Resources
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The Princess Bride Is the Perfect Movie for Any ELA Classroom
You know those days when you just really need to grade a bunch of stuff, get the children to stop talking for a minute, or straight up veg-out for a little while…but you also can’t justify losing instructional time? Let me tell you why The Princess Bride is the absolute best thing in the whole Continue reading
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A Movie Marathon in ELA: Standards-Based Fun for the Weeks Before Break
The weeks before Thanksgiving (and again before winter break) can feel… well, a little chaotic. The students are buzzing, the schedule is off, and let’s be honest… you could use your own breather. But “just showing a movie” in any class is usually a no-go. That’s exactly why a group of secondary ELA teachers and Continue reading
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Unlocking Deeper Comprehension: Engaging Strategies for Teaching Inferences in English Language Arts
Strong reading comprehension requires students to think beyond the text, make connections, and draw conclusions. This is where inferential and critical thinking play a crucial role. Scarborough’s Reading Rope places these skills into the category of Verbal Reasoning. This strand supports the reader’s ability to understand implied meanings, recognize themes, and analyze an author’s intent. Continue reading
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All of the #SoRin2ndary Components in One Lesson!
One of the biggest buzz words in education right now is The Science of Reading. Without going into too many of my soapbox issues about SoR research, I want to tell you that this information is just as important for secondary teachers as it is for our elementary school counterparts. Reading is one of the Continue reading
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Countdown to Kickoff – Ten Touchdown Worthy Football Lesson Plans
Are you ready to bring the excitement of football season into your ELA classroom? To capitalize on the hype with your students, check out these ten football lesson plans designed to engage them while building critical reading, writing, and analytical skills. These football lesson plans are perfect for ELA teachers looking to tap into the Continue reading
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Six Ideas for Building Background Knowledge in your Secondary Classroom
Background knowledge is one of the components of Scarborough’s Reading Rope and a necessary part of reading comprehension. Without relevant background knowledge, students have nothing to spark that brain power necessary for understanding what they read. One of our go-to strategies for teaching comprehension is asking students to make connections to what they are reading. Continue reading
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Engage Deeper with Nonfiction Texts Using Notice and Note Signposts
The “Notice and Note” signposts for nonfiction, developed by Kylene Beers and Robert Probst, are a set of strategies designed to help students engage more deeply with the texts that they read. These signposts highlight key elements and moments in a text that can trigger deeper thinking and comprehension. By identifying and discussing these signposts, Continue reading
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Integrating Grammar with Literature: The Outsiders Guide
In order to fully comprehend any piece of literature, students need more than just an understanding of plot, characters, and themes—they must also have a solid grasp of grammar and syntax. Grammar is the foundation that allows students to analyze how sentences are structured, how ideas are connected, and how language works to create meaning. Continue reading
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Fall Freebies for Secondary ELA Teachers
Unfortunately, this freebie experience has expired. Do you want us to let you know about the next one? Join my email list by signing up below and I’ll let you know about the next time we do something like this. =) And while you’re here, make sure to check out the fabulous people who shared Continue reading
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Enhance Reading Comprehension with Effective Grammar Lessons
Grammar instruction plays such a big role in improving reading comprehension! Grammar and syntax gives readers the tools to understand the structure and meaning of texts. At its core, grammar helps students grasp how words work together. GRAMMAR IS HOW we put words together to form coherent sentences, which is essential for decoding the meaning Continue reading
