The two philosophies of collectivism and individualism are heavy throughout Anthem by Ayn Rand. When I decided to teach this book, I researched both ideas and knew that if I wanted the kids to understand these heavy concepts, I was going to have to simplify and condense. And what better way to simplify and condense … Read moreTeaching Collectivism and Individualism for Anthem by Ayn Rand
I think it is becoming a series. Except I decided that I don’t just want to focus on tv shows. There are also a lot of movies that I think have tons of value but I wouldn’t dare show them in a classroom. When I first thought about doing a movie post, I didn’t have … Read moreIf I Could Get Away With It: Movie Edition | Borat
I’ve been thinking a lot about this. There is a lot of great content that I wouldn’t dare show in a classroom (for various reasons) but wish that I could (for various reasons). I think I’m going to start a new series where I discuss those shows. Maybe it can help someone out there get … Read moreIf I Could Get Away With It: TV Edition | Trigger Warning with Killer Mike
In Texas we have this handy dandy standard: (11) Reading/Comprehension of Informational Text/Procedural Texts. Students understand how to glean and use information in procedural texts and documents. Students are expected to: (A) evaluate text for the clarity of its graphics and its visual appeal; and (B) synthesize information from multiple graphical sources to draw conclusions about the ideas … Read moreIncorporating Infographics into the ELA Classroom: Writing an Essay
Here we go again… 1. “What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness” by Robert Waldinger Okonkwo is obviously an unhappy man. Turns out the key to happiness is the relationships we build. I guess someone should tell Okonkwo that… 2. “How movies teach manhood” by Colin Stokes I love the ideas … Read more4 TED Talks to Use While Teaching Things Fall Apart
Yes, I know it’s March. But I just found my PowerPoint and so I’m sharing now. 1. History vs. Christopher Columbus by Alex Gendler Why do we still celebrate this holiday? This animated TED ED talk goes into what’s not taught in elementary school about Columbus. Cliff Notes: he was a bad dude. 2. Can … Read more3 Videos to Use During the Holidays in the ELA Class
I can’t believe I’m about to talk about fear and mystery right after Valentine’s Day, but here goes. 1. What Fear Can Teach Us by Karen Thompson Really great TED Talk about how instead of shying away from our fear, we should embrace them, turn them into stories, and then act upon them. 2. Vampires- … Read more5 TED Talks to Use with the Theme of Fear and Mystery
I love Disney. Honestly, at this point, it’s probably a bit irrational. My husband doesn’t understand it. My kids don’t understand it. But Disney movies in the 90s were the companion to an only child, i.e. me. So anytime I can go back to my happy place I will. Therefore, I use a lot of … Read moreUsing Mulan to Teach Gender Stereotypes
There is a certain time of the year where I feel like I eat, breath, and dream ethos, pathos, and logos. State of Texas, can I please teach mythology? Or archetypes? Or WHOLE NOVELS? I’ll even take Julius Cesar at this point. But alas, it’s always coming up persuasion. Anyway, audience is always a tricky … Read moreAudience: Teaching Persuasion
I know that everyone who has to teach persuasion has done this at least one time in their teaching career. So I’m not proposing anything new. I’m just putting mine out into the ether. Hands down, the best way to get teenagers to understand persuasion is to appeal to their hungry little consumer on the … Read moreAdvertisement Project: Teaching Persuasion