At the International Literacy Association’s recent conference in Boston, I had the opportunity to talk about genocide novels and how we can support our students in confronting the unimaginable human suffering of genocide but also humanity’s resilience to survive and bravery to tell and read stories about that survival. In this post, I share some book suggestions, an overview of rhetorical reading, and a sample book discussion from my 7th grade ELA class.
It’s one month into summer, and I think I have FOMO, fear of missing out. Yes, I am afraid of missing out on that one young adult novel or that one professional development book that is going to life changing.
Deliberate or not, reading teachers privilege certain voices and experiences over others when they choose this author or that, this poem or that, this book or that. Some teachers may not want to take on political or social justice issues, but they are doing just that.
Originally published on December 13, 2015, this is by far the most read and shared post of Ethical ELA in its first year. How has it impacted your practice? How will it impact your practice for the 2016-17 school year? By Lisa Nassar I do not …
Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen My rating: 5 of 5 stars I am reading a list of picture books this summer, looking for ones to include in my junior high classroom library. What I am looking for in the text, with teen readers …
Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood My rating: 4 of 5 stars I am reading a list of picture books this summer, looking for ones to include in my junior high classroom library. What I am looking for …
I took this picture on the beach of Gulf Shores, Alabama as I waded in and out of the waves trying to get nice pic. We had just driven south from Chicago through towns displaying the Confederate flag, and, in light of recent Supreme …
The blank page is daunting for any writer. Talking in front of peers in middle school might be even more so. A picture, however, can do the talking for us, and once it does, the writing comes. Take a look at my drawing. Yes, look, please. …
There’s no time for fiction in English classes these days. Argument and argumentative essays were all the rage last year, and I don’t see that movement slowing down. Did you notice the nonfiction teacher books and resources being passed around your school and the new …
From reading comic books to celebrating teacher friends, from reading logs to reading Shakespeare, from portfolio assessments to throwing out grades, we are uncovering what English teachers do for our students, schools, and humanity. Thank you.