English Language Arts
Explore and share tips, strategies, and resources for helping students develop in English language arts.
Essay Assignments That Actually Engage High School Writers
Cookie-cutter essays may reflect students’ attitude toward the assignment, not their writing ability. Here’s a way to make that stack of grading more rewarding.1.2k
Reading Mysteries Gets a Boost With Flipgrid
When one teacher’s students share their understanding of mystery books using the popular app, their enjoyment becomes a model for younger readers.371
Using Hip-Hop to Promote SEL Competencies
Song lyrics—whether familiar to students or not—can be used to explore the social and emotional learning skills that many teachers seek to encourage in students.430
Even Older Kids Should Have Time to Read in Class
If the goal is to develop lifelong readers, students need time in class to practice—and learn to enjoy—reading.8.8k
What Doesn’t Work: Literacy Practices We Should Abandon
The number one concern that I hear from educators is lack of time, particularly lack of instructional time with students. Although we can't entirely solve the time problem, we can mitigate it by carefully analyzing our use of class time.116.6k
Reading Aloud to Middle School Students
Hearing books read aloud benefits older students, enhancing language arts instruction and building a community of readers.42.1k
An Asset-Based Approach to Supporting English Learners’ Reading Skills
A look at what English learners need in order to develop the skills and motivation to improve their ability to read in English.2.2k
Using Read-Alouds to Improve Older Elementary Students’ Literacy Skills
A daily read-aloud can help build community and show reluctant readers how to approach a text.2.2k
5 Ways to Support Students Who Struggle With Reading Comprehension
These strategies can help students who are able to decode well but have difficulty understanding what they read—and they’re beneficial for all students.17.8k
How ‘Among Us’ Helps Students Master Argumentative Writing
In the popular online strategy game, students make claims, listen to counterclaims, and reach a conclusion—skills they need to write a strong argumentative essay.2.5k
4 Black Philosophers to Teach Year-Round
Weaving philosophy lessons into your curriculum can tease out bigger questions about identity, human rights, and artistic expression.1.8k
How to Facilitate Remote Socratic Seminars
Disciplined conversation about texts deepens students’ understanding—and builds a sense of community during distance learning.2k
50 Writing Prompts for All Grade Levels
Sometimes students need a little push to activate their imaginations.50.8k
Encouraging Students to Read for Deeper Comprehension
Attentive coaching and carefully crafted assessments guide high school students toward literacy skills that last a lifetime.852
Want Students to Master Literary Analysis? Try Starting With a Vocabulary Lesson
Unless they understand words such as ‘symbolize’ and ‘connote,’ it’s difficult for students to analyze literature well.2.7k