3 Awesome Songs to Teach for Analyzing Allusion in Secondary ELA

Discover 3 engaging songs to teach for analyzing allusion in secondary ELA classrooms! Hey there, fellow ELA enthusiasts! 📚✨ Are you looking to spice up your lesson plans with some music that packs a punch of literary magic? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into the world of allusions in music—a fantastic way to engage your students and explore the depths of literary references within the melodies they love. If you’re new here, we are kinda popular for recommending these 15 songs to use in ELA. We also have 15 MORE songs to use and songs to use for analyzing irony if you’re interested! I’ve handpicked three songs brimming with allusions, perfect for analysis in your secondary ELA classrooms. These tracks not only resonate with our students’ musical tastes but also unveil

Carina Assayed May 21, 2024

3 Spectacular Short Films to Analyze Symbolism

Hey there, teacher pals! Are you on the lookout for short films to analyze symbolism? These 3 short films make for engaging content to shake up your symbolism lessons! These three short films to analyze symbolism are absolute gems that are perfect for diving into the rich, sometimes tricky waters of symbolism with your students. These aren’t just any short films; they’re the kind that stick with you, sparking conversations and aha moments that light up the classroom. Whether you’re aiming to inspire, provoke thought, or just switch things up, these short films are about to become your new best friends. Trust me, your symbolism lessons are about to get a whole lot more interesting! 3 Spectacular Short Films to Analyze Symbolism Effectively “Let’s Eat” by Anamon Studios ✨ Provided Summary: “‘Let’s Eat’ is a

Carina Assayed April 23, 2024

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

Carina Assayed March 5, 2024

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

Carina Assayed January 16, 2024

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

Carina Assayed January 9, 2024

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

Carina Assayed December 5, 2023

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

Carina Assayed February 21, 2023

15 MORE TV Episodes to Use in ELA

After the popularity of my 2017 post, 15 TV Episodes to Use In ELA, I thought it was time for an update. That was 3 years ago, after all! Tons of exceptional new shows have come out, I’ve discovered shows that are “new to me,” and gotten reacquainted with some old favorites. Using TV episodes in ELA can be more than just a reward (although that’s okay too!). Television can be a great way to introduce new concepts or review old topics, in an engaging, bite-sized format. Using TV to practice critical writing can be a distance learning asset or as part of a sub-plan. I have a TV Episode Review activity up in my TPT store if you’re looking for something like that 🙂 I also have a new resource (2023) that has 15

Danielle Hall September 11, 2020

15 More Songs for Teaching ELA

Song lyrics can be so versatile in the classroom: Creative writing inspiration, making non-fiction more engaging, etc. Here are 15 more songs for teaching ELA, and suggestions on how to use them. Ask and you shall receive! My other post, 15 Songs to Use in ELA has gotten so much positive feedback that I decided to make a sequel 🙂 Like before I am linking to these songs on YouTube, but it’s not necessary for students to watch the videos. And as always, not all songs for teaching ELA will be appropriate for all classrooms; you know your students best 🙂 I also have a new resource (2023) that has 15 lesson plans analyzing pop culture short texts, like songs, TV episodes, short films, and more! Check out the 15 Pop Culture Analysis Activities resource

Danielle Hall September 5, 2019

15 TV Episodes to Use in ELA

Plot, structure, characterization, allusions, foreshadowing… all of the things we work to teach our students are found in many different mediums. We’re in a Golden Age of quality television, and the English classroom is a great place to introduce students to television with real depth and literary value. Here are 15 TV episodes to use in ELA. Psst, hey you! I have a new blog post that features 15 MORE TV Episodes to Use in ELA, check it out 🙂 I also have a new resource (2023) that has 15 lesson plans analyzing pop culture short texts, like TV episodes, songs, short films, and more! Check out the 15 Pop Culture Analysis Activities resource here. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to episodes available on Amazon. Where applicable, I have pointed out the availability of

Danielle Hall September 12, 2017

Using music in the secondary classroom is a great way to engage students, so here are some songs to use in ELA, and some ways to use them. (Blog post)

15 Songs to Use in ELA

Want to expose students to new songs, or make them think about old songs in a completely new way? Using music in the classroom is a great way to engage students, so here are some songs to use in ELA, and some ways to use them. I’m going to link to the YouTube videos of these songs for your convenience, but please know that I do not always show music videos in my class. Most of the time, students just listen to the music. Music videos can be distracting, and sometimes inappropriate. Does it go without saying to always preview songs & their videos for content before sharing them? (Just covering myself here, folks!) Also, if you are looking for ways to lessons to help students analyze short texts, like songs, short films, and more,

Danielle Hall August 8, 2017

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