English Language Arts
Explore and share tips, strategies, and resources for helping students develop in English language arts.
Bringing Moments of Joy to High School English
An English teacher is redoubling his efforts to use reading and writing assignments to help students learn how to navigate the challenges of a turbulent world.
A Strategy for Exploring Student Creativity Collaboratively
A teacher who makes her own instructional videos and a podcast uses that work as a springboard to explore creative expression with her social media–savvy students.104
An Asset-Based Approach to Supporting English Learners’ Reading Skills
A look at what English learners need in order to develop the skills and motivation to improve their ability to read in English.504
Even Older Kids Should Have Time to Read in Class
If the goal is to develop lifelong readers, students need time in class to practice—and learn to enjoy—reading.3.7k
4 Black Philosophers to Teach Year-Round
Weaving philosophy lessons into your curriculum can tease out bigger questions about identity, human rights, and artistic expression.1.5k
Using Read-Alouds to Improve Older Elementary Students’ Literacy Skills
A daily read-aloud can help build community and show reluctant readers how to approach a text.1.6k
How to Facilitate Remote Socratic Seminars
Disciplined conversation about texts deepens students’ understanding—and builds a sense of community during distance learning.1.4k
How ‘Among Us’ Helps Students Master Argumentative Writing
In the popular online strategy game, students make claims, listen to counterclaims, and reach a conclusion—skills they need to write a strong argumentative essay.2.2k
Cultivating Joy in Writing in the Elementary Grades
An online writing group—which could be adapted for in person learning—builds confidence in students’ ability to express their ideas.241
What Doesn’t Work: Literacy Practices We Should Abandon
The number one concern that I hear from educators is lack of time, particularly lack of instructional time with students. Although we can't entirely solve the time problem, we can mitigate it by carefully analyzing our use of class time.116.6k
Reading Aloud to Middle School Students
Hearing books read aloud benefits older students, enhancing language arts instruction and building a community of readers.42k
Want Students to Master Literary Analysis? Try Starting With a Vocabulary Lesson
Unless they understand words such as ‘symbolize’ and ‘connote,’ it’s difficult for students to analyze literature well.2.6k
Virtual Literature Circles Create a Safe Space for Students
Discussions that are centered in students' experiences spark more text-to-self connections and help students internalize concepts like empathy.3.6k
5 Ways to Support Students Who Struggle With Reading Comprehension
These strategies can help students who are able to decode well but have difficulty understanding what they read—and they’re beneficial for all students.15.6k
If We Want Bookworms, We Need to Get Beyond Leveled Reading
When it comes to nurturing kids’ love of reading, research suggests variety, choice—and encouragement to stretch—can make a difference.11.9k