Category Archives: Teaching

Stories with Dreams

Posted on September 13, 2016 by msdickson

One way to encourage students to think deeper is to have them make connections across texts.  Building thematic units using unusual pairings based around a shared idea is one way to encourage that thinking.  It also allows opportunities to compare … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun Projects, Short Stories, Teaching, Teaching Ideas, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Stories about Science Gone Wrong

Posted on August 22, 2016 by msdickson

As with any theme, it can unify stories that might otherwise not be grouped together.  By pairing less obvious stories, teachers can guide students in examining deeper meaning and comparing texts beyond superficial traits.  This can be a good basis … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun Projects, Short Stories, Teaching, Teaching Ideas, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Personal Writing Topics for Back to School

Posted on August 15, 2016 by msdickson

Personal writing is a good way to get to know students a little better (and safer for certain students than many ice breaker activities.)  Another bonus to using personal writing at the start of a year or semester is using … Continue reading →

Posted in Secondary Writing, Teaching, Teaching Ideas, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

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

Giveaway!

Posted on August 2, 2016 by msdickson

For back to school, a bunch of Teachers Pay Teachers sellers, including myself, have gotten together for a give away.  Read more about it at http://languageartsclassroom.com/2016/07/back-school-annual-giveaway.html as well as about how to enter. I have contributed one of my products … Continue reading →

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How to Differentiate With Literary Essay Writing

Posted on July 30, 2016 by msdickson

There they sit.  Some twenty to thirty students, just finished with a piece of literature and ready to receive instructions for writing a literary essay.  While, in theory, they should all be writing at or around grade-level, in fact, students … Continue reading →

Posted in Secondary Writing, Smooth Classroom, Teaching, Teaching Ideas, 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 →

Posted in Secondary Education, Shoestring Budget, Smooth Classroom, Teaching, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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