Secondary Literacy
Teaching Poetry for Middle School Students
Teaching poetry in middle school can be a truly enjoyable experience. Whether your students love poetry or want nothing to…
Teaching Poetry in High School – Lessons, Activities, and Ideas
One reason why I love teaching poetry in high school is because of the rich conversations you can have with…
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Teaching In-Text Citations and Integrating Quotations in Research Writing
As teachers, we strive to make reaching every learning goal as fun as possible. Teaching in-text citations can be challenging…
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Research Writing
Teaching In-Text Citations and Integrating Quotations in Research Writing
As teachers, we strive to make reaching every learning goal as fun as possible. Teaching in-text citations can be challenging…
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How to Teach MLA Format – Avoid Citation Generators for Good!
Writing in MLA Format is a challenging task for middle school and high school students. Even with MLA style guides…
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Media Literacy in the Modern Classroom
Most educators can agree that media literacy is important. Students are exposed to several forms of media in our modern…
Classroom Management
Classroom Behaviour Management Strategies for Older Students
Establishing the ideal learning atmosphere goes beyond the choice of textbooks and exams. As educators, we’re tasked with both comprehending…
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Literature Circle Roles and Activities: The Ultimate Guide
In my first few years of teaching, I was constantly looking for ways to improve my literature circle unit…
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Communicating with Parents as a Teacher
Depending on the grade level you teach, teacher-to-parent communication might be overlooked. In middle school and early education, school communication…
Project-Based Learning
The OSSLT: How to Prepare for the Ontario Literacy Test
The 2023-2024 school year is a challenging year for students preparing for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, also known…
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Authentic Learning in ELA: 8 Activities for Real-World Learning
In modern education, the shift towards real-world learning is more important than ever, and authentic learning is at the forefront…
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How to Conduct a Classroom Mock Trial
Today, I’m excited to explore an immersive project-based learning opportunity that can bring any piece of literature to life. If…
Student Well-Being
Classroom Behaviour Management Strategies for Older Students
Establishing the ideal learning atmosphere goes beyond the choice of textbooks and exams. As educators, we’re tasked with both comprehending…
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Communicating with Parents as a Teacher
Depending on the grade level you teach, teacher-to-parent communication might be overlooked. In middle school and early education, school communication…
Get to Know Your Students: Questions to Ask on the First Day
There are many activities to choose from on the first day of school. One that is sure to develop strong…
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Literature Circles
Literature Circle Roles and Activities: The Ultimate Guide
In my first few years of teaching, I was constantly looking for ways to improve my literature circle unit…
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Icebreaker Questions for Teens
Searching for icebreaker questions for teens can be tricky. A lot of questions on the internet are overly simplistic for…
The Best Graphic Novels for Teens in Canadian Classrooms
If you’ve never taught a graphic novel before, you’re in for a treat! Graphic novels are an engaging way to…
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Building Classroom Community
Communicating with Parents as a Teacher
Depending on the grade level you teach, teacher-to-parent communication might be overlooked. In middle school and early education, school communication…
Icebreaker Questions for Teens
Searching for icebreaker questions for teens can be tricky. A lot of questions on the internet are overly simplistic for…
First Week of School Activities for High School
With the back-to-school season quickly approaching, you might be wondering which first week of school activities would work best for…
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Back to School
Communicating with Parents as a Teacher
Depending on the grade level you teach, teacher-to-parent communication might be overlooked. In middle school and early education, school communication…
Avoiding Plagiarism: Strategies for Teachers
When it comes to avoiding plagiarism, the best approach is a proactive one. It can be hard to advise other…
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Icebreaker Questions for Teens
Searching for icebreaker questions for teens can be tricky. A lot of questions on the internet are overly simplistic for…
Behavioural Management
Classroom Behaviour Management Strategies for Older Students
Establishing the ideal learning atmosphere goes beyond the choice of textbooks and exams. As educators, we’re tasked with both comprehending…
Continue Reading Classroom Behaviour Management Strategies for Older Students
Communicating with Parents as a Teacher
Depending on the grade level you teach, teacher-to-parent communication might be overlooked. In middle school and early education, school communication…
How To Handle Tough Conversations Inside The Classroom (and In Your Day-to-Day Life Too)
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. There is…
All Posts from Mondays Made Easy
Authentic Learning in ELA: 8 Activities for Real-World Learning
In modern education, the shift towards real-world learning is more important than ever, and authentic learning is at the forefront of this transformation. It blends traditional classroom learning with real-life experiences, making education more engaging and relevant for students. Through this blog post, we’ll explore how authentic learning effectively connects classroom theory with the practicalities of the real world. What is authentic learning? Authentic learning is an educational approach where students engage in real-world, meaningful activities that mirror the complexities and interconnectedness of life outside the classroom. This method immerses students in deeper learning experiences that are rooted in practicality…
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Teaching Nonfiction Text Features in English Language Arts
Teaching nonfiction text features is essential in the ELA classroom. Not only does it equip students to comprehend and engage with texts effectively, but it also fosters their ability to navigate the complexities of informational materials. In this blog, we’ll highlight the importance of nonfiction text features and provide different activities and lesson plan ideas. These strategies aim to empower students, enabling them to become proficient readers of nonfiction texts. Nonfiction Text Features in ELA What are nonfiction texts? Nonfiction texts are written materials that present factual information and are based on real events, people, or subjects. Since several forms…
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Holiday Short Stories to Teach During Christmas
As we approach the holiday season, Christmas short stories can bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the classroom – even for educators who do not find themselves immersed in a Christian environment. The charm of Christmas, with its universal themes of love, generosity, and goodwill, transcends religious boundaries. The holiday season makes a perfect backdrop for exploring valuable themes to students from all walks of life. In this blog post, I’ll share some holiday short stories that you can teach during Christmas. These stories not only explore the true meaning of Christmas, but also illustrate the winter landscape…
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Literature Circle Roles and Activities: The Ultimate Guide
In my first few years of teaching, I was constantly looking for ways to improve my literature circle unit…
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How to Conduct a Classroom Mock Trial
Today, I’m excited to explore an immersive project-based learning opportunity that can bring any piece of literature to life. If you’ve conducted a classroom mock trial before, you can testify that they do an incredible job of engaging the whole class. If you’re completely new to leading a mock trial – I promise you that they’re not as challenging as you might think! Mock trials don’t need to be stressful. With the help of some online resources and tools, conducting a classroom mock trial can actually be quite a simple process. Mock trials offer students a differentiated and experiential learning…
Media Literacy in the Modern Classroom
Most educators can agree that media literacy is important. Students are exposed to several forms of media in our modern world. With the strong impact of social media on students’ grasp of current events, distinguishing trustworthy sources from misinformation is crucial. Media literacy serves as the key that provides individuals with the necessary tools to navigate this intricate digital world effectively. It encourages responsible citizenship by giving students the power to critically assess, cross-reference, and even create their own media content. This is why media literacy might be the most essential skill for students in the 21st century. Why is…
Communicating with Parents as a Teacher
Depending on the grade level you teach, teacher-to-parent communication might be overlooked. In middle school and early education, school communication with parents is highly valued. In secondary school, more value is placed on responsibility and independence. High school teachers often aim to treat students like their employers or college professors would treat them. The truth is that communicating with parents as a teacher is a valuable strategy at any grade level. This blog post will share strategies for communicating with parents as a teacher. It will also explore why teacher-to-parent communication improves student learning. Finally, this article will share apps…
Halloween Short Stories for High School
With the arrival of fall, summer has become a distant memory, and school is now in full swing. One way to re-invigorate students after the back-to-school rush is to incorporate some scary short stories for Halloween. Not only do Halloween short stories captivate high school students – they also seamlessly weave in literary elements such as irony, character development, and setting; these devices lend their eerie ambiance to these tales. In this blog post, I’ll share some classic Halloween short stories that are suitable for different grade levels in high school. Some stories are geared towards freshmen and sophomores, while…
Avoiding Plagiarism: Strategies for Teachers
When it comes to avoiding plagiarism, the best approach is a proactive one. It can be hard to advise other teachers on how to handle plagiarism because every situation is unique. However, every teacher can benefit from preventing plagiarism by teaching academic integrity. This blog post will share strategies to teach students how to avoid plagiarism, along with advice on how to approach plagiarization in your students’ writing. You’ll also learn about teacher plagiarism checker tools that can be used in your classroom. What is Plagiarism? Plagiarism involves claiming unoriginal work or ideas as the author’s own. Plagiarism can be…
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Icebreaker Questions for Teens
Searching for icebreaker questions for teens can be tricky. A lot of questions on the internet are overly simplistic for teenagers, while others might not be appropriate for a school setting. This blog post explores fun icebreaker questions for students, as well as several ways to play icebreaker question games in your classroom. Year after year, icebreaker questions are one of the most engaging back-to-school icebreakers for older students. They’re guaranteed to set a positive, conversational tone in your classroom. My hope is that after reading this blog post, you’ll be able to implement a number of icebreaker question games with your students. You’ll…
First Week of School Activities for High School
With the back-to-school season quickly approaching, you might be wondering which first week of school activities would work best for your high school students. The lessons and activities that you choose to include in the first week of school are important for setting the tone in your classroom. It is also an opportune time to exchange important information with your students. Let’s not forget the influence of first-day icebreakers, too! In this blog post, I’ll share some first-week-of-school activities for high school classrooms. These activities will start your year on the right foot, and help you prepare for a successful…
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Five Ways to Use Partner Pairing Cards in Your Classroom
There are many ways to use partner pairing cards in your classroom. This classroom management tool can be used to make seating plans, support vocabulary for English Language Learners, play icebreaker games, and more! In this blog post, I’ll show you the different ways that you can use partner pairing cards in your classroom. Pairing cards encourage students to embrace collaboration and actively participate in activities. Whether you’re playing a simple “find your partner” icebreaker or facilitating something more complex, partner cards can boost engagement in your classroom. By leveraging partner pairing cards effectively, you can create a positive and…
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Get to Know Your Students: Questions to Ask on the First Day
There are many activities to choose from on the first day of school. One that is sure to develop strong classroom relationships is a student information sheet to help you get to know your students. By asking the right questions, you can learn how to best support your new students. A “get to know your students” questionnaire will also help your new students feel seen in your classroom. This blog post will guide you through different types of questions to get to know your students on the first day of school. You can incorporate these questions into your student information…
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Back to School Icebreakers for High School Students
A strong sense of classroom community is your greatest asset in secondary school. The key to any safe, welcoming, and productive work environment is communication. This is why I introduce icebreakers for high school students during the first week of school. We’ve played a ton of popular icebreakers for teens, and this blog post will share some student favorites! It might seem unproductive to spend more than one block of instructional time on icebreaker activities. But if you’re trying to cultivate a classroom culture where students engage with one another and participate in your lessons, then opportunities to engage really…
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The Best Graphic Novels for Teens in Canadian Classrooms
If you’ve never taught a graphic novel before, you’re in for a treat! Graphic novels are an engaging way to explore literature with your students. Graphic novels capture teen readers with a blend of storytelling and illustration, making them the perfect medium for the classroom. With the help of some Canadian teacher-authors, we’ve compiled a list of 6 of the best graphic novels for teens. The best part: all are written by authors from Canada! 6 Canadian Graphic Novels for Young Adults What defines a graphic novel? A graphic novel can be defined as a narrative text that combines visual…
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End of the Year Reflection Activities for Older Students
When it comes to learning, reflection is a crucial step that is sometimes overlooked. Reflection is a useful tool in our classrooms, offering students the opportunity to think deeply about their learning. Reflection is also important for teachers, too! Facilitating an end of the year reflection with our students can help us refine our curriculum and our teaching practices. This blog post explores some of the many benefits of end of the year reflection. It will also offer you some end of the year writing prompts and activities that you can use with your students. End of the Year Reflection…
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Book Trailer Project for ELA: Alternatives to Book Reports
At the end of the year, students always welcome alternatives to book reports and final exams. This is especially true for students who have recently completed standardized testing. Thankfully, there are many options for alternatives to book reports for English Language Arts. A student favorite is the book trailer project – this alternative assessment is perfect for both independent novel studies and whole-class novels! Using book trailer projects is a great way to incorporate differentiation in English Language Arts. It is also a great way to implement project-based learning within your curriculum. Most importantly, it provides the chance to end…
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Classroom Playlist Ideas for Students
Are you looking for a classroom management strategy to keep students engaged during silent work periods? This strategy doubles as a method for building classroom culture, too! I’ve never taught a class that doesn’t benefit from a classroom playlist. Student playlists are a great way to incorporate music into any classroom in a way that supports student learning. This blog post will introduce the benefits of student playlists. Additionally, you will learn different ways that you can introduce a classroom playlist into your learning environment. How does music enhance learning? I’ll admit that I’ve always subscribed to the notion that…
Teach Visual Literacy with the OPTIC Strategy
Teaching visual literacy is a thought-provoking activity that will push students to think outside the box. Visual literacy is highly engaging for learners of all levels. This blog post will explore the OPTIC strategy and show you how you can teach students to analyze visual texts. The OPTIC strategy will support visual learners, English Language Learners, and AP Language and Composition students alike! Teaching Visual Literacy What is Visual Literacy? Visual literacy refers to the ability to interpret, analyze, and create visual texts. Visual texts refer to any type of communication that relies on visual elements (images, graphics, or videos)…
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Using Poetic Devices in Songs for Teaching Students Poetry
If you are a teacher on the hunt for poetic devices in songs, then it seems as though you’ve discovered one of the best strategies for teaching students poetry! Song lyrics are one of the most effective ways to engage students in your poetry unit. They are also a great way to explore examples of poetic devices in popular culture. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to use poetic devices in songs to teach students poetry. You’ll also find a few lesson plan ideas and resources with examples of poetic devices in popular song lyrics. Teaching Poetic Devices Using…
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How to Teach Paraphrasing to High School Students
Paraphrasing is a skill that students often learn in elementary or middle school. However, it is important to teach paraphrasing to high school students as well. Paraphrasing is an important writing skill. It encourages students to expand their vocabulary and modify sentence styles. It also challenges them to read closely and analyze meaning. Paraphrasing is also an essential skill to avoid plagiarism. As high school students begin researching and developing more complex ideas, it is important to clarify the difference between paraphrasing a sentence and plagiarizing an essay. Teach Students How to Paraphrase What is the Goal of Paraphrasing? Put…
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End of the Year Student Gifts for Older Students
End of the year student gifts are a special way to finish the school year. Not every teacher invests time or effort in an end of the year gift, but those that do will tell you that it is deeply appreciated by students. Gifts don’t need to be extravagant, either! They can be simple, like a bookmark or a sticker. They can also cost nothing, like an end of the year letter to students. This blog post will share a few end of the year student gift ideas that are easy, memorable, and affordable. Student Gift Ideas for the End…
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Project-Based Learning Ideas and Examples for the ELA Classroom
You might recognize “project-based learning” as a buzzword in education. There is a reason for all the hype surrounding project-based learning. This style of instruction incorporates curriculum with 21st-century skills in a way that is highly engaging for students. If you’re looking for project-based learning ideas for the English Language Arts classroom, this blog post will introduce you to six simple and fun project-based learning examples. What is Project-Based Learning? To put it simply, project-based learning delivers instruction through hands-on assessment. Students will meet the curriculum standards of the unit while they complete the project. The project will incorporate each…
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End of the Year Activities for English Language Arts
Your students are tired. You’ve finished standardized testing and have met most of your curriculum expectations for the year. You’re about to cross the finish line, and everyone in your class is ready to throw in the towel. This is why I always have a few engaging end of the year activities up my sleeve! Ending the year on a positive note will not only make your life easier – it will also offer a truly memorable experience for your students. This blog post will show you a few of my favorite year-end activities for English Language Arts, including…
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Extra Credit Assignment Ideas that Support Student Learning
Close to the end of the semester, you likely get requests from students to complete extra credit assignments. You might be looking for extra credit assignment ideas, or maybe you’re wondering if extra credit should be allowed in the first place. Maybe you find last-minute requests annoying – grading extra credit projects can be frustrating and confusing! In this blog post, I’ll share some reasons to consider extra credit in your classroom. It can be an enriching learning opportunity for your students. You’ll also receive some examples of extra credit assignments, along with some strategies to stay organized with extra…
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Workshop Lessons to Teach Students How to Write Poetry
There are so many reasons to bring poetry writing into the classroom. Whether you teach reluctant writers, language learners, or experienced authors – poetry has a lot to offer to everyone. In this blog post, you’ll learn some of the benefits of writing poetry with your students. I’ll also share some of my favorite writing workshops for teaching students how to write poetry. Read on for more ideas to teach poetry writing. What are the benefits of teaching students how to write poetry? Writing free verse poetry is a great way to spark creativity in your classroom. Students typically…
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Earth Day Lesson Plans and Activities for Students
If you’re looking for Earth Day activities for students, then you probably value sustainability and environmental consciousness. If you’re like me, you might even be able to trace these values back to your own education. I remember many of my teachers’ Earth Day lesson plans, as well as their everyday lessons about respecting the environment. Reducing, reusing, and recycling were habits that were embedded in our daily routines. We had recycling bins in every classroom. We practiced up-cycling in art class. In science class, we studied weather patterns and the life cycles of living organisms. And through all of this,…
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How to Annotate Poetry With Your Students
Some of my favorite moments in my classroom have been witnessing my students annotate poetry. Poetry is subjective in nature, which can make it a bit daunting – but it is for this very reason that it can also be so engaging! I’ll never forget the lessons when a student noticed something unique in a poem. Of course, they couldn’t have arrived there without learning how to annotate poetry first. In this blog post, I’ll share some strategies and activities that you can use for teaching poetry annotation in your classroom. You’ll also learn a 4-step approach to annotating poetry…
The Elements of Poetry: Teaching the Structure of a Poem
Are you introducing poetry to your students? One of the best ways to teach poetry is to explore the structure of the poem. These structures are also known as the elements of poetry. The basic elements of poetry include meter, rhyme, scheme, verse, and stanza. In order to dive deeper into poetry, students will first need to understand these structural elements. In this blog post, you will learn strategies for teaching poetry and ideas for your elements of poetry lesson plans. Teaching the Elements of Poetry What is the importance of teaching poetry? If you are preparing students for post-secondary…
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How to Teach George Orwell’s 1984
I try to read George Orwell’s 1984 every year. This novel is captivating from the very first line; Orwell’s composition never ceases to amaze me. But what I find most fascinating about this novel is that it becomes seemingly more relevant as time goes on. As our world continues to change, I begin to notice more parallels between society and Orwell’s 1984 – all the more reason to introduce this novel to your high school students. Whether you’re teaching 1984 for the first time or, like me, turn back to it year after year – I trust that this blog…
How to Teach Creative Writing to Older Students
Creative writing is an important part of any English Language Arts curriculum. This is because creative writing teaches students to be better writers. It also helps students develop a deep appreciation for professional writing – this is especially useful for students writing the AP Language and Composition exam. There are several opportunities to teach creative writing if your students are enrolled in a creative writing course. The same is true if they are simply learning standardized literacy skills. This blog post will share creative writing prompts and creative writing activities that both you and your students will love. Engaging Creative…
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10 Engaging Book Recommendations for High School Students
These book recommendations for high school students include new titles and classic literature for the English Language Arts classroom.
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Engaging End-of-Year Activities after A Year of the Pandemic
Teaching in a pandemic has looked different for all of us. Some educators were thrown into virtual teaching with little experience using online platforms; others had to juggle more than their fair share through hybrid teaching models. In my school board, teachers experienced a never-ending cycle of leaving and returning to the classroom. I think we can all agree that no one signed up for any of this. Our students are no different – like us, some of them have thrived and others have struggled to cope. With diverse socio-economic backgrounds, some have had to navigate challenging situations within and…
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Ways to Support Student Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Social-Emotional Learning is an essential component of any curriculum. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, teachers have noticed that SEL opportunities are not only more important than ever, but also more challenging: virtual learning and online classrooms have created barriers for connecting with our students at a time when they need that connection most. The fact that our students are struggling is not news, but the following statistics may help to put these struggles into perspective: a recent student survey conducted by the Toronto District School Board reports that “about half of students were concerned about getting used to…
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Activities to Teach How to Write A Thesis Statement
If there’s any literacy skill you would want your English Language Arts students to master, it would probably be how to write a thesis statement. If you want to teach your students how to write powerful, eloquent, and exceptionally captivating thesis statements, then you’ll love the activities in this article. The key to any good essay is a strong thesis statement. A strong thesis statement sets the tone and clarifies the author’s purpose: it tells you the writer’s opinion, along with the level of thought and criticism that has gone into formulating it. A strong thesis statement also creates an…
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How To Handle Tough Conversations Inside The Classroom (and In Your Day-to-Day Life Too)
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. There is no additional cost to you. I only link to resources I have consulted and truly recommend. A few weeks ago I witnessed a painful interaction between a boss and her employee. A miscommunication to a business partner turned into a full-fledged argument between the two of them – and because I was conveniently parked at the workspace across from them, I had to endure the whole incident. The tension lasted hours, and within this time frame, they continually revisited the…
Targeted Intervention: How to Handle Difficult Classroom Behavior
Last month on the Mondays Made Easy blog I shared some Universal Prevention Strategies to introduce my blog series on Behavioural Management. In my experience – and similar to many areas of life -prevention is the best medicine. Sometimes, however, a little more TLC is necessary, and so this week we’ll be diving a little deeper and exploring the systems and strategies that you can use in your classroom when difficult classroom behaviors arise. Tolerance Level for Misbehaviour I’d like to start out by sharing a tolerance self-assessment provided to me during my studies in Teaching Students with Behavioural Needs.…
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Universal Strategies for Behavioral Intervention in the Secondary Classroom
An Important Disclaimer Behavioral intervention is a subject that requires a delicate approach. I’d like to begin by acknowledging one of many considerations. 2020 has been a progressive year in addressing systemic racism and racial injustice; for some of us, this may have meant a new opportunity to reflect on our ideologies and worldviews, along with how these shape our interactions within schools. For me, I have come to recognize my role in upholding the dominant culture in Canada. I also recognize that I am hosted on traditional territories of many First Nations peoples, including the Mississaugas of the Credit,…
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Classroom Discussion Strategies: The Only Ones You Need
If you teach high school English, you are probably familiar with a few classroom discussion strategies. Classroom discussions are a great opportunity for peer-based learning. Students also genuinely seem to enjoy them. If you host discussions often, you might run into some issues. For example, some students don’t participate, while others dominate. Some students come prepared, while others effectively “wing it.” Even with effective classroom discussion strategies, discussions digress into arguments. Student Participation: Encouraging Quality Over Quantity The Harkness Method, the Socratic Seminar, the Fishbowl Method – while they all have their benefits, they may also promote competitive behavior. This…
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Online Literature Circles Might Be The “New Normal,” Even After COVID
At some point in the pandemic, many of us made the switch from our familiar classrooms to some form of online learning. If you’re new to distance learning, you might be wondering how to facilitate online learning circles and virtual peer-based discussion. This blog post will share advice on how to run online discussions. I also have some great recommendations for apps and programs that work best for online literature circles. Why Virtual Literature Circles? This blog post started while I was trying to find solutions for the shortcomings of online literature circles. The lack of human connection, the fragmented…
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Innovative Classroom Management Techniques That Students Love
If you’re new to teaching, you might believe that you have less to offer to your students than a veteran teacher. You might believe that lacking experience in teaching is your biggest shortcoming. You might think that teachers with decades of experience have everything figured out. I want to challenge you on these beliefs today. When I started teaching, I never understood the leverage my inexperience brought me in managing my classroom. I was so uncomfortable with being an authority figure that I tread cautiously with every rule I lay down. Overcome by my inadequacy, I looked to my students…
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Why Meditation in School is Beneficial to Learning and Mental Health
Meditation in schools is a useful tool for student learning. This article covers the science of meditation, along with researched benefits of mindfulness and meditation for students.
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7 Strategies for an Anti-Racist Classroom
The recent revival of the Black Lives Matter movement has many of us revisiting our professional practices, personal experiences, and cultural views. This blog post will begin by examining the role of educational institutions in perpetuating inequity. It will also provide strategies for an anti-racist classroom and offer some reflection on research-based practices. I’d like to take a moment to communicate my intention of sharing this information with you. I’m not here to judge your pedagogical practices. I trust that you know what is best for your classroom and your school. I’m sharing this information today in response to my…