Simply Novel Blog - Teaching Tips and Ideas for Teachers

Summer school programs look different in each school district across the country, but one thing that is almost a constant is that student motivati...

Some days during the school year, teaching high school feels a little like herding cats. For me, those days include Valentine’s Day, Friday before ...

Are you looking for an engaging way to end your week? First Chapter Friday is a fantastic way to preview books with students and *hopefully* get th...

Do you remember LOVING to play Oregon Trail on the old black and green-screened computers? We strategically planned out how much meat to pack, how many people to bring, and what to name our family members, only to die in the end. The endings ranged from contracting either diphtheria or cholera, to drowning in the river, or dying from a snake bite, all of which were exciting ways to die when traveling west in the 1800s. I honestly do not remember ever making it west. I remember that the only way I could survive was to stop the journey and build along the river. But, despite the eventual death sentence, I loved playing this game — and for my students, this same kind of love is happening with "You Choose You Adventure" Books. 

Start with Goals and the Big Picture by Quarter, Trimester, or Semester: For each grading period, include required literature, major projects, and other must-do items. Tip: Add district and state assessments also!

We don’t have to like what’s going on.  We don’t have to want it.  Or approve of it.  We get to choose how to be about THIS moment. Simply moment to moment.  We can choose to be stressed, and angry, or frustrated, or we can choose to simply be in surrender and acceptance.  Here are 4 practical tips to help you manage anxiety and worry during the "unknown."

 

Here is the actual list of things you need to be doing over Spring Break! Bonus-- it is super short and it's not what you think!

Many schools require summer reading for college prep, honors, and Advanced Placement English classes, which can present some challenges but also offers some valuable learning experiences over the summer. Here is how to leverage summer reading that will complement your course, and keep your kids on track for fall.

Whether navigating returning to life after COVID-19, a problematic student or parent, the lack of support from administration, or any other personal or professional crisis, situation, or obstacle, are you reactive or responsive? It's a powerful question, and one that -- especially during challenges -- requires us to get present and check in with ourselves.

As many of us enter into the 3rd, 4th, 5th, week—or longer—of in-home confinement, it is natural that nerves are beginning to fray, and relationsh...