The following activity is aimed to get students involved in their reading decisions. Students needs to think of a book that they and their classmates should read. Then each student needs to write 150 words or more explaining why that book would make a good choice.

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Many teachers dislike giving extra credit. I get it. I don’t have a strong opinion on the matter. However, extra credit has worked well with my current students. I think this is because I use extra credit as an opportunity for students to “show off” their knowledge and passions.  My goal is to make extra credit enticing. I want students to watch a football game and think – “Bruh, I could be getting extra credit […]

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Students need space to generate ideas. In fact, It is only when students learn how to uncover their unique and personal perspectives that I can begin to develop them as writers.  The following task I plan on using randomly (yes, you heard that right). Not all of my lessons perfectly glide into each other. Sometimes my students walk into my class and I say, “Today we are going to work on ideas–so bring me fresh, […]

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I want my students to “take risks” with their writing. I want them to experiment with new words, concepts, punctuation, and more. Here is the video and worksheet I use to explain this idea.

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Fun, silly, and light-hearted activities (when integrated into a rigorous curriculum) not only foster a positive classroom environment, but help to recharge student energy. They also humanize a classroom by balancing work and play. These are the times I use “light-hearted” activities. *After a timed essay or exam. *To break the monotony of school (it is inevitable). *To energize a class that is lethargic. *As part of a tradition (Fun Friday). Google doc of resources: […]

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