Lessons in Poetry

A poem is a small but powerful thing. It is the history of the human heart. It has the power to reach inside of you, to ignite something in you, and to change you in ways you never imagined. There is a feeling of connection when we read a poem that articulates our deepest feelings. Poems can inspire us to write our own journeys, to find our own voices.

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Mastering Morphology: A Guide to Integrating Lessons into Your ELA Classroom

In the ever-evolving landscape of English Language Arts (ELA) instruction, educators are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance literacy skills. One often underutilized but potent tool is morphology—the study of word structure. Let’s explore how to seamlessly integrate morphology lessons into your ELA classroom, enriching vocabulary and fostering a deeper understanding of language.

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Project Based Learning and Ted Talks Blog Post

Project based learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working a couple of weeks to delve into learning and writing to an authentic, hopefully engaging and complex question / problem / challenge. Students generate their inquiry, plan out their learning progress, and figure out how to present their new found knowledge to the world.

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Why you should teach The Little Prince

Today, I want to talk to you about a class book to teach in the classroom – "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Be sure to check out our Little Prince lesson plans in our TpT store for how we teach it.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. "But isn't that just a children's book?" Oh, how wrong you are! "The Little Prince" is a masterpiece that can be appreciated by readers of all ages, and as teachers, we have the unique opportunity to share its beauty and wisdom with our students.

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How Teachers Can Become Millionaires: Lessons from Surprising Research

The National Study of Millionaires, a comprehensive survey covering over 10,000 millionaires, unveiled some remarkable insights into their careers and financial habits. Engineers, Accountants (CPAs), Teachers (that's us!), Management professionals, and Attorneys are the top five careers among millionaires. It's clear that earning substantial wealth isn't limited to the high-paying jobs.

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Why Listening to Audiobooks is Beneficial for Your Students… and You

Many people, teachers included, have an aversion to audiobooks. For some, there is a deep seated belief that listening to audiobooks is “cheating.” While there are many benefits to reading text, there are also plenty of benefits for allowing your students to listen to audio versions of the text they are reading. For our most reluctant readers, opening up the door to audiobooks can be a game changer for their reading lives.

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The Teaching Distillery
Navigating Educational Gag Orders: Challenges and Strategies for US Teachers in 2024

In 2024, teachers in the United States are facing challenges related to curriculum restrictions and censorship in the classroom. Laws known as "educational gag orders" have proliferated since 2021, aiming to limit what teachers can teach, particularly on topics like race, gender, sexuality, and U.S. history. These laws are vague and carry severe penalties, leading to self-censorship among teachers and depriving students of valuable learning experiences.

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