I don’t know about you but I get really peeved when people use the word ‘classic’ as a synonym for ‘old’ or ‘dull.’ People arguing against the inclusion of classic literature in English courses invariably infer that if a text is a classic then it is old and irrelevant. This is simply not true of course. It is not even logical. After all we can talk about ‘classic’ cars and … Read More
Reading Film in the English Classroom.
Just as literacy is the ability to read, understand and make meaning from written texts, visual literacy is the ability to do that with visual texts.
Proven ways to get students reading.
How do I get my students to read? That is one of the enduring issues that teachers of English and literature everywhere constantly struggle with. Decades of teaching have shown us that there are things we can do to help engage our students with the wonderful world of literature.
6 Strategies for Building Rapport with Students.
Imagine you walked into a cafe and saw a friend. When they noticed you they frowned or looked gloomy. You would probably feel pretty dismal. You certainly wouldn’t feel confident that they were happy to see you. On the other hand if, on seeing you, they looked straight at you and smiled widely you would feel really good. Clearly you matter to them and they are happy to see you. … Read More
A Frequently Asked Question
Today’s post is the second in the 7 day challenge. Important family commitments meant that I did not get this posted yesterday so I am going to try and do 2 today. This is a situation that you, as an English teacher, face all the time I know. Your lessons are all planned, you have organised all your requirements to the Nth degree, everything is ready to go – and … Read More
Make it About Them.
I remember many years ago reading a Peanuts cartoon where Lucy was trying to get someone to learn their numbers. I have searched but can’t find the cartoon so you will just need to take my word for it. Finally Lucy raised her arms in frustration and pointed out that if they didn’t learn their numbers how were they going to use the telephone. Of all the Peanuts I have … Read More
Less Management, More Engagement.
Classroom management has been at the top of PD lists and topics for educational publications for the last couple of decades. An unconscionable number of trees have been sacrificed to provide manuals and workshop handouts, while at the same time entire languages of buzz-words have populated programs to teach teachers how to ‘manage’ their classrooms. It is time to fess up to the fact that we are simply on the … Read More