AR hopes to solve the age old question: How do we motivate students to read? For primary grades, a points-based system for students can be fun. “Gamifying” something “boring” like reading can help some students. However, in my opinion, AR for secondary ELA (6th-12th grades) falls short. Disadvantages of AR: The disadvantages of AR inContinue reading “My Alternative to AR (Accelerated Reader) for Secondary ELA”
Author Archives: Stacey Wassif
Preparing for the First Days in Secondary ELA
Whether you’re coming into a new classroom for the first time or coming back to the same one, the beginning of the school year can be an overwhelming and stressful time! I always take a few minutes to sit at my desk before touching anything and prioritize what needs to be done before my newContinue reading “Preparing for the First Days in Secondary ELA”
Planning Ahead for Next School Year
Doing a few tasks before you leave your classroom for the summer can give you a sense of peace and relief and avoid feeling overwhelmed when the next school year rolls around. Here are some tasks that you can do in the last few days of school. Get rid of old stuff! Get your studentsContinue reading “Planning Ahead for Next School Year”
End of the School Year Activities for Secondary ELA
Hi teachers! The end of the school year can definitely be a memorable time, but it can certainly be exhausting (mentally and physically!) What’s most important to remember is that you keep your students BUSY. Have a plan in place for what those days look like, otherwise, chaos will ensue (no joke, the energy onContinue reading “End of the School Year Activities for Secondary ELA”
How to Hold a Mock Trial in Secondary ELA
Why do a mock trial in secondary ELA? Mock trials can be one of the most memorable activities you do all school year! They are meant to be used as a fun summative assessment at the end of reading any complex text. Students are assigned different roles within the trial and must research the bestContinue reading “How to Hold a Mock Trial in Secondary ELA”
SBAC Testing Resources for Secondary ELA
Hi teachers! It’s testing season in the U.S., and for those of us that teach in a Smarter Balanced Assessment state, I wanted to share a few resources to help your secondary ELA students be prepared! SBAC ELA Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) Heavy Hitters Study Cards Help your students knock the SBAC CAT (Computer AdaptiveContinue reading “SBAC Testing Resources for Secondary ELA”
Career Resources for Secondary ELA
Hi teachers! It’s never too early to get your students thinking about their future careers. Here are some great resources that will help your students find their way! Mock Job Interview Resources Get your students to prepare seamlessly for their first job interview with this comprehensive resource! Includes common job interview question cards and answers.Continue reading “Career Resources for Secondary ELA”
Games and Manipulatives for Secondary ELA
Hi teachers! Getting hands-on in the secondary ELA classroom is easier than you think. When students can organize information at their own pace and with others collaboratively, magic happens! Here are a few ideas for incorporating games and manipulatives in your lessons! Roll a Question Resources With these resources, students roll two dice to getContinue reading “Games and Manipulatives for Secondary ELA”
Easy Prep Valentine’s Day Activities for Secondary ELA
Hi teachers! Valentine’s Day isn’t just for elementary grades; it can be an exciting season in the secondary ELA classroom too. It’s a great season for poetry writing and inspiring words of love! Read to the end for a Valentine’s Day freebie! Valentine’s Day Poetry Writing With Valentine’s Day Poetry Stations, students rotate through 7 stationsContinue reading “Easy Prep Valentine’s Day Activities for Secondary ELA”
Secondary ELA January Activities Round-Up
January is the beginning of a new year and also a great time to give your students a “reset” for their academic lives. Here are some great choices for starting off fresh! New Year, New Student Bingo Challenge With the New Year, New Student Bingo Challenge, you can get your students motivated to change oldContinue reading “Secondary ELA January Activities Round-Up”
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