Cover art for podcast The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast | ELA

The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast | ELA

274 EpisodesProduced by Betsy Potash: ELAWebsite

Want to love walking into your ELA classroom each day? Excited about innovative strategies like PBL, escape rooms, hexagonal thinking, sketchnotes, one-pagers, student podcasting, genius hour, and more? Want a thriving choice reading program and a shelf full of compelling diverse texts?You're in the… read more

274 Episodes | 2017 - 2024

Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

273: First Chapter Friday: Nancy Tandon Reads

March 26th, 2024

7:15

Welcome to the author spotlight series at Spark Creativity.

In this series, you’ll hear from authors sharing their work directly into your classroom. So sit back and listen in. Today we’re hearing from Nancy Tandon, …

272: You Need to Know about this Short Story

March 21st, 2024

6:20

Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, a podcast for English teachers in search of creative teaching strategies. Whether you’re new to the show or a long-time listener, I’m so glad …

271: #Bookface is Well Worth a Look

March 19th, 2024

9:49

You know how we feel here at Spark Creativity about Book PR. Basically it's the best. We're all about bookish posters, displays, podcasts, guest readers, First Chapter Fridays, book trailer Tuesdays, and book …

270: Try a March Madness Poetry Bracket

March 14th, 2024

5:14

Today, let’s talk about March Madness, and how to harness all that awesome enthusiasm to get your students excited about poetry.

Last year I worked with Melissa Alter Smith from #teachlivingpoets to create a March …

269: Teaching Research to Digital Natives

March 12th, 2024

9:55

Remember when research projects involved stacks of books and notecards? Yeah, me too. But we all know research has changed. I recently finished a …

268: Try These Google Translate Tools in Class

March 7th, 2024

2:55

Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, a podcast for English teachers in search of creative teaching strategies. Whether you’re new to the show or a long-time listener, I’m so glad …

267: So your Students aren't Doing the Reading? Here's Help.

March 5th, 2024

36:10

 

Today on the podcast, we’re sitting down with Amanda Cardenas to talk about a very big question. A huge question, really. What can teachers do when students aren’t doing the reading? And is reading out loud the …

266: Summer PD that Delivers

February 29th, 2024

6:11

Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, a podcast for English teachers in search of creative teaching strategies. Whether you’re new to the show or a long-time listener, I’m so glad …

265: Teaching Conversation in a Polarized World (The Elective Series Begins)

February 27th, 2024

17:30

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about electives.

Electives I want to design, like one about Youtube creation and one about Taylor Swift, and the amazing electives teachers in our community are designing and teaching …

264: Launch Tiny Podcasts (don't be intimidated)

February 22nd, 2024

3:31

Welcome to the Thursday edition of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, a podcast for English teachers in search of creative teaching strategies. Whether you’re new to the show or a long-time listener, I’m so glad …

263: Let's Reimagine the "Teacher Work Room"

February 20th, 2024

17:54

Ahh, the hum of fluorescent lighting. The slightly stained carpeting. The copier that is almost-if-not-already-out-of-paper. The dirty coffee cups. …

262: Let Students Design Escape Rooms

February 16th, 2024

1:48

This week, I want to suggest you let your students design an escape room.

Escape rooms are, in the iconic words of Zoolander, so hot right now. And …

261: Skill Practice that Isn't Boring: Grammar Edition

February 13th, 2024

14:12

So you want your students to get better at something, but drill-and-kill is clearly not the answer. Been there, done that, didn't like it. So what's …

260: Try this Super Bowl Activity for Rhetorical Analysis that's Fun

February 8th, 2024

3:27

This week, I want to share a great way to tie rhetorical analysis into the upcoming Superbowl. 

First things first, we know this Superbowl has a hilarious additional wrinkle, in that the world is excited to watch not …

259: First Chapter Friday: Matt de la Peña Reads

February 6th, 2024

14:14

Welcome to the second episode of the author spotlight series here at Spark Creativity!

In this series, you’ll hear from authors sharing their work directly into your classroom. Today we’re hearing from Matt de la …

258: A Simple Trick for a Better Discussion

February 1st, 2024

3:42

This week, I want to share a quick way to help make your next discussion better.

The next time you plan a discussion in class, start it off with this quick warm up.

Invite every student to write an open-ended question …

257: Build a Common Errors Hyperdoc to Dramatically Speed up Grading

January 30th, 2024

11:09

We've been talking this month about the paper pile. The work bag shadow. The stack of essays you just might have taken to the ice cream social/Superbowl party/beach vacation/bar/hospital...

Today I want to share a …

256: Highly Recommended: Try a Pancake Project (It's Not About The Pancakes!)

January 25th, 2024

4:24

This week, I want to tell you a story about pancakes.

You might know I love to cook and bake. My instagram stories feature enough pan-banging cookie …

255: How to Set Up Self-Editing Stations

January 23rd, 2024

14:54

I'll never forget the "C" I got on my first English paper in college. I was walking across the quad in the warm eucalyptus-scented California air …

254: Highly Recommended: Try This For Black History Month

January 18th, 2024

3:10

This week, I want to share a quick resource to help you celebrate Black Artists and Authors in your classroom next month. 

Last year I started a project to create heritage displays you can use in your classroom …

253: No More Taking Grading Everywhere you Go

January 16th, 2024

22:46

I recently polled our community on Instagram about the paper pile. Because let's face it, it's a huge part of an English teacher's life. How many …

252: The First Chapter Friday Series: Megan E. Freeman reads from Alone

January 9th, 2024

12:23

Welcome to the first episode of the author spotlight series here at Spark Creativity!

In this series, you’ll hear from authors sharing their work directly into your classroom. Today we’re hearing from Megan E. …

251: Highly Recommended: My Favorite Planner Routine

January 5th, 2024

7:50

This week, I want to share the daily planning routine that is working better for me this year than anything I’ve ever done. 

Figuring out how to approach time when it seems that there is never enough can make a big …

250: Fire up your Choice Reading Program, with Abby Gross

January 2nd, 2024

31:00

Today on the podcast, we're sitting down with Abby Gross from Write on with Miss G, who has become known for her thriving reading program and the …

249: Highly Recommended: Make Over your Work Space

December 21st, 2023

4:04

This week I want to talk about your work space and why it matters that you love it.

Do you remember having a locker in middle school? Remember taping …

248: A Simple Solution To The First Day Back

December 19th, 2023

6:42

There's nothing quite like knowing exactly what you're going to do on the first day back after break as you cruise into the winter vacation. Giving yourself that mental cushion means that maybe when you wake up in the …

247: Highly Recommended: This Book Project Kids Like

December 14th, 2023

2:40

This week I want to talk about the literary food truck project and why it’s time to try it if you haven’t yet!

Since I designed this project many years ago, I’ve heard from sooo many teachers about how well it worked …

246: Inspire Winter Break Reading with a Book Tasting Now

December 12th, 2023

8:41

Did you know that in Iceland they have a special holiday tradition called "Book Flood" on Christmas eve? People gift each other books, then relax …

245: Highly Recommended: "Sketchnote Fever"

December 7th, 2023

4:15

This week I want to talk what to do if you're trying to help your students take advantage of the benefits of sketchnotes but they're stuck.

We’re going to dig into a special video series by Sylvia Duckworth called

244: Creative Winter Poetry Activities for ELA

December 5th, 2023

16:24

The week before winter break can be a great time for wintery poetry.

A mini-unit like this is flexible, seasonal, and easy to fit around whatever else is going on in those final (frantic? fun? festive?) days. You may …

243: Highly Recommended: The Chunk-and-Schedule Method

November 30th, 2023

5:39

This week I want to share a productivity tip that has changed my life in ways large and small. 

Three years ago we were all in the heart of a pandemic. My children were very young - five and eight. My mom was sick. …

242: Building Better Book Clubs, with Martina Cahill

November 28th, 2023

21:54

Today on the podcast, we’re sitting down with Martina Cahill, who goes by The Hungry Teacher online. One of her great gifts is helping middle school …

241: Highly Recommended: Reframe Argument like This for Students

November 23rd, 2023

4:31

This week I want to talk about argument, and why it seems so esoteric to kids when they learn about it at school, and so relevant when they watch it …

240: Easy Ways to use Performance Poetry in ELA (and why you Should!)

November 21st, 2023

20:17

When it comes to an engaging poetry unit, I believe the #1 building block is performance. There's something about watching contemporary poets stand up and deliver their work that is undeniably engaging.

Kids might …

239: Highly Recommended: Use One-Pagers as a Creative Gateway

November 16th, 2023

4:51

This week I want to talk about how one-pagers can be a powerful gateway to creative options in your classroom. 

Let’s start with the one-pager …

238: Let me Plan your ELA Lessons the Week before Thanksgiving

November 14th, 2023

11:44

The week before Thanksgiving it's easy to feel a little scattered! For teachers AND students. It can be nice to take a break from your main unit and focus on some activities that still promote ELA skills but give kids …

237: Highly Recommended: Don't Grade it All

November 9th, 2023

6:48

This week I want to share advice I only wish someone had given me long ago - don’t grade everything your students create in class. 

It’s easy to feel pressure to put a grade on everything students make. They often come …

236: When your Students just... Don't Care

November 8th, 2023

18:52

We've all been there. You walk into a class, unveil your lesson plan with all the joy and care of a museum curator lifting the veil on a new Van Gogh, and your students just... don't care.

They've got their own …

235: Highly Recommended: Gene Luen Yang's Ted Talk

November 2nd, 2023

2:44

I want you to watch Gene Luen Yang's Ted talk called “Comics Belong in the Classroom!” 

Here's why.

It's a hilarious look at why comics are such a …

234: Closing the Opportunity Gap, with Reid Saaris

October 31st, 2023

30:50

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by education leader Reid Saaris. He’s the founder of Equal Opportunity Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring …

233: Highly Recommended: Teach Living Poets

October 26th, 2023

3:13

This week I want to share a wonderful website and resource with you, Melissa Alter Smith’s brainchild, Teach Living Poets.

When I first started …

232: Building More Inclusive Classrooms with Dr. Mark Gooden

October 24th, 2023

44:40

Today on the podcast, we’re sitting down with Dr. Mark Gooden, the Christian Johnson Endeavor Professor in Education Leadership and Director of the Endeavor Antiracist & Restorative Leadership Initiative (EARLI) in …

231: Highly Recommended: Try using your Whiteboard like This

October 19th, 2023

4:36

This week I want to give you a few quick ideas for using your whiteboard to help share great books with your students.

First things first, your …

230: Creative Short Story Station Ideas for ELA

October 17th, 2023

18:37

Need a creative approach to your next short story? Or short story unit? (By the way, here are some fabulous classic and contemporary short stories …

229: Highly Recommended: These Stunning Posters

October 13th, 2023

2:40

This week I want to tell you about the most beautiful, powerful, impactful classroom posters I’ve seen on the internet. And they’re totally free. 

228: Taylor Made for ELA: The Swift Collabisode

October 11th, 2023

18:35

In this podcast, discover NINE creative ways to bring Taylor Swift's music into class. Find out how to have students create their own eras, practice public speaking on song-inspired topics with song-inspired tones, …

227: Highly Recommended: Don't Play Email Whack-a-Mole

October 5th, 2023

5:59

This week I’ve got a productivity tip to give you so much more focused time in your classroom.

 

Let’s talk about email, and how often you check it. 

 

I can still remember the exact feeling of sitting in my kneeling …

226: Banned Books Week Starts Now (Here's Help)

October 2nd, 2023

13:18

As Banned Books Week kicks off, I know not every teacher is in a position to showcase it. In some places, it's simply too dangerous for an educator to display banned and challenged books and talk about intellectual …

225: Highly Recommended: Present or Publish your Work this Year

September 28th, 2023

3:11

This week I want to talk about getting you in front of an audience this year.

My first year in the classroom I had an amazing mentor. Anne, my …

224: Here's How to Help Quieter Students into Discussion

September 26th, 2023

14:03

There are so many reasons why a student may be quiet in class. The language may be difficult. They may need more time to think than the pace of …

223: Highly Recommended: The Bread Loaf School of English

September 21st, 2023

8:02

This week let’s talk about a unique masters program - and the one I did - The Bread Loaf School of English.

Quick Details:

  • Summer Program out of …

222: Creative Halloween Activities for October in ELA

September 19th, 2023

20:30

Have you reached for a turtleneck sweater yet? Bought one of those big pumpkins or bright purple mums at the stand along the road? Sipped your first spiced latte?

It's that time of year again!

As the leaves turn and we …

221: Highly Recommended: Ask for What you Want

September 14th, 2023

5:00

This week let’s talk a different kind of topic, asking for what you want in education.

When I was five, my mom took me to a raspberry farm. I leaped out of the car, basket in hand, ready to harvest heaps of my favorite …

220: Try Teaching The College Essay like This

September 12th, 2023

20:51

I have to admit that even though I wrote three college essays, got into college, went to college, got my graduate degree in English and taught …

219: Highly Recommended: Vocaroo

September 7th, 2023

2:43

This week let’s talk about the simplest audio recording tool out there for students, Vocaroo. 

 

Getting into activities like student podcasting, …

218: A Beginner's Guide to using Podcasts in the Classroom

September 5th, 2023

18:43

So you've heard the buzz about podcasts, and you're intrigued. You want to play an episode in class, but you wonder what that would even look like? …

217: Highly Recommended: Research with a Twist

August 31st, 2023

3:33

This week let’s talk about research, and the ways it shows up across the world these days. Because I’d like to highly recommend you build some research activities into your class this year that don’t end in papers. 

I …

216: Let's Talk Graphic Novels with Jerry Craft

August 29th, 2023

23:22

Today on the podcast, I’m so excited to bring you the first writer ever to win three very important prizes in literature - the Newberry Award, The Kirkus Prize, and the Coretta Scott King Award - for a single book.

215: Highly Recommended: Book Trailers

August 25th, 2023

4:55

This week I want to share a super simple strategy for building more book recommendations into your classes in just two or three minute installments, book trailers.

I first heard the idea of “Book Trailer Tuesdays” from …

214: Build a Bridge to the Library this Year

August 24th, 2023

14:51

Librarians can help classroom teachers in sooooo many ways, and classroom teachers can return the favor by reminding kids they can always go further …

213: Highly Recommended: The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

August 17th, 2023

3:57

This week I want to share a fast-paced and fun podcast for middle schoolers, The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel.

It's a peabody-award …

212: The Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Digital Bookshelves

August 15th, 2023

16:06

So you want to share your favorite books with your students to help them love reading. Excellent! But maybe you lack the budget to keep up with …

211: Highly Recommended: An Easier Back-to-School Night

August 10th, 2023

6:40

This week I want to share two quick ways to make back-to-school night something you can enjoy this year. 

In today's episode we're talking about how …

210: Creative Alternatives to the Summer Reading Essay

August 8th, 2023

11:52

So you've assigned a book you love (or maybe a selection of several) to your students for the summer, and soon enough they'll be back to share their takeaways. But maybe this year you want to hear from them through a …

209: Highly Recommended: Alone

August 3rd, 2023

4:47

This week I want to share one of my favorite recent reads - Alone, by Megan E Freeman.

I picked up this book after hearing what a smash hit it was with Caitlin Lore’s seniors back when I interviewed her for our episode …

208: A New Approach to Differentiation with Kareem Farah

August 2nd, 2023

23:56

Today on the podcast, I’m glad to welcome Kareem Farah, founder of the Modern Classrooms Project. As a teacher in Washington D.C., Kareem faced problems that many teachers can relate to - students missing class all the …

207: Highly Recommended: Book Clubs

July 27th, 2023

9:39

This week I want to share a quick push for trying book clubs this year. If you haven’t jumped on this trend yet, I want to give you a few quick …

206: Help Students Consider the Ethics of AI with this Free PBL Unit

July 25th, 2023

15:41

AI is here. And everyone is paying attention. Many people are wondering if AI will take over their jobs, others how it can help them do their jobs. …

205: Highly Recommended: Attendance Questions

July 20th, 2023

4:13

As the back-to-school season rolls around, attendance questions are a super easy strategy to help you build community and get to know your students. …

204: Students need Diverse Texts and Choice - Here's Help

July 18th, 2023

34:59

Today on the podcast, we’re talking about why offering our students diverse texts and giving them choice over their reading is so vitally important.

My guests, Dr. Claudia Rodriguez-Mojica and Dr. Allison Briceño, …

203: Highly Recommended: Name Tent One-Pagers on Day One

July 13th, 2023

5:45

This week on "Highly Recommended" I’m sharing my absolute favorite way to start school - the name tent one-pager. 

Long-time listeners to the show …

202: Silent Discussions Made Easy

July 11th, 2023

10:15

Silent discussions are a handy go-to option for helping every student participate in a discussion. They can help break up discussion ruts, show your classroom community how much quieter students really have to …

201: Highly Recommended: Penny Kittle's "Beautiful Words" Project

July 6th, 2023

3:25

This week I’m sharing an idea from Penny Kittle that is so lovely and adaptable, I’m sure you can find a wonderful way to use it - the "Beautiful …

200: Do THIS in July to make August Better in your ELA Classroom

July 4th, 2023

13:29

I know how it is. One minute you're paddleboarding along the lake, the next your mind is back-to-school as you consider whether to add book clubs in …

199: Highly Recommended: Playing the "Whole Game"

June 29th, 2023

4:31

A few years ago I read Sarah Fine and Jal Mehta’s book, In Search of Deeper Learning. These two researchers criss-crossed the country, searching out …

198: Take One of These Virtual Field Trips with your ELA Students

June 26th, 2023

14:45

As I sat in the warm theater watching my son's sixth grade class recount their favorite memories of school last week, I couldn't help but notice how …

197: Highly Recommended: Canva

June 22nd, 2023

3:15

This week on "Highly Recommended," I’m sharing my absolute favorite tool on the internet, which just so happens to be free for educators - CANVA!  

196: How Caitlin's Verse Novel Book Clubs Engaged Seniors 'til the End

June 20th, 2023

34:58

Today on the podcast, I’ve got a great story for you. It’s the story of how one senior class stayed engaged right up to the end through an incredible book club unit on verse novels. The heroine of this story? English …

195: Highly Recommended: The High School Classroom Library

June 15th, 2023

3:39

So here’s the thing. High school kids have about 10,000 things on their agenda just above going to the library to pick out a book. And if they do …

194: 4 Graphic Storytelling Activities from Graphic Novelist Laura Lee Gulledge

June 13th, 2023

26:30

Today on the podcast we’re sitting down with Laura Lee Gulledge, the graphic novelist behind The Dark Matter of Mona Starr. She's an Eisner Award …

193: Highly Recommended: The Libro FM Educator Program

June 8th, 2023

6:37

Do you know about Libro FM's free audiobook program for educators? 

It's easy to sign up - they approved me in just one day! 

You can register for a …

192: Who's on your New Pride Month Display?

June 6th, 2023

12:28

Interactive wall displays are one of my favorite new things. Adding a QR code to a poster gives students the opportunity to take things further. If you've been hanging out with me this year, you know I've created …

191: Highly Recommended: Jason Reynolds

June 1st, 2023

16:12

This week on “Highly Recommended” we’re talking about the guy who has been one of my top go-tos for years when someone asks for a book recommendation …

190: My Top Contemporary Text Ideas for your ELA Classes

May 30th, 2023

18:59

I see a lot of posts each month inside our Facebook group, Creative High School English, asking for text recommendations for different courses. …

189: Highly Recommended: My Shakespeare

May 25th, 2023

5:42

This week on Highly Recommended  I’m sharing my favorite online tool for Shakespeare, the free website My Shakespeare. 

So what makes it so great?

188: Feel like it's Impossible to Teach it All (Part II)

May 23rd, 2023

24:59

If you tuned into the podcast last week, you know I received an email from Shannon, an ELA teacher with big questions. In a nutshell, she asked - …

187: Highly Recommended: The Dark Matter of Mona Starr

May 18th, 2023

6:39

The Dark Matter of Mona Starr, by Laura Lee Gulledge, is a STELLAR book to consider for your choice reading library, book clubs, or even full class …

186: Feel like it's Impossible to Teach it All? (Part I)

May 16th, 2023

23:35

Last week I received this email from Shannon, a teacher with questions I think we can all relate to. Here's what she wrote...

"I am in my 8th year of teaching, and while I love aspects of it, I work 10-11 hours a day …

185: Highly Recommended: Faculty Fun

May 11th, 2023

8:02

This week on Highly Recommended  I’m sharing a rather unusual strategy to help you create connection among your faculty.

 

Unless you've already …

184: How to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with this Interactive Display

May 9th, 2023

14:17

Celebrate AAPI month in your ELA classroom with a bright display I made for you, featuring bios and QR code links to the work of ten AAPI creators. 

In this episode, discover easy ways to use the display for classroom …

183: Highly Recommended: Time-Saving Templates

May 4th, 2023

11:56

This week on Highly Recommended  I’m sharing one of my favorite strategies for saving time AND adding quality to daily work tasks. Doesn’t seem possible, right?

Have you heard of decision fatigue? We make thousands of …

182: Want to Support Student Well Being? I Know! (Here's Help)

May 2nd, 2023

26:38

You've probably seen me amplifying Amplifier already this year, in the episode about featuring contemporary Indigenous voices in your ELA classroom or the one about spotlighting Black artists, activists and authors in …

181: Highly Recommended: John Spencer's Video Writing Prompts

April 27th, 2023

5:56

This week on Highly Recommended  I’m sharing one of my favorite sources for writing prompts, Dr. John Spencer’s video writing prompts channel.

180: The One about Eastern Europe

April 25th, 2023

38:26

Thinking about a trip overseas to Europe someday? Or in the mood for a little armchair travel? 

OR, maybe you're thinking about teaching abroad, and you're curious about the travel part of living in a new place...

I've …

179: Highly Recommended: SBB's Baths vs. Showers

April 20th, 2023

5:59

This week on Highly Recommended  I’m sharing a hilarious podcast episode you can use from Smash Boom Best titled “Baths vs. Showers.” 

I discovered Smash Boom Best this year while I was on the hunt for great class …

178: Struggling to Make it to the End of the Year? Try this.

April 18th, 2023

20:45

If you're currently seated dead center on the struggle bus, or your seniors are waving senioritis flags in your ELA classes, you're not alone. As summer beckons and the buildup of busy from the year weighs on you (and …

177: Highly Recommended: Starfish

April 13th, 2023

5:35

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Highly Recommended Series. Every Thursday we take a quick look at something I think you’ll love. What will that something be? It might be a compelling book for your students, a …

176: Reasons to Feel Hopeful about AI at School

April 4th, 2023

33:52

Looking for the "right" approach to AI in your English classroom? Find out how the New England Innovation Academy is working WITH students to design their approach, and how you can too. 

Ben Farrell - our guest today- …

175: Actionable ABAR Steps in ELA, with Liz Kleinrock

March 21st, 2023

32:10

Looking to bring more Antibias Antiracist work into your creative ELA classroom and curriculum? Liz Kleinrock of Teach and Transform has written a …

174: A New ELA Go-To? 15 Ways to use La Literatura de Cordel

March 7th, 2023

25:23

This creative spin on classroom decor gives you dozens of options for creative, interactive writing, reading, and arts integration lessons in your ELA classroom. Get inspired with these fifteen fun ideas.

Ever since I …

173: Enjoy Teaching Rhetorical Analysis (with these Strategies)

February 21st, 2023

21:44

Want to teach rhetorical analysis in a way that's creative, engaging, AND gets the job done? Mix and match these fun ELA strategies to suit your needs.

This week on the podcast, let’s talk about why rhetorical analysis …

172: Celebrating Black Authors, Artists, & Activists in ELA

February 7th, 2023

26:51

Want to showcase Black authors, poets, artists and activists in your ELA classroom? Celebrate Black History Month all year long with these ideas. 

Black History Month is here, and while it’s vital that we celebrate …

171: 6 Wonderful Ways you can use Graphic Novels

January 25th, 2023

25:48

Try using graphic novels in your ELA classroom to create powerful reading ladders, launch literature circles, help make the classics accessible, and …

170: How to Host a Graphic Novel Book Tasting

January 11th, 2023

19:29

Want to introduce your ELA students to the creative joys of graphic novels? Find out how to run a quick and productive book tasting to help introduce them to the genre. 

 Maybe you’ve got some new titles for your choice …

169: Turning Classics into Graphic Novels, with Gareth Hinds

December 28th, 2022

31:43

Gareth Hinds has created appealing  graphic novel versions of many great classics of English literature, like The Odyssey, The Iliad, Beowulf, and …

168: Why I'm not Worried about the New AI Tools

December 14th, 2022

7:32

Worried about the new AI and its repercussions in the world of ELA? In this quick episode, let me share why I think it might actually be a good thing for our profession. 

For many years now, students who are so inclined …

167: Fight Erasure. Feature Contemporary Indigenous Voices in Class.

November 29th, 2022

29:44

Featuring contemporary Indigenous voices in your ELA classroom - on your walls, in your research and writing projects, and on your shelves - can make a big difference in fighting erasure. Help your students of all …

166: How to Add an Audiobook Listening Station to your ELA Classroom

November 16th, 2022

21:54

Want to help the independent readers in your ELA classroom enjoy audiobooks? Whether you want to use Audible, Libro FM (do you know about their free educator advance listening program?), Libby, or Sora, in this episode …

165: Classroom Management Strategies you can Actually Enjoy

November 2nd, 2022

37:29

Want to improve your classroom dynamics? Start with relationships, and watch how they can positively impact your daily life as a teacher in so many ways. In this episode, learn fun and easy strategies like post-it …

164: 5 Public Speaking Projects for Secondary ELA

October 18th, 2022

16:18

Looking to engage your secondary ELA students in creative public speaking projects? Try podcasting, debate, mock trials, mini speeches, or genius …

163: Case Study: A Meaningful 21st Century Research Project

October 5th, 2022

26:38

Find out how veteran teacher Jane Wisdom successfully incorporated a social media twist on the traditional research project, with great results from …

162: Active Teaching: 10 Out-of-their-Seats Activities

September 21st, 2022

28:30

Beat the after-lunch lethargy with these active classroom strategies.

Learn how to use stations, escape rooms, speed debating, hexagonal thinking, performance, and more to help keep your students up an engaged.

In this …

161: The Ultimate Guide to First Chapter Friday

September 6th, 2022

19:19

First Chapter Fridays let you introduce students to a wide range of diverse compelling authors even if you can only spare a few minutes a week.

In this episode, discover book choice inspiration, display options, author …

160: The College Essay: What Students (and Teachers) Need to Know

August 23rd, 2022

20:30

Need help teaching the college essay to your students?

Learn about what makes a strong college essay from four experienced college admissions …

159: 3 Creative Ways to Teach Varied Sentence Structure

August 11th, 2022

14:48

Want to teach sentence structure in a creative way that really helps? Try these three fun twists on the traditional worksheet. 

Check out the visuals at nowsparkcreativity.com. Just click the "podcasts" tab at the top …

158: How to Create a Successful International Classroom Partnership

July 27th, 2022

25:03

Want to try an international classroom collaboration? Learn the tips and tricks from Andrea Greer, who runs a five country collaboration from Japan. 

157: Designing Back-to-School for Belonging, with Dr. Susie Wise

July 13th, 2022

48:24

What if faculty meetings deepened relationships and helped people feel connected and inspired? In this interview, get ideas for changing the design …

156: How to Teach Living Poets, with Mel Smith

June 28th, 2022

45:36

Want to build more contemporary poetry into your ELA classroom? Find out how with #teachlivingpoets founder Mel Alter Smith. Discover poetry …

155: 21 Creative ELA Lessons you can use Immediately

June 13th, 2022

30:47
Goodbye chapter comprehension questions, hello creative lesson ideas! 

In today's episode, discover 21 creative lessons, activities, and units you …

154: Colorful Vocabulary Activities: Story Tiles, Wordy Decor & More

May 31st, 2022

23:39

Looking for creative vocabulary activities that aren't boring? Want students to get excited about using words in interesting ways? Check out these …

153: 6 Powerful Mentor Texts for Secondary ELA

May 17th, 2022

19:27

Looking for creative multimedia mentor texts for your ELA students? Check out these options, from picture books to podcasts, videos to poetry, …

152: 5 Class Podcast Projects for ELA

May 3rd, 2022

19:44

Want to get started with class podcast projects? Good for you! Get inspired with this creative list of options for your high school English students. 

151: Here's the Teacher Tech that Actually Helps, with Jennifer Gonzalez

April 20th, 2022

26:26

Looking for the teacher technology that will really make an impact in your classroom, not just replace processes you use with newer, more complicated …

150: A Quiet Revolution in Reading and Writing, with Penny Kittle

April 5th, 2022

51:13
Discover the power of choice reading, modern mentor texts, and writer's notebooks in this actionable podcast workshop with Penny Kittle. 

Get Penny's …

149: Two Inspiring Children's Book Projects, with Pernille Ripp

March 22nd, 2022

26:02

Want to try having students write nonfiction children's books? How about perform plays based on their favorite children's books?

Learn all about …

148: The Power of Children's Books for Older Kids, with Pernille Ripp

March 8th, 2022

28:57

Picture books have so much to offer readers of all ages. In this interview with literacy dynamo Pernille Ripp (part one of two), find out how to use children's books to introduce big ideas, demonstrate writer's craft, …

147: 6 Fresh Ideas for your Writing Program

February 22nd, 2022

26:34

Ready to refresh your writing program with new, creative options? In this podcast episode, learn about unique writing prompts, writing alternative …

146: Authentic Audiences aren't Hard to Find

February 9th, 2022

27:44

Want to ignite student engagement by bringing their work to real audiences? It's not as hard as it seems! In this episode, explore ten quick case studies and let them inspire new possibilities for connection with …

145: Teaching Annotation just got Fun

January 26th, 2022

19:20

Want to teach annotation skills in a way that's memorable and creative, instead of boring and easily forgotten? Check out this episode for four creative ways to help your students develop their own unique annotation …

144: 3 Flexible ELA Units for an Omicron Winter

January 12th, 2022

24:38

Going remote in your ELA classes this winter, or think you might? Try planning one of these flexible, engaging units, so you're ready for anything.

We'll be exploring digital poetry, making tiny podcasts (don't worry, …

143: What We Can Do about Teacher Demoralization, with Doris Santoro

December 29th, 2021

41:46

The problem facing teachers today will not be solved by self-care. Let's talk about the real issue - demoralization - and strategies that can make an …

142: Choice Reading: Building a Reading Culture

December 14th, 2021

18:18

Building a reading culture in your classroom is a project that never ends, but luckily it's so much FUN. There are many ways to keep books in the …

141: Setting up your ELA Classroom Library

November 30th, 2021

20:54

Find out how to create a classroom library you (and your students) will love. Learn how to source the books, organize your system, and make use of enticing visuals that make your reading space appealing to students. 

140: Every Student can Sketchnote, with Sylvia Duckworth

November 15th, 2021

37:37

Want to teach your students to apply critical thinking to their notetaking? Sketchnoting creates more engagement and retention, but not every kid comes to it naturally. In this interview with Sylvia Duckworth, find out …

139: We Moved to Bratislava, Here's what it's Like

November 3rd, 2021

30:35

If you're interested in teaching abroad, love travel, or are just curious what it's like to live in a country that's only been a country for a few decades, this episode's for you! If you're here strictly for the …

138: Hexagonal Thinking with Brave New Teaching (Bonus Episode)

October 26th, 2021

19:36

Ready to bring hexagonal thinking in as a creative discussion strategy for your students? Find out how in this podcast episode. You'll be amazed at the creativity and critical thinking that comes with hexagonal thinking.

137: Creative Activities to Pair with Any Novel

October 19th, 2021

18:09

Looking for flexible, creative activities to go with your next whole class novel unit? Find them here! In today's episode, I'm welcoming four …

136: Creative Real-World Research Projects in ELA

October 5th, 2021

22:34

Research is such a vital skill in ELA, but it's not always easy to get students to buy in. Let's explore some fresh takes on the traditional research paper. 

In this context, we'll talk about Dave Perkins' idea of "The …

135: When Students Design Escape Rooms

September 21st, 2021

11:41

Today we're diving into all the details (and the free curriculum set) to get you started with student-designed escape rooms. You'll find out when to …

134: Creative Escape Rooms without the Fuss

September 7th, 2021

18:53

So you've heard about escape rooms, but you don't have 73 hours to spare? I hear you! In this episode, learn how to create a basic-but-awesome escape …

133: Body Biographies & Digital Escape Rooms with Danielle Knight

August 24th, 2021

42:15

Get ideas for how to use body biographies, digital escape rooms, and digital sketchnotes in your ELA classroom in this interview with Danielle Knight of Study All Knight.

132: A Case Study in Successful Student Podcasting

August 10th, 2021

29:09

In this episode, learn how Beth Duncan, a creative high school teacher from North Carolina, got her students podcasting. Discover the steps she went …

131: Help for Integrating SEL, with Dr. Lorea Martinez Perez

July 20th, 2021

36:37

It's more important than ever to integrate strong SEL practices in the classroom following the pandemic. Find out how in this interview with Dr. …

130: Build Connection with your Classroom Design

July 6th, 2021

18:25

In this episode, featuring five creative guest experts, discover six powerful ideas to transform your ELA classroom into the inclusive, creative, …

129: Try Hexagonal One-Pagers

June 23rd, 2021

9:36

Love hexagonal thinking? Love one-pagers? Combine them in one visual critical thinking activity for your creative ELA classroom.

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast.

Join our …

128: Take your Hexagonal Thinking Activities Deeper

June 7th, 2021

9:53

Want to try hexagonal thinking but aren't sure how to get students to make interesting connections? Use the strategies in this episode to encourage depth and creativity in your students' thinking.

Go Further: 

Explore …

127: How to Create a Hexagonal Thinking Deck

May 25th, 2021

12:06

Ready to get started with hexagonal thinking in your classroom? Find out exactly what to put on your hexagonal thinking decks in today's episode. I think you're going to love this creative discussion strategy! 

Go …

126: 5 Ways to Use your Writing Makerspace

May 10th, 2021

10:54

Ready to put your writing makerspace into action? In today's episode, get five easy ideas for incorporating it into your writing instruction in your creative ELA classes.

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The …

125: How to Start a Writing Makerspace

April 27th, 2021

12:35

Heard whispers about the writing makerspace and wondering if it could help your writers? Find out how it works and how to easily get started in this …

124: 6 Free Canva Tools for Teachers

April 13th, 2021

14:08

Want to use Canva tools in your classroom? Good, because they're amazing! In this episode, learn about some of the best - like the handout creator, …

123: Creative Blended Learning (Now and in the Future), with Dr. Catlin Tucker

March 30th, 2021

30:51

In this interview with Dr. Catlin Tucker, blended learning specialist, learn about the station rotation model, effective playlist creation for independent learning, project-based-learning in the time of pandemic, and …

122: The Ultimate Guide to Genius Hour In ELA

March 16th, 2021

15:54

Ready to dive into genius hour with your students? Genius hour is an amazing way to develop their creativity AND ELA skillset. In this episode, learn how to rally student enthusiasm, structure projects, and come up with …

121: When Lit Circles WORK, with Krista Barbour

March 3rd, 2021

25:13

Want to do lit circles with your older students without the usual prescribed roles? Find out how one teacher made them work beautifully in her …

120: Collegiate High School's Digital Literary Food Truck Festival

February 16th, 2021

16:14

A literary food truck project is a great creative assessment for lit circles and choice reading. Find out how to take it digital in this interview with Amy Marquez and Alyssa Medrano, a creative librarian-English …

119: 5 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes in ELA

February 2nd, 2021

13:57

Want to try mixing interactive QR codes into your lesson plans, classroom design, and school hallways? In this show, find out how to simply create QR …

118: Big Ideas for Better Writing Instruction, with EB Academics

January 19th, 2021

38:19

Feel adrift when it comes to teaching writing in your ELA classes? 

You’ll find great tips in today's episode to help, like spiraling your writing instruction to improve its effectiveness, using mystery activities to …

117: 10 Ways to Encourage a Reading Culture in your (Online) Classroom

January 12th, 2021

23:53

Wishing you could promote choice reading more effectively with students online?

It IS possible to create a rich reading culture with your kids now.

116: Connect with your Students as a New Year Begins

January 1st, 2021

15:48

Happy New Year! In this episode, discover six ideas for re-connecting with your students when you get back to school, no matter what your scenario. 

115: 5 Creative Digital Poetry Activities

December 21st, 2020

18:09

Teaching a poetry unit? Need engaging poetry unit ideas you can roll out easily in Google Classroom?

Today we're talking about digital poetry tiles, …

114: Easily Reduce your Digital Paper Pile

December 15th, 2020

20:27

Is your digital paper pile keeping you up at night? Google Classroom work may not fill your workbag, but it sure can weigh on your mind.

Check out this episode for three easy ways to cut down your online grading time.

113: Breakout Rooms, Community Building, and Grading Policies for Online Teaching

December 8th, 2020

46:42

In this episode, get ideas for better breakout rooms, building community in the remote classroom, teaching writing online, and much more with my guest Christina, from The Daring English Teacher. 

Go Further: 

Explore …

112: An ELA Teacher's Gift Guide

December 1st, 2020

17:34

In search of fun, creative gifts this holiday season? Discover sixteen ideas in this first annual Creative English Teacher's Gift Guide episode. From …

111: Creative Uses for Jamboard, with Matt Miller

November 24th, 2020

40:32

Want to try Jamboard, but not sure how? In this episode, discover creative classroom options for Jamboard, and learn how to avoid the common pitfalls.

Guest Matt Miller from Ditch that Textbook shares creative uses for …

110: Take Your Writing Workshop Digital (It's Easy), with Amanda Werner

November 17th, 2020

23:16

Wanting to experiment with online writing wokrshop? Let Amanda teach you how!

Writing workshop translates easily and simply to the online classroom.

Find out how to use recorded mini-lessons, easy check-in strategies, …

109: How to Make Digital "Magnetic" Poetry Activities

November 10th, 2020

14:36

In this episode, learn how to make a digital poetry tile set around any theme in three easy steps.

Try this creative poetry writing activity on Google Slides if your students need a little break or as part of a poetry …

108: Try a Virtual Travel Research Project

November 3rd, 2020

13:48

Build research into a fun virtual travel project. Who doesn't want to get away from it all sometimes in the middle of the year- this fun ELA project …

107: Virtual Discussion Problems? Try this

October 28th, 2020

17:26

Online discussions not flowing as they should? It's tough leading a virtual discussion in your ELA classes, especially with mics muted and videos …

106: Doing a Podcast Project? Let me be your Guest Speaker

October 13th, 2020

28:33

Podcasting is an ideal ELA project for students right now.  

If you're diving in, let me be your guest speaker! In this unusual episode, I'm answering student questions about what it's like to be a podcaster.  My hope …

105: How to Creatively use T.V. Clips in ELA

September 29th, 2020

21:42

Want to use T.V. clips as one of your options to inspire rigorous, creative activities in your ELA classes?

Listen in to these wonderful clip/project …

104: Create a Hyperdoc in 6 Easy Steps

September 15th, 2020

12:11

Hyperdocs are an easy answer to how to keep all students on track during blended learning.

In this episode, learn how to create a hyperdoc for your unit in six easy steps.

All you need is a Google Slide and a little …

103: Off Screen Activities for Remote Learning in ELA

September 1st, 2020

16:50

Trying to give your distance learners some screen breaks?

Here are some ideas to help ELA students do productive work away from the glow. In the rush …

102: Taking your Literary Food Truck Festival Digital

August 20th, 2020

12:48

Take your Literary Food Truck Festival online with the easy steps and free curriculum in this post and podcast from Spark Creativity.

Go Further: 

101: How to Run Virtual Literature Circles

August 19th, 2020

19:07

Do you love literature circles but worry they can't translate to a blended or virtual classroom? In this episode, find out how to bring them online.

100: How to Run a Virtual First Chapter Friday

August 18th, 2020

15:47

Want to get started with a First Chapter Friday program, but not sure how to do it with blended learning? Don't worry, this episode will show you how!

Happy 100th episode! This is the first in a three-episode series …

099: How to Get your Students listening to Podcasts, with Ashley Bible

August 4th, 2020

40:18

Podcasts are an easy, accessible, (FREE) and hands-free text option for students during blended learning.

In this episode of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, find out how to build a podcast unit, great podcast …

098: 5 Flexible ELA Unit Ideas

July 23rd, 2020

24:09

Wondering how to flip your classroom so you can teach two separate groups of kids in person and online?

In this episode, discover five flexible ELA unit ideas that require no texts, and how to teach them to your …

097: A Flexible Plan for Blended Learning

July 21st, 2020

22:14

As you plan for blended learning and shifting scenarios this fall, a flexible approach will allow you to be prepared without being attached to any …

096: Summer Priorities in the Face of Fall Uncertainties, with Angela Watson

July 7th, 2020

31:24

Teacher planning is hard this year with all the uncertainties of fall. Will you be remote teaching? Orchestrating blended learning? Both?

In this podcast interview with Angela Watson, teacher productivity and mindset …

095: Remote Teaching: Grading, Discussion, and Building Community with Marie Morris and Amanda Cardenas

June 23rd, 2020

39:12

Trying to plan for remote teaching this fall in your high school ELA classes? In this podcast, we're diving into best practices for grading, …

094: Project Lit, Sketchnotes, and Classroom Design with Laquisha Hall

June 9th, 2020

39:58

If you’re interested in incorporating Project Lit titles, sketchnotes, the publication of student writing and effective classroom design into your work as an English teacher, you’re going to love this episode with …

093: A Plan for your First Fall Unit in ELA

May 27th, 2020

18:31

 In this podcast episode, discover a plan for an opening ELA unit that will help you build community in your class and allow you to get to know your students, even if you can't actually meet them in person.

Go Further: 

092: Distance Learning: A Creative End to the Year

May 12th, 2020

12:59

It's been a difficult spring term to say the least. But chances are, you still want to find a way to end things on a positive, creative, meaningful …

091: Project-Based-Learning in the City, with Laura Deisley of Lab Atlanta

April 29th, 2020

45:08

Lab Atlanta is an innovative program connecting students with the resources and richness of Atlanta, and empowering them to make an impact through project-based learning.

Find out more in this podcast episode with its …

090: Bringing Transformation to your School, with Trace Pickering of Iowa Big

April 14th, 2020

29:13

After a flood ravaged his hometown of Cedar Rapids, IA, Trace Pickering helped lead a transformation in education through his innovative program, Iowa Big.

 Listen to this interview with Trace for inspiration on how to …

089: Adventures at Home

April 1st, 2020

19:14

Grab a smoothie and let's talk about life under quarantine. In this episode, I'm sharing five tips and resources that have stuck with me from a lot of online conversations these last few weeks, and then sharing a …

088: Help for Teaching through Coronavirus Closings

March 17th, 2020

13:18

Is your school closing due to the coronavirus outbreak? Here are some creative ideas for you to stay connected to your students and keep them working …

087: Easy Ways to use Hexagonal Thinking in ELA

March 10th, 2020

15:40

Hexagonal thinking is a powerful way to help students make connections between characters, themes, ideas, other literary works, and current events.

086: Take Action for Deeper Learning, with Sarah Fine

February 25th, 2020

46:58

Wish your students kept talking about classwork out in the halls? Want to tap into the research when it comes to creating opportunities for deep, …

085: 5 ELA Tech Tools to Try

February 11th, 2020

12:30

Want the best of teacher tech? Discover five top tools for ELA teachers available in 2020. Screencastify, My Shakespeare, Kaizena, Flipgrid, and …

084: These are a Few of my Favorite (English Teacher) Things

January 29th, 2020

17:24

I've worked on so many projects this year, and not all the delightful resources, books, websites and products I've discovered fit neatly into a post …

083: Engage your Snapchatters with Booksnaps, featuring Tara Martin

January 10th, 2020

35:27

Students always on Snapchat? Harness their love of the app with #booksnaps, a powerful reading comprehension strategy that brings annotation into the …

082: Innovative Elective (or Unit) Ideas for ELA

December 22nd, 2019

15:39

In search of creative elective ideas? Join my brainstorming session and hear my five favorite ideas for electives right now, then adapt them for your own elective proposal (or innovative new unit). 

Go Further: 

Explore …

081: Empowering Students with Project-Based Learning

December 10th, 2019

47:56

Project-based learning is messy and sometimes, intimidating.

But it's also AWESOME.

In this episode of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, find out how two teachers are empowering their students by learning to …

080: Let's Teach Students how to Collaborate

November 25th, 2019

10:08

It's not easy to get students to navigate collaborative work well. There's usually someone who does all the work, someone who stays silent, someone …

079: Less Testing. More Innovating.

November 12th, 2019

49:00

If you're interested in saying goodbye to testing and embracing progressive education, you'll want to learn more about Ted Dintersmith's trip across all fifty states in search of creativity and innovation, and about his …

078: The Quick Guide to First Chapter Fridays

November 5th, 2019

3:03

Want to get students excited about your reading library? Try First Chapter Fridays.

This quick episode gives you all the details you need to get started. If you've got a great book and ten minutes, you can give this a …

077: Integrating the Arts & ELA

October 30th, 2019

54:26

Want to get students out of their seats and on their feet? Arts integration is a powerful tool for engaging students creatively with print texts.

In …

076: Host a "This I Believe" Radio Show

October 16th, 2019

12:56

This I Believe began as a radio essay series and became nationally beloved. For good reason! Listening to people talk about the small things they really care about is inspiring.

In this episode, find out how to easily …

075: 10 Review Activities that aren't Boring

September 24th, 2019

12:47

Review can easily get boring. Why not review with the same kind of dynamic, creative activities that make up your daily lessons? (I know, I know, I'm preaching to the choir). 

In this episode, get ten ideas for engaging …

074: Infographic Projects for the Win

September 12th, 2019

11:56

Infographics make an ideal project for your high school ELA classroom. Students combine personal interest and authentic audience in this …

073: Help for Harkness Discussions

August 29th, 2019

36:31

Heard of Harkness discussions but don't know how to get started? Wondering how they're different from Socratic seminars?

Get answers to all the commonly asked questions in this comprehensive guide to using Harkness …

072: Connecting your English Classroom to the World

August 14th, 2019

21:44

When the lines between classwork and real world work get blurred, it often leads to engagement and deeper learning for our ELA students.

This episode is all about finding ways to connect our classrooms to the world …

071: How to talk about Equity and Inclusion, with Liz Kleinrock

July 30th, 2019

21:58

Learn from Liz Kleinrock, Teaching Tolerance teacher of the year, about how she approaches big conversations about difficult topics with her students.

070: Help for Student Apathy, with Dave Stuart Jr.

July 17th, 2019

41:30

Want to help your apathetic students become more motivated? Dave Stuart Jr. knows how you feel. 

In this podcast episode, learn the five key beliefs that help students with their motivation, and discover two specific …

069: 40 Ways to Reduce your Grading Time

July 2nd, 2019

34:40

Grading doesn't have to be the thing that haunts you as a teacher.

There are a ton of strategies out there to help you reduce your grading time and maximize its effectiveness, once you decide to take a stand for …

068: Confronting Teacher Exhaustion, with Angela Watson

June 19th, 2019

23:40

Ready for an end to the teacher tired? The teacher guilt? The teacher busy?

In this episode, I'm chatting with Angela Watson about her work helping …

067: Look Forward to Teaching Vocabulary

June 4th, 2019

21:26

Wish teaching vocabulary in ELA could be more creative and fulfilling? You're not alone. The old "study at home for the quiz" routine can get pretty …

066: We Need More Diverse Books

May 21st, 2019

18:14

We need diverse books in our ELA classrooms.

In this podcast episode and blog post, discover title ideas from a stellar high school librarian - …

065: Final Exams that feel Meaningful

May 8th, 2019

14:08

Want to finish off your ELA year with as much meaning and creativity as you've brought to your curriculum all year long? Good for you! 

Skip the …

064: A Beginner's Guide to Writing Workshop

April 24th, 2019

30:34

In this episode, discover how to structure a successful writing workshop, what a workshop mini lesson is, and how to trouble shoot common issues that …

063: Using Stations Creatively in ELA

April 10th, 2019

24:29

Want to try out stations in your ELA classroom? Good for you! They're a great way to get students actively engaging (and fight the after-lunch tired factor). 

Find out how to set stations up for success in your next …

062: When Students Choose their Own Assessments, with David Rickert

March 27th, 2019

28:10

In this episode of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, we're focusing in on student-choice assessment in ELA with special guest David Rickert. 

By …

061: Using Podcasts as Texts in ELA

March 11th, 2019

23:03

Discover great podcasts to use in your ELA classroom, and get tips for how to use them successfully.

Find out how to keep students focused as they …

060: Students won't read? Don't care? One Year to Change That

February 28th, 2019

20:18

You can't read every book out loud to them forever.

Use blogs, podcasts, Ted Talks, spoken word poetry, independent reading and more to create a …

059: Maybe Teaching doesn't have to be so Lonely

February 17th, 2019

24:27

Though you're constantly surrounded by people, teaching can be lonely.

This episode is all about finding ways to build positive personal and …

058: How to Match Student Readers with Books they'll Love

January 30th, 2019

21:08

Your ELA students may struggle to find the books that will light them up. That's where you come in! 

Your choice reading program will be most …

057: Creative Tech Tools for ELA Teachers, with Jennifer Gonzalez

January 15th, 2019

32:33

Want tech that unlocks student creativity instead of replacing what's already working?

Join me as I chat with Jennifer Gonzalez, from Cult of …

056: Get Funding with Donors Choose (Dos and Don'ts)

January 3rd, 2019

23:47

If you're spending too much of your salary to equip your (public school) classroom to meet your students' needs, find out how to leverage Donors …

055: Hyperdocs, Authentic Audience, and Screencastify with Kristy Louden

December 18th, 2018

30:08

So many stellar ELA strategies on tap for today!

We're talking about how to use hyperdocs to teach writing more effectively, giving kids a truly …

054: Winter Holiday Activities for ELA

December 4th, 2018

17:10

Sick of trying to compete with holiday madness in December? Stop trying!

Bring the holidays in and enjoy teaching all your usual ELA skills in a new …

053: How to Plan a Unit in 30 Minutes

November 20th, 2018

10:40

Need help planning your ELA units? I hear you. 

Let me take you through my personal strategy for planning units, weeks, and days in three simple steps. 

Starting with the big picture makes it soooo much easier.

Go …

052: The Easy Guide to Blackout Poetry

November 7th, 2018

10:56

If your students would rather eat a ghost chili than dive into poetry workshop, blackout poetry is your new best friend!

In this episode, I'll teach …

051: Mock Trials and E-mail Etiquette with The Daring English Teacher

October 24th, 2018

29:20

Want to try mock trials with your ELA students?

Wish they didn't email you things like "hey i need to know what my grade is tonight if possible thx"?

Wondering if there's really a way to use board games in class that …

050: The Power of Imperfect Action

October 10th, 2018

18:51

If you've ever felt like you just didn't have time to learn enough about something new you want to try in your classroom before rolling it out, this …

049: Get Creative with Google Classroom, with Matt Miller

September 26th, 2018

45:13

In this episode of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, learn how to leverage Google Classroom to create more creative, more organized lessons, and to make your feedback process faster and more effective.

Matt Miller …

048: Reading Program Accountability that doesn't Ruin Everything

September 19th, 2018

14:30

Keeping students accountable to some expectations while helping them fall in love with reading is not easy!

I know you know.

Reading logs or book reports are not the way to go. 

But that doesn't mean you're not allowed …

047: The Power of the Writing Makerspace, with Angela Stockman

September 6th, 2018

32:05

Guiding students in using maker elements to build their arguments and ideas leads to greater complexity in their thinking and writing. Plus, it helps overcome writer's block!

Their are sooo many ways to incorporate the …

046: Sketchnotes are Awesome, with Mike Rohde

August 23rd, 2018

39:38

Heard the buzz about sketchnote? Wondering how to incorporate this powerful strategy in your ELA classroom?

Fabulous! Sketchnotes can help your …

045: Classroom Memes and Interactive Notebooks

August 16th, 2018

25:33

Do your students love memes? Want to learn more about the popular strategy, interactive notebooks? Wish you understood YA just a bit better? 

In this …

044: 25 Creative Assessments for Any Novel (Whoa)

August 9th, 2018

17:04

Looking for more creative assessment options at the end of your novel units? Good for you! 

Goodbye multiple choice tests, hello engaging final …

043: Tips for New Teachers, with Kristy Avis

July 25th, 2018

18:40

Are you in your first year or two? There's sooooo much happening! I remember it well, working until 11 pm and then getting up at 6 to do it again.

Phew. It does get easier! But there are also some things you can do now …

042: My FAVORITE Theater Project (for any play)

July 12th, 2018

8:42

When I took Shakespeare in college, my legendary professor Martha Andresen had us perform A Midsummer Night's Dream on campus. We split into groups, …

041: Teacher Mindset & Happiness with Angela Watson

June 26th, 2018

28:35

If you're feeling overwhelmed in your teaching life, and you'd like guidance with how to adjust your mindset, routines and goals to feel happier in the profession, this interview with Angela Watson will help you find …

040: Building a Creative Classroom Space

June 14th, 2018

21:20

Planning the layout and components of your ELA classroom? It's so fun, right? But it can also be a bit intimidating. 

These days I wish I could have …

039: Overwhelmed? Try this simple strategy.

May 31st, 2018

10:02

I didn't hear about "The Ideal Week" until at least a decade after I started teaching, but it's such a simple and helpful tool to help you cut …

038: 10 Ways to Fill a Hole in your ELA Curriculum

May 17th, 2018

19:27

Got a day between testing and your new unit? A week between the end of term and a break? A month before the end of school and no new books left?

No …

037: Cut Year-End Teacher Stress

May 2nd, 2018

14:49

As the end of the year comes at school, there's so much to do! And yet, engagement and persistence start to drift as the cares of the year pile up …

036: Host a Successful Class Play

April 19th, 2018

23:29

Ever wanted to put on a class play with your ELA students? With an audience and costumes and programs? 

Don't be intimidated, it IS possible! 

In this episode, Danielle from Nouvelle ELA, theater guru, shares her …

35: Crush it with Book Clubs

April 5th, 2018

25:33

Book clubs are such a great way to give students choice and include a wider variety of books in your curriculum! Try novels-in-verse clubs, graphic …

034: 4 Ways to Integrate STEM into ELA

March 29th, 2018

12:04

STEM, STEAM, or is it STABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPEAM? 

STEM gets a lot of attention, but we all know the ELA skills play a huge role for scientists, …

033: The Quick Guide to Genius Hour

March 15th, 2018

22:24

In this episode, I'll give you the roadmap for using genius hour in ELA. 

Find out how it fits the standards, how to structure it, how to grade it, and where you can find an amazing free resource set to get you started.

032: Shakespeare Activities for Any Play

March 2nd, 2018

10:08

Teaching Shakespeare? So often we're trying to help our students understand the language and context of the era, and make a real connection to the …

031: Using Murder Mysteries, Ted Talks, and SNL Clips in Class

February 22nd, 2018

24:56

Want to engage your students with murder mysteries? Make them laugh while they learn with SNL clips? Hook them with great Ted Talks?

Uh, yeah, of …

030: The Simplest Method for One Pager Success

February 16th, 2018

6:12

One-pagers combine visuals with text to make ideas come alive in students’ minds and memories.

But it’s easy for students to struggle with one-pagers if they're not naturally inclined toward art and have not previously …

029: A Beginner's Guide to Teaching Abroad

February 13th, 2018

19:55

When I took a job in Sofia, Bulgaria, I honestly wondered if I would be able to see out my contract. I was so new to the world of living abroad, and …

028: Empower your Students, with John Spencer

January 18th, 2018

26:23
Do you ever feel like you’re pursuing engagement, not empowerment, in your classroom? Do you ever feel like you’re doing more work than your students?    John Spencer used to too. But now he’s all about empowering …

027: Turn your Class into a Discussion Panel with Audience Tweeters

January 11th, 2018

24:39

In this episode, Jenna Copper from Doc Cop Teaching and I dive into one of her most successful and engaging classroom strategies, a discussion format …

026: My Teacher Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

January 5th, 2018

20:52

In this episode, I take a look back over many of the big and small mistakes I've made as a teacher, and give you a roadmap for how to avoid them.

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher …

025: The Best of ELA this Year

December 22nd, 2017

20:19

In this episode, I take a look back over the trends, resources, and strategies that stood out to me as the most interesting during this year in ELA. 

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity …

024: A Beginner's Guide to Student Blogging

December 15th, 2017

20:27

In this episode, I'll share five fabulous ways to empower your student writers in ELA through blogging. 

OK, a quick update. When I first created …

023: Why you Need Discussion Warm-Ups

December 5th, 2017

16:41

Discover my TOP STRATEGY  for success with any discussion.

Helping students to prepare with a fun, easy warm-up activity eliminates the awkward silence and empowers students to contribute easily.

Get ready for increased …

022: 10 Top Books for your Classroom Library

November 28th, 2017

36:47

Today on the podcast, Brynn Allison of The Literary Maven shares her top ten current book recommendations to hook reluctant readers. 

For example... 

FORGED BY FIRE (TRILOGY), BY SHARON M. DRAPER

If you're going to add …

021: The Best Websites for ELA Teachers

November 17th, 2017

15:20

There are so many great places to find inspiration for ELA online! 

In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite sites for free creative lesson plans and ideas for English teachers online. 

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the …

020: Authentic Audiences for Student Work

November 6th, 2017

11:43

In this episode, I'll share five strategies for amping up student engagement by giving them authentic audiences for their work.

It's more doable than it seems! Once you start looking, you'll find authentic audience …

019: Active Learning outside the Classroom Walls

October 20th, 2017

22:05

Let's talk about taking a break from your classroom space and getting out into other school spaces.

Spend a day trying one of these mini-field trips …

018: A Simple Trick to Cut Grading Time

October 5th, 2017

11:05

In this episode, I'll share the system that allows me to skip repetitive comment writing by using a list of common errors with my students.

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast

017: Get Started with ELA Escape Rooms

September 20th, 2017

26:07

Curious about escape rooms? For good reason! 

Escape rooms are an engaging teaching strategy rapidly growing in momentum across the country.

Emily Aierstok, my first ever podcast guest, will share her experiences …

016: ELA Maker Spaces

September 8th, 2017

17:33

In this episode I'll be sharing two ways you can try out ELA maker spaces in your classroom this year. They are creative, doable and inexpensive, and I think you're going to love them! 

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the …

015: Building Professional Community as a Teacher

August 27th, 2017

11:28

Ever feel lonely at work, even though you're surrounded by people all the time? You're not alone on that. 

This episode is all about finding ways to build a support structure for yourself as a creative teacher.

Go …

014: Creative Secondary Decor

August 23rd, 2017

11:04

A beautiful and inspiring work space isn't just for primary students.

In this episode, I'll share ideas for age-appropriate creative decor for your …

013: The First Day of School doesn't have to be Boring

August 16th, 2017

13:34

Engage your students from the opening moment with these creative first day activities.

No need to read that syllabus out loud! 

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast.

Join our …

012: 3 Simple Systems for a Creative Classroom

August 10th, 2017

12:18

In this episode, learn three simple systems you can put in place at the start of the year to make class easier and more creative all year long. 

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher …

011: Classroom Mini-Flips

July 28th, 2017

10:22

In this episode, I'll share five ways to dip your toes in the classroom flipping ocean. There's no need to abandon your entire curriculum to …

010: Creative Assessment Options

July 13th, 2017

20:06

In this episode, I'll share why I believe in creative forms of assessment and share more than a dozen examples you can start using tomorrow in your ELA classroom. 

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark …

009: Show your Administration your Strengths

June 29th, 2017

11:54

Sometimes you have to be proactive to help your boss understand what a great job you're doing. But don't worry, it can actually be a lot of fun. 

In this show, discover seven strategies for showing your administration …

008: Harkness Discussions (are awesome)

June 16th, 2017

22:41

In this episode, discover how to use the Harkness method of discussion in your ELA classes to help students understand how to share a rich discussion and navigate group dynamics more effectively for the rest of their …

007: Why You Should Try Poetry Slam

June 7th, 2017

11:23

Are your students stressed out by poetry? Mine were too, until I started teaching them about performance poetry and holding class poetry slams. 

In …

006: 10 Ideas for your Professional Development (Besides Conferences)

June 3rd, 2017

11:56

In this episode, discover ten ideas for creative professional development besides attending a conference. There are so many ways to learn something new (including this podcast). 

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes …

005: How to Get Started with a Classroom Collaboration

May 28th, 2017

19:13

Want to try collaborating with another teacher? Maybe another teacher in another country?

Get ideas for how to find a partner and start a project in …

004: Theater and Performance Activities for ELA

May 18th, 2017

15:23

Help your ELA students getengaged through theater and performance activities in class. There are so many options! We'll get into some of my favorites in this episode.

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The …

003: Start your Choice Reading Program

May 17th, 2017

19:29

You don't have to choose between choice reading and whole class texts. You can have both, and student will benefit from each in different ways.

In …

002: Easy Strategies for Differentiation

May 17th, 2017

14:44

In this episode, discover three easy ways to use differentiation to let students play to their strengths in your ELA classroom.

Go Further: 

Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast.

Join our …

001: My Favorite Strategy for Every Single Unit

May 17th, 2017

18:28

Would 12 year olds learn to spell 1000 words without the National Spelling Bee? Would high schoolers practice layups for hundreds of hours without …

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