Classroom, Curriculum, High School, school

Engaging High School Students with Theme

Let's be honest: teaching theme can sometimes feel like trying to nail jelly to a wall. You carefully explain this abstract literary concept, provide clear examples, and then ask students to identify the theme of a text. What do you get? Blank stares. One-word answers like "love" or "friendship." Or worse, a plot summary disguised… Continue reading Engaging High School Students with Theme

assessment, Classroom, Curriculum, Junior High, school

Teaching Theme to Junior High Students: A Complete Guide to Revolutionise Your Classroom

Teaching theme to your junior high students does not have to result in blank stares and lacklustre responses. With the right strategies and creative approaches, you can transform theme lessons into engaging, meaningful learning experiences that resonate with young learners long after they leave your classroom. Understanding theme is one of the most important literary… Continue reading Teaching Theme to Junior High Students: A Complete Guide to Revolutionise Your Classroom

Curriculum, Elementary

Teaching Theme to Elementary Students: A Fun, Kid-Centred Approach

"What's the theme of this story, class?" Silence. Blank stares. Maybe a brave hand shoots up with "Um... friendship?" Sound familiar? Teaching theme to elementary students can sometimes feel like trying to explain colour to someone who's only ever seen black and white. It's abstract, it's tricky, and (let's be honest) it can feel pretty… Continue reading Teaching Theme to Elementary Students: A Fun, Kid-Centred Approach

Classroom, Elementary, Resources

Simple Ideas for Teaching Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Hello, teacher friends! One of my favourite books to use in the class is Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School. I LOVE Louis Sachar's writing and the original Sideways Stories is just SO fun and so funny! I swear, I still love all these silly stories as a grown ass woman. One of the… Continue reading Simple Ideas for Teaching Sideways Stories from Wayside School