Out of Her Mind -- Musings on Education and Life

  I don't know how it is for you guys, but it's hard out here being a teacher. We find ourselves in an era where our students are in constant competition with video games, cellphones, and the allure of instant gratification. The traditional lecture-and-test model doesn't always cut it anymore. So, what's the solution? The answer, I believe, lies in a bit of pedagogical magic—tricking students into learning by making education engaging, interactive, and downright fun. To embark on this transformative journey, it's essential to recognize that we teach students, not just a subject. With this mindset, we can explore innovative strategies that create a dynamic and adaptable learning environment. One of the key elements is movement in the classroom. Allowing students to move around, change locations, and interact physically with the learning space can breathe new life into our lessons. Imagine playing movement games in English Language Arts to promote engagement and inter...

Education is a voyage of discovery, a journey to unlock the vast world of knowledge, and it's a journey best undertaken with a sense of autonomy and empowerment. In the realm of English Language Arts (ELA), where students dive into the wonders of literature, language, and storytelling, the power of choice takes on a transformative role. It's a tool that not only engages young minds but also aligns perfectly with what we know about brain and learning research. The Science Behind the Choice Recent studies in education psychology have revealed the profound impact of student choice on motivation, engagement, and ultimately, learning. When students have the opportunity to make choices about their learning, their brains light up with enthusiasm. This is not just a metaphorical expression; it's a neurological reality. The brain's reward centers, such as the ventral striatum, become more active when students are allowed to make choices. This heightened engagement is associated ...

Language, the cornerstone of human expression, holds the power to shape our thoughts, emotions, and the very fabric of our world. In the realm of English Language Arts, delving into the intricate nuances of language can be a transformative journey, one that transcends rote memorization and taps into the essence of creativity. I love embarking on a quest to empower students with the mastery of language from the inside out, igniting their passion for words through playful exploration and creative expression. I excite them through the use of methods such as cut-up poetry . Imagine a classroom filled with students engrossed in a dynamic exploration of language, wielding scissors and glue with enthusiasm, and eagerly dissecting and reassembling sentences. This isn't a scene from a craft workshop; it's the magic of the Cut-Up Method of writing poetry. And the results? Students discovering that language is not just a set of rules, but a living, breathing entity they can mold and manip...

  When students are able to clearly articulate what they are learning and what they are expected to do, they will be more successful.  I have been teaching for 22 years, and I have found that it is helpful to begin each new unit of learning by emphasizing a focus standard.  We know that the ELA standards are artfully intertwined, but picking a standard or two to really emphasize helps me to be intentional about instruction and for students to know the purpose of their learning. I am currently teaching English II in North Carolina, and I am helping students prepare for the North Carolina Final Exam.  I have been developing slideshows, guided notes, and graphic organizers to help students understand the academic vocabulary of the tested standards as well as to help them analyze informational and literary texts in the 9-10 grade band. These resources are available individually or bundled on Teachers Pay Teachers .   Add a free copy of   RL.9.10.1 Lit...

Igniting Learning with Creative Color-by-Number Adventures As educators, we occasionally overlook a simple truth: even our high school students are, at heart, children. And what child doesn't relish the joys of coloring, especially after a day or week filled with hard work and learning? It's a timeless source of delight, and when combined with educational value, it transforms into a potent tool for sparking excitement and promoting deeper understanding. For several years, I've been employing the magic of color-by-number and mystery picture review sheets in my high school English and reading classes, spanning a diverse range of levels—ranging from special education Occupational Course of Study English classes to honors English classes, Advanced Placement Language and Composition courses, and inclusion English classes. The astonishing part? These activities captivate even my most reluctant learners. As students dive into these coloring adventures, they embark on an engaging j...

Who was O'Henry?   O. Henry, the pen name of American author William Sydney Porter, was known for his mastery of the short story. He excelled in writing clever and humorous tales often ending with an unexpected twist, making him a renowned figure in American literature. His works, like "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Ransom of Red Chief," continue to captivate readers with their wit, irony, and timeless charm.  Do a little digging of your own, and you will discover Porter's salacious history. Find free resources on "The Gift of the Magi" from  Faulkner English  on TPT.  "The Gift of the Magi"  Before/During/After Reading Activities  (free) Ready to plug and play in your Google classroom or LMS of choice Hexagonal Thinking " The Gift of the Magi " (free) Help students make connections with this fun activity. "The Gift of the Magi"  Knowledge Constructor  (free)  Research, aligned with digital learning skills "The ...

Below is an assignment I have designed and implemented in many iterations.  I most recently adapted this assignment for use in my AP (Advanced Placement) English Literature and Composition course.  The primary difference for the AP is assignment is that students had to reveal the entire story and they had to include a Major Works Data sheet.  Students completed this project in groups based on the classic works of literary merit that they self-selected and read over the summer. This project is a favorite of mine because students learn to problem solve, to collaborate, to use a variety of tech tools, to follow copyright laws, and to summarize and depict a book all while being very engaged in the work itself. I presented this assignment in a workshop entitled: "Bringing the Boys In: Engaging Reluctant Readers." Please feel free to use and adapt this assignment.  If you use it, please provide attribution.  If you have any questions, feel free to email ...