Knowing their reading audience helps authors to craft their books and create their story arcs. Understanding the pain points of their audience and the problems they struggle with the most helps to …
What Does Independent Reading Look Like In Your Classroom?
Independent reading has been a huge part of my classroom practice since I started teaching in 2011. That first year in the classroom, I insisted students spend every spare minute reading books of …
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reThink ELA #011: Getting Students Excited to Write with NaNoWriMo
Experienced adult writers are intimidated by the NaNoWriMo project, which entails writing a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. Who thought up such an event when writing is usually a much …
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27+ High Interest Nonfiction Websites For High School Student Readers
Note: The following list is ever-growing. If you have any sites you think should be added, please suggest them in the comments below and I'll update the list. As public school teachers, we receive …
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reThink ELA #010: Fostering Student-Led Discussions with the TQE Method
So much scrutiny is placed upon teachers and the classroom these days, especially when it comes to how students are learning critical thinking skills - or IF they're learning critical thinking skills. …
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Think Function Not Form: Stop Teaching Students Structure Supersedes Message
In other words: Ditch that five-paragraph essay right now! Yes, I'm talking to you, elementary and middle school teachers. (Apparently, some high school teachers are "guilty" as well, so I'm including …