Using A Classic: Charlie Chaplin Integrating a classic is a great way to pump up an otherwise simple lesson. It seems like a black and white movie is the last thing a kid would want to see, but classics are classics for a reason!
The Westing Game – Book Study Ideas Sixteen unlikely heirs? A mysterious murder? A fortune on the line? Let's dig into The Westing Game!
Don’t just list examples of writing techniques. Let’s improve Shakespeare! I stopped and started with "What 👄 special writing techniques does the author use? List examples."
How I’d Change this Question from my Textbook Here are a dozen ways to transform a not-so-critical-thinking question from one of my district's textbooks.
Patterns In Writing: Conflict Discussing types of conflict is a great first step towards building a strong narrative. Although the term conjures up images of ninja battles for many of our students, conflict can take on many more sophisticated forms than physical fights.
Upgrading “Put The Events In Order” I often see this question on language arts and social studies worksheets: "Put these events in order." Yes, it's low-level, but the real problem is that it's a one-off. Let's make a sequence of questions about the order of events.
An Image for Divergent Thinking Practice I think this is an interesting way to practice our students' divergent thinking skills. What else could this trash can's icon represent?
A Classic: “Who’s On First” and 21st Century Kids My 21st century 12-year-olds absolutely died watching Abbot and Costello's "Who's On First" skit. And we got a great homophone activity out of it too.
