict ban, while others are more lax. Whatever your school policy is, consider I could be wrong, but I think busting kids for texting between classes or checking Instagram at lunch adds another impossible task to our already overburdened to-do list. Students must learn to use electronics responsibly and attend class without distraction, but to me, it’s time to give a little electronic freedom back to students during non-instructional times. We have a lot more credibility when we try to control only that which can be controlled.
Bad Reviews - If you hear around campus that you are known as the uncool or hard teacher, don’t let it get under your skin. We should be kind and fair, but we are not called on to be easy or cool. We are called on to teach.
Dress Code - Some dress code violations can be potentially unsafe (e.g., in a science lab). Those issues should be addressed. However, dress codes can typically be sexist and only support (and recognize) the two binary genders. It’s important to look closely at dress codes in our schools and evaluate whether they communicate and help achieve the school’s mission or if it disproportionately singles out (and even shames) students. Removing a student from class for a minor dress code violation takes away opportunities for students to learn. For a more comprehensive and inclusive dress code, visit Wisconsin’s Middleton Cross Plains School District dress code.
Minor Attendance Issues - Major attendance issues must be dealt with according to the situation, but when a student has a minor absence and is not a perpetual problem, let the attendance office handle it and move on.
Change - Everything changes. Whether it be the curriculum, policies, hairstyles, language, or any other cultural or academic change, teachers must learn to be flexible and adapt.
Keep in mind that you will not be able to let go of some things, and that is okay. Each teacher is different and works in a different environment. At the heart of the matter is to remember that we cannot do everything, even though society expects it of us. To envision staying in this profession long-term, teachers need to be able to identify their bottom lines and learn to let the rest go.
What’s on your Let-it-Go List? Share your thoughts below!
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No, irony is not the opposite of wrinkly!
Irony is a literary device in which words express a contradiction between appearance and reality— in irony, the reality is usually the opposite of what it seems. In literature, there are three types of irony:
Generally, irony involves some deliberate deception or pretense. Authors use irony to make a point and bring attention to some important aspects of a story. Irony can be both comic and tragic.
For example, in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, several instances of verbal, dramatic, and situational irony are used to enhance the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the novel. Through irony, we can see what the animals do not, and therefore, can understand the deeper meaning and the warning that Orwell intended.
Here is an example from Animal Farm exemplifying both dramatic and verbal irony:
The animals now also learned that Snowball had never—as many of them had believed hitherto—received the order of ‘Animal Hero, First Class.’ This was merely a legend which had been spread some time after the Battle of the Cowshed by Snowball himself. (Chapter Eight)
We, the reader, know that Snowball had in fact been awarded “Animal Hero First Class” although the pigs are now denying it. The words “as many of them had believed hitherto” and “merely a legend” are ironic in tone.
To help you teach irony to your students, I have put together this fun, low-cost activity: Verbal, Situational, and Dramatic Irony Activity.
Some of my favorite short stories to illustrate the power of irony include:
Need help deciding if something is ironic? Give isitironic.com a try. Members submit examples, and readers vote on whether they are examples of irony, some of which are hilarious!
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The tone of a piece refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject. Finding the tone can seem like a daunting task at first; however, you can ask yourself a few simple questions to help you figure it out. Examples of these questions are: Is it formal or informal? Serious or lighthearted? Is there an emotion attached, such as sadness, anger, lust, love, contentment, or consternation? Is the author taking a humorous approach to the subject? Are they being ironic, sarcastic, witty, contemplative, etc.?
To find the answers to these questions and properly identify the tone, you have to look at the author’s use of language, including such tools as word choice, phrasing, and use of or omission of details.
The same idea must be used when writing an original piece. It is important for students to use the correct diction (choice of words) to help convey the way they are feeling. Ask students how difficult they find understanding a person’s tone through text messages or emails. Have they ever been confused by what the person is saying? Have they assumed a person was serious when they were actually joking? If the words are not laid out right, we can easily be confused by a person’s writing and get the wrong idea of a person’s intentions or meaning.
Another way to think of tone is like tone being the background paper on which you write a note. For example, suppose you are writing a note telling your mother how much you love her and appreciate her, and in the end, ask to borrow the car keys for the night. In that case, you may want to write your note on a pink, flowery piece of paper rather than on the back of a cardboard pizza box you pulled out of the trash. The choice of paper gives the reader an idea of the message you are sending. Similarly, you don’t want to give someone a note to let them know you would rather just “be friends” on a piece of pink paper with red hearts! The words you choose to use in your writing act like those pieces of paper — you must choose your words wisely to get the right point across.
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Love Letters- Not just writing any love letter- I have the students write love letters to random animate objects. They must come up with multiple reasons why we love these objects so much. (examples: stapler, pencil, paper, books, chairs, etc.) This has the students thinking more creatively about why we love many of the objects we have.
“The Chaser” by John Collier- This is one of my favorite short stories! I love this story because I teach 7th grade, and not all students pick up on what is truly happening. It is fun to see which students think it is a happy-ending story or if there is more to it. I have the students create a potion that is too good to be true. They use persuasive techniques to sell this potion. For my higher-level students, I have the students write a front-page newspaper article five years later. They have to make predictions about what happens with the main character and the love of his life.
Speed Dating with a Book- (If you do not like “speed dating” I have also called this Book Tasting). Either way, this is a fun way to expose students to a variety of books in a small amount of time. I set up areas in my room with various books. I give them a short amount of time to read a section of the book to see if it would be a good fit for the students. Pinterest has many ideas if you want to make this a huge production!
Celebrations Around the World: Have the students take some time to research similar holidays celebrated all around the world. I would compile a list of all the fun and interesting things people do to celebrate! This is an excellent opportunity to write a compare and contrast essay as well.
Crumpled Love Writing: This can be adapted for any holiday! I display pictures on the board that relates to the holiday. I tell the students to start writing (in pen) a story based on the image; I strongly encourage the students to be as creative as possible. After 1-2 minutes, I have them stop writing. The students then crumple their paper and toss it around the room. The students grab a paper off the floor and continue the story that has been started. I do a total of three rounds. As the last person is writing, I inform them to be sure to end the story. These are so fun to read because so many of the stories start in one direction, and it goes in a completely different direction!
Write a Break-up Letter: This is more like anti-Valentine’s Day, but it is still fun! I talk to the students about the Declaration is actually a huge break-up letter. We do a little research on the Declaration and tie it back to a break-up letter. Then I have the students write a break-up letter to something or someone. (I make it VERY clear this is meant to be fun, and no student names or representations are to be done). They choose their topic and compile a list of grievances they have. I give them a basic format. Check out some student examples here.
Again, I love teaching on Valentine’s Day, but I still want to hear what you do on this fun day! Share in the comments!
1. Remember what teachers make. Most teachers have seen this viral video or read some version of it, but I think February is an ideal time to hear it again!
2. Have patience. Remember that teaching is not usually a game of instant gratification. We must trust that we are helping students build skills and make a major difference in their lives. Sometimes they don’t realize our impact for many years to come. To maintain patience in difficult times, I keep a file of student notes and emails from over the years, which sometimes come months or years after graduation. When students tell me that my work impacted their lives, I cherish those documents and pull them out when I need a little pick me up.
3. Take some risks. Have you always wanted to try Socratic seminar, debates, literature circles, flipping the classroom, new technologies, or any other classroom strategy? Just do it. Switch things up, and have fun!
4. Send positivity. After progress reports, parent conferences, and intervention sessions, parents and students have heard your suggestions for improvement. This month, send a few notes or emails to let parents or students know that you have noticed their hard work or success. Your LMS may allow you to make email templates to easily send emails to praise a great test score or note improvements. It will feel great for all parties involved!
5. Do some spring cleaning. Okay, so technically, it is still winter, but it is considered the spring semester so spend a little time cleaning, organizing, or creating a new bulletin board.
6. Treat yourself. Maybe it is time for that pretty new iPad case you have had your eye on. Perhaps a new outfit is in order. Whether you need a good massage or a little retail therapy, you’ve made it through 20+ weeks of teaching this year; you deserve it!
7. Keep learning. Sign up for a workshop, read some blogs, and open that teacher book that has been sitting on your desk for months! Learning a new teacher trick or finding new ways to think about your classroom philosophy will help productively push you past the third-quarter blues!
What do you do to fall back in love with teaching? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below!
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These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services.
Enjoy these lessons in misplaced and missing modifiers, irony, and tone that have stood the test of time!
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
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The sermon this morning: ‘Jesus Walks on the Water.’ The sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus.’
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Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say ‘Hell’ to someone who doesn’t care much about you.
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Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help.
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Miss Charlene Mason sang ‘I will not pass this way again,’ giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
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For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be ‘What Is Hell?’ Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM – prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.
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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this
tragedy.
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
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The Associate Minister unveiled the church’s new campaign slogan last Sunday: ‘I Upped My Pledge – Up Yours.’
I hope you giggled as much as I did…and please share if you have any to add to this list!
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1. Practice the Strategy: When trying to guarantee an observation win, it is best not to schedule the observation for the first day of a complex strategy like literature circles or your first day using a particular technology. Pick something for which students understand the expectations, and you have worked out most of the bugs. The more comfortable you and the students are, the smoother the lesson will seem to an outside observer.
2. Set out Lesson Plans and Handouts: Have lesson plans and handouts ready for the observer so that the objectives, standards, and procedures are clear, even if they only stay for part of the lesson. I like to include the entire week’s lesson plan so that they can see how the lesson is part of a larger unit of study with multiple means of teaching and assessment.
3. Be Early: On the day of your formal observation, be early so you can put out any fires that come up and be physically and mentally prepared for the lesson.
4. Dress for the Job: Of course, we think about this all the time as professional teachers, but be especially careful about the optics on observation days. If your lesson involves a lot of circulating the room, are your shoes comfortable but professional? If you need to lean in to join collaborative groups, will your choice of clothing remain modest?
5. Be Aware of your Energy Levels: Don’t let nervous energy start you off by talking a mile a minute. Also, don’t get so focused on controlling behavior issues that you forget to smile and enjoy the lesson. No matter how you feel in the pit of your stomach, let your positive energy rub off on students and the observer.
6. Structure the Transitions: Transitions between activities are the most chaotic part of most lessons. While a minute or two of chaos does not bother me on most days, when planning a formal observation, I make sure that my transitions are even more structured than normal, with explicit instructions and time limits.
7. Pick Engaging Lessons Appropriate to the Unit: You know yourself and your class best. I don’t think that you have to include teacher-centered lectures or collaborative group work, but you should play to your strengths. If you have an amazing lecture on the Trojan War that precedes the Odyssey unit, a group of students who shine in literature circles / Socratic Seminar, or technology that engages students in meaningful learning, then go for it! However, ensure that your lesson fits into the unit or flow of your curriculum schedule. It would be really embarrassing for students to point out a lesson that doesn’t seem to flow with non-observed curriculum!
What are your questions, tips, or experiences with formal observation? We’d love to hear them in the comment section below!
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There is no question that there has been a massive output of Young Adult fiction in the last 10 years. In fact, the genre of Young Adult fiction surpasses the interest in Adult fiction today.
So, what do we as teachers do to help support and encourage these boys who feel reading is a “girl thing”? We need a list of books that appeal to boys to pique their interest. Here are some books and authors that I recommend to help interest and engage boys in middle and high school.
Please feel free to make your own recommendations – especially for nonfiction, as my personal list is definitely lacking! I would love to have a huge list of fiction and nonfiction to share with other teachers struggling with the same problem.
Here is my list (in no particular order)
Beowulf |
A Separate Peace |
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde |
Oedipus Rex |
Hatchet |
Hobbit |
Monster |
The Chocolate War |
Touching Spirit Bear |
Dracula |
Frankenstein |
Maniac Magee |
Holes |
Lord of the Flies |
The Hunger Games |
The Catcher in the Rye |
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea |
Fahrenheit 451 |
Nothing But the Truth |
Crash |
Bud, Not Buddy |
Freak the Mighty |
Eragon |
Johnny Tremain |
The Outsiders |
The Jungle |
Always Running |
Wings of Fire Series |
Jurassic Park |
New Kid |
Beneath |
Shadow Children Series |
I Survived Series |
Crossover |
Wonder |
False Prince |
Here are some popular "boy book" authors as well:
What would you add to these lists?
]]>Study hall, Homeroom, WIN time, or some cutesy name related to your mascot (i.e., PAW Power time, Knight Time, you get the point). The part of the day many teachers find a... challenge.
Some schools combine these times; some have them separated; some are right away in the morning, in the middle of the day, or at the dead-end of the day.
While each situation is a little different, we all face similar issues: students trying to leave the room constantly, students coming in the room constantly, students trying to act like they are not on their phone, “typing a paper” (aka watching YouTube), sleeping… and the rare student who actually utilizes this time effectively.
What if I said you don’t have to hate this time? You can actually look forward to this time every day and gain so much from it!
So the question comes down to this: What do you want to get out of this time?
Here are some options to consider before making that choice!
Prep or No Prep?
The last thing I want as a teacher is another section to plan and prep for; clearly, I am team no prep. In my classroom, most of this time is utilized for silent reading, crosswords, word searches, other quiet games/activities, and a time to relax. But, of course, if a student has an assignment, they are more than welcome to do it. If they have questions about an assignment, they can ask. If I need to help a student in a small group or one-on-one, I do. These options require no prep, and the students enjoy this time. When they go to their next class, they are refreshed and ready!
Build Relationships:
Use this time and focus only on building relationships with students. No phones (for you or the students). Talk. Play games. Watch a show. Listen to a podcast. Let them teach you something. Focus on building a community within your group. How often have you heard, “the kids have changed,” but do we even know them? Or are we just seeing the surface level? Let’s remember why we teach— it is not to feel overwhelmed and jam-packed every minute with instruction. Stop. Focus on building relationships. This time is an excellent opportunity to do that.
Prepare in Advance:
Now, there is nothing wrong with having a more structured time. Initially, these can be a lot of prep, but with experience, this turns out to be minimal. That way, when it comes time for your next group, you have an outline already ready.
Here are some simple outlines I have used:
Of course, before making your decision, ensure your choice aligns with school and district goals. This would be even more ideal if your entire grade or PLC were doing something similar.
What are you doing during this time? Share in the comments!
Declaration/Break-Up Letter:
This one is my favorite! The Declaration of Independence is actually a huge break-up letter. We do a little research on the Declaration and tie it back to a break-up letter. Then I have the students write a break-up letter to something or someone. (I make it VERY clear this is meant to be fun, and no student names or representations are to be done). They choose their topic and compile a list of grievances they have. I give them a basic format. Check out some student examples here.
Vision Board:
I know this is similar to resolutions, but it is a way for students to express themselves differently. On their vision boards, they can put words and pictures of things they want to achieve this year, goals, or simple reminders for themselves. I have students do this online on Canva so I can print them. As a reminder for the rest of the school year, I allow them to hang them up in their lockers.
Bucket List:
This is a fun way to compile a list of everything you want to accomplish this new year. It is so fun to see how similar and different our students are!
Research other types of Celebrations:
There are so many awesome celebrations worldwide similar to New Years. Have the students research why we celebrate ours the way we do and look into other similar celebrations and how they celebrate. Challenge the student to find the oddest or quirkiest celebration for New Years!
Read or Listen to poems for the New Year:
I like to do this at the end of the day to wind down. The students just sit back and reflect as we listen to the poems. You can change this to however you want it to fit in your classroom. Here is a short list of poems!
Poems for the New Year
“The New Year” by Carrie Williams Clifford
“New Year’s Eve in Addis” by Kwame Dawes
“Counting, This New Year’s Morning, What Powers Yet Remain To Me” by Jane Hirshfield
“The Leash” by Ada Limón
“The New Decade” by Hieu Minh Nguyen
“Burning the Old Year” by Naomi Shihab Nye
“Elegy in Joy [excerpt]” by Muriel Rukeyser
“Good Bones” by Maggie Smith
What activity do you love to do when the students come back from the long break?
In the spirit of adding to our collective review toolbox, I’m sharing 15 review techniques, and I would love to hear your additions and thoughts in the comment section below!
1. Create a timeline: This is especially effective for reviewing a novel or play. Students can work alone or in small groups. You can also include a requirement for properly cited quotes or visual aids.
2. Add a post-it: In this technique, the teacher places large poster boards around the room with topics to review, and then students add post-it notes about what they know from that topic with no repeats! For example, a 20th-century American poetry unit could have large poster titles: The Imagists, The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock, The Harlem Renaissance, and Robert Frost. After students add post-it notes, you can go over them as a class and organize them in ways that make sense. Students can write down the notes or take a picture at the end.
3. Silent ball: I love this game! There are many different versions of this game so you can decide how to best use it in your classroom!
4. Jeopardy and other game templates: These can be found in google presentations and be easily modified to fit your topic.
5. Student-created quizzes: Allow students to anticipate and prepare for questions on the test. This is an excellent strategy for students preparing for other classes and college.
6. Jigsaw presentations or gallery walks: In pairs, groups, or individuals, give students a part of the overall content and have them create presentations or visuals to help reinforce their concepts. For example, students each tackle a literary or poetic device.
7. Quizlet: This is especially powerful for studying vocabulary or sets of facts.
8. Quiz, Quiz, Trade: In this Kagan-inspired technique, students create flashcards and move around quizzing each other and trading cards. Something about moving while studying helps some students. I explain further here as part of my tips for spicing up summer school.
9. Graphic organizers: Challenge students to use a graphic organizer to make sense of their notes. On the board, draw examples of flow charts, Venn Diagrams, T charts, spider maps, and other organizers, and then let them use their own logic to create!
10. Map it out/Make connections: After I have done a few of my visual maps in earlier units, I challenge students to come up with the best map for a later unit.
11. Highlight important notes: It is a simple but lasting technique that students can do on their own time after walking through it once with a teacher. Some students would never think of this simple strategy for studying any subject.
12. Mnemonic Devices: Challenge students to create mnemonics in pictures, songs, acronyms, or other memory joggers. They can share them after creating them.
13. Text convos: It is a little silly, but students have fun using text language to write memorable dialogues between characters or using vocabulary words. The conversations should be laced with the information that they need to know.
14. Snowball fight: I have a co-worker who enjoys this game! It is a simple Kagan Strategy we frequently use!
15. Socratic Seminar: I find this especially helpful when students are preparing for essay examinations because it helps them see more perspectives outside of the obvious. I explain how the Socratic seminar works in my room in the post here.
What would you add to this list? We would love to keep this list going!
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At this point in the semester, I am simultaneously exhausted and invigorated. I can feel the same sentiments coming from my virtual and school-site colleagues. As teachers, we have been beaten down by the workload and frustrations of everyday teaching, but we’ve also borne witness to the beauty that is student learning. We have wanted to bash the copy machine in when it jammed again. We have felt the utter satisfaction of reading a masterfully constructed student argument. We have answered angry emails and rebuffed last-minute requests for extra credit. We have seen the light come on mid-Socratic seminar. We have wiped down every sneeze-covered surface. We have victoriously matched all papers with their respective owners. We have created all necessary forms of final exams with appropriate accommodations. We have battled all semester, and now we have made it to the holy grail of winter vacation.
And with all that, we still remember what it is all about. In the spirit of the season, be sure to check out this original song that will make your heart melt, by teacher Risha Allen: https://www.tiktok.com/@rishdishfish/video/7042028979624152326
What have your students left you with this semester?
We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below!
]]>Below are two games that can be used in the English classroom to emphasize these writing traits. For example, they can be used as a warm-up, brain break between lessons, after-test activity, or any other time that works for your instruction.
Game 1: The Synonym Series
Procedure:
Example: Elated
Clues: Happy, Stronger, Stoked, Formal, Euphoric, Jubilant, Joyous, and so on until one member guesses correctly.
Benefits: This game enhances vocabulary by recognizing and using synonyms. It also helps students pay attention to connotation (stronger, weaker, angrier, etc.) and audience (formal, informal, jargon, etc.).
Game 2: Least Words
Example: The football game was seen by us as a way to suggest the fact that we are not as talented a school as our cross-town rival.
Revisions would omit and reword phrases like “was seen by us as a way,” “the fact that,” and other overly wordy parts of the sentence.
Benefits: In this game, the teacher overtly places value on concise sentences, reinforcing them for students. It also allows for several teachable moment grammar mini-lessons when evaluating which condensed sentence best retains the original meaning.
What strategies do you use to teach a precise and concise language? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
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I love it. I love all of it. I love the serious relevant debates because there is so much information out there, and I love watching my students’ minds grow with each new article. However, sometimes I do not want a serious debate. I want something that will spark interest but not turn political. I teach 7th grade, and to be frank- they don’t have their own opinions yet (not until they learn how to research). Most of the time, they spit out their parent’s views without having done their own research to determine if they genuinely believe in whatever they share. To avoid this right away, I start with more light-hearted ideas.
There are various ways to use this list. I use these questions as a set of bell-ringers, an introduction to heavier topics, and conversation starters.
Change my mind...
Pop-Tarts are ravioli.
Pizza is best cut into squares.
Time really doesn’t exist.
Coffee is bean juice.
Pop-Tarts should be toasted.
Pineapple is on pizza.
Pizza without cheese is still pizza
Ketchup is a smoothie.
Would you rather?
Be an ant or a fly
Control water or control fire
Have a flip phone or a desktop
Travel to the future or to the past
Which is better?
Hulk or Superman
Star Wars or Jurassic Park
Marvel or DC
Waffles or pancakes
Yes or No… or one answer questions
Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Is the Bermuda Triangle supernatural?
Is Bigfoot real?
Should squirrels wear pants?
Do straws have one hole or two?
Should robots have faces?
Should Santa be in jail?
Our Santa’s elves compensated fairly?
Is Chili a soup?
Should toilet paper go over or under?
What is the right way for a dog to wear pants? On two legs or four.
Is water wet?
Does the person in the middle of the airplane get both armrests?
If I put a lasagna on top of another lasagna, is it one big lasagna or two?
Is it okay to ask a genie for infinity wishes?
Are clowns scary or funny?
When Baby Shark grows up, will he still be called Baby Shark?
Would you be able to describe a tree without saying green, plant, or leaves?
Should Tarzan have a beard?
Do you own land to the center of the earth?
What is the correct way to put on socks and shoes? Sock, sock, shoe, shoe OR sock, shoe, sock, shoe
Are there more doors or wheels?
Would (insert teacher name or admin) make a good ninja?
Would (insert teacher name or admin) make a good lion tamer?
Would (insert teacher name or admin) make a good spy?
Would (insert teacher name or admin) be a good sumo wrestler?
Would (insert teacher name or admin) be a good Pokemon trainer?
Would (insert teacher name or admin) be a good underwater basket weaver?
Would (insert teacher name or admin) make a good pirate?
*If you are using a different person’s name, always double-check that it is okay with them! It is also fair to let them know when you are asking the students! The students will talk about these throughout the day, so giving people a heads up is better!
What are some other fun questions to ask the students?
1. I’m thankful for a job that is never boring. With changing educational technology, changing student culture, changing standards, and all of the other things that pop up on a daily basis, teaching is anything but boring. I’ll take my dynamic and bustling classroom over my husband’s quiet office any day!
2. I’m thankful for ah-ha moments. It doesn’t matter if it is a struggling reader or an advanced placement student finally understanding rhetorical analysis; the moment when a student masters a skill or makes an epiphany is pure teacher magic.
3. I’m thankful I get to spend the days with my favorite authors. I don’t know what I would do if I had a job that didn’t support my habit of Twain, Salinger, Fitzgerald, and Shelley. What’s better is that I get to share these gifts with some pretty cool teenagers.
4. I’m thankful for colleagues that support me. We all face challenges in working with administrators and other teachers, but you can’t beat finding a small group that you can count on to support you in this crazy, wonderful job. I have a pretty amazing village that continues to raise me as a teacher.
5. I’m thankful that I have a voice for the future generation. Parents, social media, and friends will significantly impact the teens that come through my room, but I also have a voice to help inspire them to a life of critical thinking and pursuit of justice. I’ve had so many students come back years after high school and tell me that they finally understand the life lessons I tried to instill. Now THAT is an amazing feeling.
What are you thankful for this year?
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