Getting to know your students is paramount in your year being a successful one. That’s one of the reasons why the Diagnostic Essay is important that first week. Pretty soon, you’ll discover who your kids “really” are, and some or …
Dear Dr. D’ I am a high school English teacher, and because the Writing section of Common Core does not list Literature, I am expected to teach non-fiction for writing purposes. Students need to learn and write about the classics! …
I am constantly being asked for a Scope and Sequence, and I’ve always been reticent to provide one, because I want teachers to have flexibility. Sometimes, an entity will put out a Curriculum, and then it becomes mandatory and leaves …
Dear Dr. D’, My 10th grade American Literature students just don’t get it. I mean, when they are reading a fictional piece or a non-fictional piece, they don’t know how to infer. They don’t know how to look deeper into …
By Deborah E. Louis, Ph.D. With technology and especially online learning, the idea of competency-based education is a viable option and may be best used in a blended learning environment. Blended learning is an idea that may offer more time …
Dear Dr. D’, I was talking to an administrator who was not understanding why the students were struggling to write even when they were given graphic organizers and step-by-step instructions on what to do (“Read the prompt, brainstorm, plan/outline, …
Sometimes, people send me emails from Jane that I like to share–they are treasures, nuggets. I’m calling this series Jane’s Diction. What is so special about the following words by Jane is that they are from an email that she sent …
Dear Teachers, For Teacher Appreciation Week, I thought I would share with you a document that one of my favorite English teachers gave me when I became a teacher. My, how times have changed! RULES FOR TEACHERS–1872 Teachers each day …
This speech is from Jane’s papers. It is in our nature as human beings to reminisce at times like this, and I am no exception. I have a stern face but a soft heart, and I would like to give …
“There Are Years That Ask Questions and Years That Answer”: How to Improve Commentary Through the WOW Sheets
Dear Dr. D’, The confusion I’m having now that you might be able to help me with has to do with how deep to have [my students] go on the WOW sheet in the bubbles. Some students seem to write …