Category Archives: Secondary Education

5 Ideas for Studying Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” Speech

Posted on January 15, 2017 by msdickson

Most secondary students are familiar with the speech, or at least the main idea, by the time they are in a secondary ELA classroom.  And that’s actually an advantage.  That means that additional study can scaffold on what they already … Continue reading →

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Thinking About Online Learning

Posted on August 8, 2016 by msdickson

Maybe you’re thinking about taking online classes for professional development or to work on your master’s degree.  Maybe your school is interested in adding online learning options for at-risk students or to expand your electives.  Maybe you’re considering work as … Continue reading →

Posted in Secondary Education, Teaching, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Icebreakers and the Bullied, the Introverts, and the Outcasts

Posted on August 3, 2016 by msdickson

Who I am as a teacher is greatly shaped by my experiences as a student.  And my experiences as a student were largely negative.  Oh, I loved learning– still do!  But as the school years ground onward into the years … Continue reading →

Posted in Secondary Education, Teaching, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Back to School as a Nomadic Teacher

Posted on July 21, 2016 by msdickson

Back to school means setting up the classroom.  Pinterest is already full of amazing ideas for desk arrangement, alternate seating options, bulletin board ideas, and themed decorations.  It’s an exciting time… Unless you are a Nomadic Teacher (or Cart Teacher).  … Continue reading →

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5 Back to School Activities– with an ELA Twist

Posted on July 14, 2016 by msdickson

I enjoy getting to know my students.  But I also feel pressure to make sure all activities are learning something.  My time is limited– and in the alternative classroom, there was little or no homework: assigning it was pointless because … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun Projects, Secondary Education, Teaching, Teaching Ideas, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Strategies For A Flexible Start of the Year

Posted on July 11, 2016 by msdickson

If your roster is ready, then you know you can jump right into your course content.  Most everyone who is in your class is already on your list– and probably even in attendance the first day or so of school. … Continue reading →

Posted in Secondary Education, Smooth Classroom, Teaching, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

5 Strategies for Teaching Summer School

Posted on June 13, 2016 by msdickson

Aside from the fact that summer school inevitably fell during the 20 most beautiful days in July, I rather enjoy teaching summer school.  I’ve always been big on second chances.  Plus, I tried to make it as fun for me … Continue reading →

Posted in Secondary Education, Teaching, Teaching Ideas, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Winter Reading for the Secondary Classroom

Posted on January 16, 2016 by msdickson

Even secondary students can enjoy themed assignments.  Not the snow-flake or pumpkin adorned worksheets of primary grades, but themed content done age-appropriately.  It’s much easier to read and imagine winter stories when there is snow on the ground, in my … Continue reading →

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I’m Thankful for the Thanksgiving Rap or Rhyme

Posted on November 15, 2015 by msdickson

We always have a short week before Thanksgiving break.  At least two school days, sometimes three.  The students are incredibly difficult to focus.  I’ve found that even if I can engage them in our  current task (unit, story, etc.), they … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun Projects, Holidays, Secondary Education, Secondary Writing, Teaching, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Why I Don’t Use Multiple Choice Questions

Posted on November 6, 2015 by msdickson

Creating and administering tests is used as an important gauge of student learning by teachers, parents, and administrators.  It’s not the only way, but it’s probably the most common.  In my classroom, when I have to give a test or … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Secondary Education, Teaching, Testing, Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment