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
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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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Remember when research projects involved stacks of books and notecards? Yeah, me too. But we all know research has changed. I recently finished a …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
…
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
This week let’s talk about a unique masters program - and the one I did - The Bread Loaf School of English.
Quick Details:
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 …
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 …
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 …
This week let’s talk about the simplest audio recording tool out there for students, Vocaroo.
Getting into activities like student podcasting, …
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? …
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 …
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.
…
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 …
Librarians can help classroom teachers in sooooo many ways, and classroom teachers can return the favor by reminding kids they can always go further …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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. …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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!
…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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!
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 …
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 …
I see a lot of posts each month inside our Facebook group, Creative High School English, asking for text recommendations for different courses. …
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?
…
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 - …
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 …
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 …
This week on Highly Recommended I’m sharing a rather unusual strategy to help you create connection among your faculty.
Unless you've already …
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 …
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 …
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 …
This week on Highly Recommended I’m sharing one of my favorite sources for writing prompts, Dr. John Spencer’s video writing prompts channel.
…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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- …
Looking to bring more Antibias Antiracist work into your creative ELA classroom and curriculum? Liz Kleinrock of Teach and Transform has written a …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Try using graphic novels in your ELA classroom to create powerful reading ladders, launch literature circles, help make the classics accessible, and …
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 …
Gareth Hinds has created appealing graphic novel versions of many great classics of English literature, like The Odyssey, The Iliad, Beowulf, and …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Looking to engage your secondary ELA students in creative public speaking projects? Try podcasting, debate, mock trials, mini speeches, or genius …
Find out how veteran teacher Jane Wisdom successfully incorporated a social media twist on the traditional research project, with great results from …
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 …
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 …
Need help teaching the college essay to your students?
Learn about what makes a strong college essay from four experienced college admissions …
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 …
Want to try an international classroom collaboration? Learn the tips and tricks from Andrea Greer, who runs a five country collaboration from Japan.
What if faculty meetings deepened relationships and helped people feel connected and inspired? In this interview, get ideas for changing the design …
Want to build more contemporary poetry into your ELA classroom? Find out how with #teachlivingpoets founder Mel Alter Smith. Discover poetry …
In today's episode, discover 21 creative lessons, activities, and units you …
Looking for creative vocabulary activities that aren't boring? Want students to get excited about using words in interesting ways? Check out these …
Looking for creative multimedia mentor texts for your ELA students? Check out these options, from picture books to podcasts, videos to poetry, …
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.
Looking for the teacher technology that will really make an impact in your classroom, not just replace processes you use with newer, more complicated …
Get Penny's …
Want to try having students write nonfiction children's books? How about perform plays based on their favorite children's books?
Learn all about …
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, …
Ready to refresh your writing program with new, creative options? In this podcast episode, learn about unique writing prompts, writing alternative …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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.
…
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
In this episode, learn how Beth Duncan, a creative high school teacher from North Carolina, got her students podcasting. Discover the steps she went …
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. …
In this episode, featuring five creative guest experts, discover six powerful ideas to transform your ELA classroom into the inclusive, creative, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Wishing you could promote choice reading more effectively with students online?
It IS possible to create a rich reading culture with your kids now.
…
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.
…
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, …
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.
…
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 …
In search of fun, creative gifts this holiday season? Discover sixteen ideas in this first annual Creative English Teacher's Gift Guide episode. From …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
Online discussions not flowing as they should? It's tough leading a virtual discussion in your ELA classes, especially with mics muted and videos …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Take your Literary Food Truck Festival online with the easy steps and free curriculum in this post and podcast from Spark Creativity.
Go Further:
…
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.
…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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:
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Hexagonal thinking is a powerful way to help students make connections between characters, themes, ideas, other literary works, and current events.
…
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, …
Want the best of teacher tech? Discover five top tools for ELA teachers available in 2020. Screencastify, My Shakespeare, Kaizena, Flipgrid, and …
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 …
Students always on Snapchat? Harness their love of the app with #booksnaps, a powerful reading comprehension strategy that brings annotation into the …
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:
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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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Infographics make an ideal project for your high school ELA classroom. Students combine personal interest and authentic audience in this …
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 …
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 …
Learn from Liz Kleinrock, Teaching Tolerance teacher of the year, about how she approaches big conversations about difficult topics with her students.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
We need diverse books in our ELA classrooms.
In this podcast episode and blog post, discover title ideas from a stellar high school librarian - …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Though you're constantly surrounded by people, teaching can be lonely.
This episode is all about finding ways to build positive personal and …
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 …
Want tech that unlocks student creativity instead of replacing what's already working?
Join me as I chat with Jennifer Gonzalez, from Cult of …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Heard the buzz about sketchnote? Wondering how to incorporate this powerful strategy in your ELA classroom?
Fabulous! Sketchnotes can help your …
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 …
Looking for more creative assessment options at the end of your novel units? Good for you!
Goodbye multiple choice tests, hello engaging final …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …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 …
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. DRAPERIf you're going to add …
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.
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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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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!
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Explore alllll the …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Are your students stressed out by poetry? Mine were too, until I started teaching them about performance poetry and holding class poetry slams.
In …
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).
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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 …
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:
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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 …
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 …
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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