Menu

Our BLOG ARCHIVE

3 songs to analyze irony in secondary ELA with purple music notes

From Lyrics to Literary Devices: 3 Excellent Songs to Analyze Irony

Looking for impactful songs to analyze irony in your secondary ELA class? This post has got you covered! Are you looking for an innovative and engaging way to teach literary devices to your secondary ELA students? Look no further! We delve into the world of music to explore 3 how popular songs can effectively communicate literary techniques, specifically irony.  With lyrics serving as powerful examples, we analyze three well-known songs from different genres and artists, dissecting their lyrics to uncover the various forms of irony present. Through this analysis, we not only introduce students to the concept of irony but also provide them with relatable and enjoyable examples to deepen their understanding.  Drawing on diverse styles, our chosen songs span a range of eras and themes, ensuring that your students will connect with at least

Read More »
3 Powerful Songs for Women's History Month with headphones and a microphone

3 Powerful Songs for Women’s History Month

Want empowering songs for Women’s History Month to incorporate into your secondary ELA curriculum? We’ve got you covered, teacher pals. March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions of women throughout history. Although we have a beautiful poster set and a literary activity bundle for Women’s History Month, we are talking MUSIC today. As educators, we have a unique opportunity to integrate this celebration into our classrooms. Music is a powerful tool for engagement and learning, so here are 3 exceptional songs that not only resonate with the themes of Women’s History Month but also offer rich content for literary analysis and classroom discussion.  These songs, each by influential female artists, provide a diverse range of perspectives and themes that can enrich your curriculum and inspire your students. Let’s

Read More »
3-independent-activities-you-can-grade-during

3 Awesome Independent Activities You Can Grade During

Want some independent activities you can grade during? There’s no shame–we all need those days to catch up in order to keep healthy work-life boundaries. We’ve got you! You know when grades are due or a unit has ended and you’re drowning in ungraded summative assessments? Yeah, I’ve been there.  I worked for a district that was pretty against playing movies, so even if I had a cool analysis activity to go with it, it still wouldn’t fly. But, I really just needed some uninterrupted time to grade without having to do it at home. I am FIRM on work-life boundaries, so how can I combine learning, engagement, and an independent activity? Easy. Digital Escape Rooms. Below, I share my three favorite (which also happen to be Danielle’s 3 top-selling escape rooms). So, whether you’re

Read More »
11 Black History Month Resources for Secondary ELA

11 Important Black History Month Resources: Texts, Tips, & More to Amplify Black Voices Yearround

Amplify Black voices and diversify your curriculum with these Black History Month resources for Secondary ELA! Black History Month Resources for Secondary ELA Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the rich contributions of Black authors and creators in literature. For secondary ELA teachers, incorporating diverse perspectives and voices into the curriculum is essential. By exploring literature that reflects the experiences of Black individuals, students can gain a deeper understanding of history, society, and themselves.  Below, we provide a curated list of Black History Month resources specifically designed for secondary ELA teachers during, well, all-year long! Yes, Black History Month is February, but Black history should be celebrated yearlong.  From escape rooms to song pairings, this list offers a wide range of texts and tips for you and your students. By incorporating

Read More »
4 songs to pair with The Great Gatsby for a Rich Literary Analysis

4 Songs to Pair with The Great Gatsby for a Rich Literary Analysis

Looking for songs to pair with The Great Gatsby? These four song pairings analyze the complex relationship between characters and themselves, the American Dream then and now, and the stark experiences between the rich and the poor. Welcome, fellow Secondary ELA educators! I’m excited to blog about a creative approach to teaching F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” using music as a tool for deeper analysis and engagement. I’ve carefully selected four poignant songs that not only resonate with the novel’s themes but also serve as a dynamic resource for your classroom activities. These songs will help students explore…✨ The complex dynamics between Gatsby and Daisy✨ The evolving concept of the American Dream✨ The societal pressure to alter one’s identity for personal and/or societal gain✨ The stark living standards throughout different socioeconomic groups in the

Read More »
Holiday song analysis activity

Unwrap Literary Magic with a Comparative Holiday Song Analysis Activity

‘Tis the season for festive tunes and merry moments with this ELA comparative holiday song analysis activity! If you’re looking for a holiday song analysis activity that is festive yet secular, I’ve got you! In this post, I outline how students can compare two secular songs that are perfect for the “cozy cup of coco in front of a cutie book tree” winter season vibe. A Comparative Holiday Song Analysis Sesame Street’s “Holiday Song” Ingrid Michaelson & Sara Bareilles’ “Winter Song” Both songs focus on winter and the holiday season. They are not specific to one holiday or a religious practice and are chalk full of literary analysis opportunities!  Give students an opportunity to engage in a first- and second-watch of both videos. If possible, provide a digital or printed copy of the lyrics, so they

Read More »
ELA digital escape room to survive the holiday season

Survive & Thrive this Holiday Season with an Engaging ELA Digital Escape Room

Do your students have the before-break-blues? Check out an ELA digital escape room that will have students embark on the ultimate classroom adventure! Are your students…✅ Asking “day one” questions✅ Checking out quicker than usual✅ Using their phones SO MUCH MORE✅ Groaning about “actually doing stuff” (the AUDACITY)✅ Itching for a movie day (maybe you are more so than them)✅ Crawling towards the holiday break (again…maybe you are more than them) If so, your students have the “before-break-blues.”  Don’t worry, it’s totally curable. What does the trick for my students?1️⃣ Something FUN that does not feel like learning2️⃣ Something digital to keep the phone itch at bay3️⃣ Something collaborative because my kids LOVE to talk…about strictly off-topic things this time of year So, what’s the cure? 🥁 DRUM ROLL PLEASE 🥁 An ELA digital escape

Read More »
3 Free ELA Activities to boost creativity and collaboration picturing a small group of middle school students working together with support from their teacher

3 Fun and Free ELA Activities to Foster Creativity and Communication

Free ELA Activities for Your Secondary Classroom Looking for free ELA activities to boost students’ creativity and collaboration in a fun and free way? Look no further! Below, we share 3 engaging ELA activities that will improve your classroom community and the quality of student-to-student collaboration in your class. From word games to creative writing exercises, these activities are designed to make learning enjoyable and effective. And the best part? They won’t cost you a thing! With these activities, you can expand your students’ creativity, enhance their reading comprehension, and sharpen their writing skills. Foster Creativity & Community with these Free ELA Activities One free week of Collaborative Trivia Bell Ringers I loooove…✨ Building routines ✨ Fostering a positive classroom community ✨ Providing FUN opportunities for students to practice their collaborative skills These trivia bell

Read More »
Nine collaborative learning strategies to increase student collaboration in your secondary ELA class. Pictured are young students hands layered on top of one another as if ready to engage in a "team break" chant.

9 Collaborative Learning Strategies that Will Promote Rich Conversations Between Your Secondary ELA Students

Looking for collaborative learning strategies to implement in your secondary ELA classroom? These 9 strategies will promote rich academic conversations, build community, and foster effective communication for your students. The importance of effective communication in secondary ELA classrooms How do you promote collaboration in the classroom? In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, fostering effective communication in Secondary ELA classrooms has become more crucial than ever before. Collaborative learning strategies have emerged as a powerful tool to encourage student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This blog post walks you through nine collaboration strategies that can significantly enhance communication skills in ELA classrooms, which empowers students to express their thoughts and ideas confidently.  By incorporating opportunities for collaborative discussions, teachers can create a dynamic learning environment that promotes active participation and encourages students to think critically and

Read More »
3 Spooky Short Stories for Middle School Students featuring a skeleton waving hello

3 Unique and Spooky Short Stories for Middle School that Students Probably Haven’t Read Before

Want to build some suspense in your class this Halloween? Check out these 3 lesser-known spooky short stories for middle school. It’s OFFICIALLY spooky season, friends! This is my favorite time of year in the classroom because, like many of my students, I enjoy turning up the suspense and spook. For this Halloween, I researched some diverse and lesser-known spooky short stories for middle school ELA.  Do you teach high school? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check this post out where there are several inclusive high school horror stories for your choosing.   3 Spooky Short Stories for Middle School Students You might be wondering: “Are horror stories appropriate for middle schoolers?” Heck yeah! Using Common Lit, a free resource site for teacher-approved content, I found 3 titles that I think your students will

Read More »
7 Diverse & Powerful Poems to Teach Tone with a student wearing a yellow jacket writing in a notebook

7 Diverse & Powerful Poems to Teach Tone

Looking for FRESH and diverse poems to teach tone? Teacher friends, I’ve rounded up a good one today! Below, I have 7 poems to teach tone that are not typically taught in the mainstream ELA curricula (but should be!). They are all written from diverse authors and publishing dates range from 1995 to 2022. Want to know the best part? These poems are totally teacher-approved through CommonLit, and you can access them for free. You don’t need a district-paid account to access the poems, guiding questions, and other basic features. 7 Poems to Teach Tone Before you dive in, using daily poetry bell ringers and/or an introductory video like this one might strengthen your student’s understanding of tone analysis in poetry. You can also use the engaging activities in this stellar poetry bundle to introduce,

Read More »
Unlock Academic Success with Our Secondary ELA Vocabulary Bundle featuring an image of varied Scrabble tile letters on a wooden surface

Unlock Academic Success with our Secondary ELA Vocabulary Bundle

Unlock your students’ academic success with our comprehensive Secondary ELA Vocabulary Bundle. It will save you time planning and support your students in succeeding! Want your students to quickly define literary devices? Want your students to identify figurative language AND provide efficient examples? Want your students to use drama vocab to discuss scripts and plays? These objectives and more are all met in this comprehensive ELA vocabulary bundle! Click the image to visit the resource and add it to your cart 😉 What is INCLUDED in your Secondary ELA Vocabulary Bundle? ⭐ 7 lists of terms and definitions  ⭐ Interactive Notebook foldables ⭐ A BINGO! review game for each topic (two sets of 34 cards each) ⭐ 7 print-and-go quizzes with matching, examples, and a short response ⭐ Editable quizzes (.doc) ⭐ Digital versions of quizzes and BINGO games

Read More »
Using short stories for teaching internal and external conflict - a field of grass sets the background of two blue signs with arrows pointing at each other

Teaching Internal and External Conflict Using These 5 Captivating Short Stories

Teaching internal and external conflict? Captivate your students with 5 short stories to deepen their understanding! With an already fascinating line-up of tips, texts, and tricks for teaching ELA concepts using short stories, I wanted to add 5 more that offer internal and external conflict examples. Teaching Internal and External Conflict with Short Stories All of these short stories are collected from CommonLit, which is free to sign-up for. The titles are hyperlinked to take you directly to the short stories, but some of them may require sign-in. “Lather & Nothing Else” by Hernando Téllez One-sentence summary from CommonLit:✨ “This short story takes place in Colombia, where a civil war is taking place between ordinary citizens and the military that controls the country.” Using to Teach Conflict:✨ The barber faces an INTERNAL conflict while shaving

Read More »
3 Middle school bell work activities for ELA students with a middle school aged student in a coral color shirt holding a pencil in their hand

3 Fun and Educational Middle School Bell Work Activities

Looking for engaging middle school bell work activities for your ELA students? Check out these three fun and educational ideas to start your class off on the right foot! Before we jump into the 3 middle school bell work activities, I want to take a moment to answer some popular bell work questions! What are bell ringers for middle school? Middle school bell work activities are typically short writing or collaborative activities used at the start of a class period. Using them consistently at the start of your class yields a ton of benefits:✨ You have a few minutes to take attendance or respond to a quick email✨ Students develop a sense of routine & expectations✨ Students practice sustained & frequent writing (tons of benefits within itself!)✨ Great tool for start-of-class management✨ Prevents the anxiety-inducing

Read More »
A back to school teacher survival guide post with a teacher wearing glasses aligned to the right with students blurred in the background

The Ultimate Back to School Teacher Survival Guide: 9 Tips and Tricks for a Successful Year

Get ready for a successful school year with this ultimate back to school teacher survival guide. Packed with tips and tricks, this guide will help you navigate the challenges of the classroom. You are most likely one of two types of teachers. Teacher One LOVES all of the back to school supplies, posts, and sales. Or you’re Teacher Two who feels nervous butterflies in their stomach after accidentally making eye contact with the back to school section at Target. I am Teacher Two. My one realistic goal each back to school season is to add one manageable tool to better prepare for the upcoming school year. So, whether you’re a fellow Teacher Two or a ready-to-go Teacher One, I’ve outlined 9 teacher survival guide blog posts full of tips & tricks to help you set

Read More »
Back to school resources round up sits atop a black chalkboard with a book stack in the lower right corner and an apple atop the book stack. in the lower left corner, there is an open notebook with a pen resting on the pages.

15+ Innovative & Adaptable Back to School Resources for Secondary ELA

Even though I have been teaching for 5 years, each year I ask myself, “How do I prepare for coming back to school?” Although the mental and emotional preparation needs a whole different approach, I always feel best when I have a handful of ready-to-go back to school resources that will help me survive the first two weeks. So, without further ado, I have compiled and categorized some of my favorite back to school resources to save you the time researching (and planning)! Categorized Back to School Resources Here are the categories listed for your convenience: ⭐ Escape rooms⭐ Bell ringers⭐ Writing⭐ Reading⭐ Speaking & listening⭐ Teacher toolbelt⭐ Poster sets Escape Rooms Benefits:⭐ Skip the awkwardness between students in the first week by bringing out their fun, competitive nature⭐ Set an immediate tone for engaging learning⭐

Read More »
MG & YA book list for 2023 titled above an image of a brightly colored, fully stocked bookshelf

An Unforgettable Must-Read YA Book List for 2023

Summer is best for catching up on your TBR and figuring out what to add to your classroom library. Well, look no further. I’ve done a bunch of reading for you—you’re welcome 😉—and compiled this epic YA book list. I can confidently tell you which inclusive, new titles will be popular young adult books bound to fly off your shelves. (Bonus: if you’re looking for “older” titles, Danielle has this mega post with all of our MG & YA book list round-ups and inclusive media pairings, too; you can bookmark it since we update it frequently). This YA book list blog post uses affiliate links for your convenience. If you decide to purchase any recommendation from this YA book list, please consider doing so through our affiliate links at no additional cost to you. 2023:

Read More »
Two people are standing side by side with their backs facing the viewer. The person on the left has an inclusive Pride flag draped over their shoulders while the person on the right has a rainbow Pride flag draped over theirs. The background is a blurred sky. The image reads, "5 LGBTQ poems for the classroom"

Introducing 5 memorable LGBTQ poems for the classroom

Give your students a chance to understand and celebrate diversity with these five LGBTQ poems for the classroom. They make the perfect addition to any secondary ELA curriculum! *Please note: I identify as Queer and will often interchange terms like LGBTQ, LGBTQIA+, Queer, etc. “I Invite My Parents to a Dinner Party” by Chen Chen Published in 2018 Recommended grade level(s):✨9th-12th Brief summary:✨ Chen Chen writes of the uncomfortable homophobia his parents covertly and overtly display at a family dinner with his partner. Devices to pair:✨ Allusion to Home Alone✨ Enjambment✨ Tone “Survival Guide” by Joy Ladin Published in 2017 Recommended grade level(s):✨8th-10th Brief summary:✨ Ladin writes a poem of encouragement for young folks to unapologetically embrace their identity. What to teach:✨ Irony✨ Metaphor✨ Coming-of-age & identity themes “A Litany for Survival” by Audre Lorde Published

Read More »
Bring the celebration of Pride Month in your classroom all-year long! Check out these 3 tips on how to make your classroom a more inclusive space for all students.

Making an inclusive space for all students: 3 ways to celebrate Pride Month in your classroom

Bring the celebration of Pride Month in your classroom all-year long! Check out these 3 tips on how to make your classroom a more inclusive space for all students. How do you create an inclusive classroom space for all of your students? Although some folks may think classroom decorations hold little weight, the tone of your safe-space classroom can be determined by what symbols are displayed around the room. According to the National Education Association (NEA), symbols of diversity and inclusivity lets your students know that your classroom will be a safe and welcoming place for them. This is especially important for students who make up marginalized communities, like those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Of course, the access to do so depends on your school, district, and county culture. Please prioritize doing what is safest

Read More »
Use any of these 7 short texts for Immigrant Heritage Month in the class to honor and highlight immigration stories often left untold. Image of Muslim adults holding two small children on their laps smiling

Include 7 unforgettable short texts for Immigrant Heritage Month in the class this June

As a child of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants, I understand the power of sharing (and listening to) immigration stories. So often, immigrant families have learned to live in fear and, therefore, in silence; as a result, their powerful voices and rich history don’t often find their way into mainstream curricula. That’s why I am encouraging you to incorporate any (or all) of these 7 short texts for Immigrant Heritage Month this June! In doing so, you can honor and highlight immigration stories often left untold and give space to help your students and their families feel seen and celebrated! Where do you START? Depending on your students, pose the questions below as an anticipatory entrance ticket. Then, you can have students research facts about Immigrant Heritage Month in the class or use the facts on

Read More »
Improve your students' high school reading comprehension skills with this bundle of nonfiction guided reading activities that don't suck! Image includes a pile of various nonfiction texts that are included in this bundle.

10 ultimate nonfiction guided reading activities for effective high school reading comprehension

I am going to be completely candid here… teaching nonfiction reading comprehension has never been my strong suit as an educator.  In my five-year career as a teacher, I have often wondered: how do you engage students with nonfiction texts? In a search to answer this very question, I have tried several nonfiction guided reading activities to better support my students.  Regretfully, these attempts resulted in my students showing mastery in apathy and disengagement rather than high school reading comprehension. This year I used several of the resources in Danielle’s nonfiction bundle and FINALLY feel as if I am on the right track!  My students showcased an interest in the nonfiction guided reading activities, and the best part is… I didn’t have to prep or plan any of it. Boost your high school reading comprehension

Read More »
5 songs with literary devices by AAPI artists to analyze in secondary ELA is written with a blue overlay of a DJ turntable

Diversifying education with music: 5 popular songs with literary devices by AAPI artists

Looking for a fresh way to introduce students to AAPI creative works? Examine these five diverse songs with literary devices by AAPI artists and make learning more engaging in secondary ELA classrooms! We’re all about using songs as a tool to teach valuable literary concepts, especially with figurative language. My kids always have their headphones in their ears anyway, so why not try to make their learning more attuned to their interests? Here are some easy tips to keep in mind when incorporating music into your curriculum:1. Use it as an opportunity to elevate voices of color and their experiences 2. Keep it appropriate (I’m going to age myself by saying…”the music nowadays,” but it’s true) 3. Make it purposeful – don’t incorporate music just to do it. Figure out what skill you want them

Read More »
The best YA graphic novels featured image is composed of 5 young adults standing side by side one another looking at a graphic novel in awe.

Top 5 best YA graphic novels you need to read in 2023

Whenever I am looking to add new titles to my classroom library, I prioritize graphic novels for my most reluctant readers. And, I must admit, these 5 best YA graphic novels for 2023 are both my and my students’ favorite library additions. If you are in search of some of the best YA graphics novels for high school and/or middle grade English, keep reading to explore the 5 that will fly off your shelves! 🌟 5 Best YA Graphic Novels in 2023 🌟 In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee Recommended reader: high schoolers (and depending on your students’ maturity levels, potentially upperclassmen only).   STRONGLY recommend including a trigger warning Additional resources: here is a list of 10 more YA & MG books with Trans & ENBY characters to add to your class collection Author’s Instagram:

Read More »
Creative Poetry Month Lessons for National Poetry Month atop a photo of several young students in a classroom. the student closest in view is raising their hand while a blurry teacher in the background smiles at the student.

13 Creative Poetry Month Lessons to Engage Middle Graders

Bring poetry month lessons to the classroom this April (aka National Poetry Month)! We specifically chose these 13 meaningful poems to appeal to middle-grade students. April is the month we celebrate poetry and verse. What better way to introduce middle graders to the joys of lyrical expression than with 13 purposefully selected poems? From repetition to thematic analysis, these lesson ideas will help students discover the wonders of poetry. Note: I used the WONDERFUL resource, CommonLit, to find these inclusive middle-grade poems. My district pays for the full CommonLit version, but the free version is incredibly beneficial as well. Poetry Month Lesson on SYMBOLISM “Peaches” by Adrienne Su A speaker describes life as a child of immigrant parents. Students analyze the speaker’s use of peaches to symbolize her conflicted feelings about her identity as a

Read More »
"5 short texts to introduce any dystopian unit" reads atop a white background. below the title is a completely gray and desolate city. one remaining building has a heavy fog and fume cloud arising from it.

Introduce any dystopian unit using these 5 important short texts

I have to admit…I am biased toward teaching any dystopian unit.  I find any opportunity I can to have students evaluate how a society becomes a dystopia and whether they can break free from one. This analysis builds a bridge of understanding to real-world dystopian examples–past and present. As a result, I typically have students engage in a summative mock trial where they convince a jury of their peers whether America is a modern-day dystopia. Although America gives its citizens plenty of dystopian evidence to dissect, this essential question can guide students to be critical of any place.  No matter how you decide to end your unit, I have five compelling dystopian literature examples students can analyze for any dystopian unit! Resources to introduce your dystopian unit TERMINUS – a digital adventure series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYZKEOzvE5I What

Read More »
Activities for Women's History Month titles above an image of 3 young teenage women--one wearing a green top, another a white blouse, and the last a blue

Class Celebrations: 6 Activities for Women’s History Month with Our Discount Resource Bundle

How do you celebrate women’s history month in the classroom? Make space in your curriculum to celebrate women who forged paths of possibility. If you need no-prep activities for Women’s History Month, look no further. This comprehensive bundle has a variety of activities and resources that will leave your kids engaged and informed.  Even better? It’s discounted 20% when you use the code EMPOWHER at checkout! This discount is available until the end of March and can apply to any activities for Women’s History Month available on the blog. What to do for Women’s History Month in school? Before you start with any activities for Women’s History Month, give students the opportunity to learn about it. See some ideas and resources below for how to do so! Media Literacy Analysis Have students practice their media

Read More »
teaching about cultural appropriation using Elvis

A Dynamic Exploration of Cultural Appropriation Through Literature and Pop Culture

Having conversations in your classroom about cultural appropriation can feel challenging. It doesn’t always have to be, though! With the right resources that are standards-aligned, your students can engage in evidence-based discourse.  For this post, I share a teaching idea you can implement to help students explore and understand the unjust practices of cultural appropriation. This relevant teaching idea centers on Elvis Presley’s appropriation of Black music and culture. Since the Elvis film recently came out, your students will immediately buy into this heavy, but necessary conversation. Essential Question: How does cultural appropriation negatively impact the marginalized communities involved? Please note: it is VITAL that you have established a respectful classroom culture. Without positive norms and relationships, any difficult conversation may not turn out as efficiently. Suggested Starting Points ✨ As students enter class, have

Read More »
7 LGBTQ YA Books is written atop a group of diverse individuals huddles and staring down at a camera with a pride flag above them

7 Mesmerizing LGBTQ YA books every young adult should know

With love in the air, I have been reading a ton of LGBTQ YA books this February. Whether it’s a YA romance pick or a coming-of-age, I love when complex LGBTQ+ protagonists fall in love (with themselves, especially).   For this month’s round-up, you’ll find 7 of my favorite recently read LGBTQ YA books. I listed them in no particular order, and you truly could not go wrong reading any of these! Or even better, reading them and then adding to your classroom library #representationmatters. 🏳️‍🌈 7 must-read LGBTQ YA books 🏳️‍⚧️ The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School (HS) by Sonora Reyes ❤️ I teach at a school whose demographic is predominantly Latine students. I wish I could give every one of my students this LGBTQ YA book because so many would feel seen in a

Read More »
Inclusive Literature for a Short Story Unit with a teacher helping 3 students

Guiding Students to Success in an Inclusive Short Story Unit for Secondary ELA

For the last five years, the first unit I teach is always a short story unit. Every year, I spend countless hours researching engaging, inclusive literature to include in my short story unit. Every year, without fail, I feel exhausted after having little success finding just the inclusive literature I am looking for.  That is–until I found the Inspiring & Inclusive Short Story Unit Ideas & Recommendations. This product is a living document that offers standards-aligned, categorized inclusive literature to guide and diversify your short story unit. What to expect in this resource? Forever Relevant All the inclusive literature suggestions for your short story unit exist forever on a living document! It gets updated with new short story suggestions, so all you need to do is bookmark the tab. It will always be there for

Read More »
3 songs to pair with Romeo and Juliet activity - two pages of a book fold to shape into a heart with a red background

3 Aligned Song Pairings for an Innovative Romeo and Juliet Activity

How do YOU introduce students to Romeo and Juliet? Are you looking for an engaging Romeo and Juliet activity to start, center, and end your unit?  If you are like me–tired of fighting the never-ending battle of AirPods in my students’ ears–then, I have advice for you. Stop fighting it, and embrace it. Incorporate activities where students have the chance to analyze music.  Using music will boost student engagement AND give you a much-needed break from pleading, “Put away your headphones!” It will also help demystify Shakespearean language and the stigma that all of his works are difficult, boring, or irrelevant to our students’ worlds. Use the 3 contemporary song pairings below to incorporate music when teaching Romeo and Juliet. Each diverse song is used as a Romeo and Juliet activity to start, center, and

Read More »