In our best efforts to support teens through middle and high school, it’s possible, educators told us in 2024, to go too far.

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Teaching Ss how to talk with one another in a productive way so that they hear different perspectives and keep an open mind is challenging, but so important. It takes as much direct instruction as writing and requires immediate feedback as well. What feedback do you give a class after a discussion?

I’m really proud of this poem. Thank you for sharing !

Just finished this morning. Already has me thinking about my own life and what I value most in this world. Does anyone else do this when you finish a book? The English teacher in me is always asking “what can I learn from this story?” Literature = equipment for living.

Grateful for this new space full of educators who share what they love. Here is a poem for you on this Thanksgiving. One of my favorites. I invite you to read. www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49622/...

There is something beautiful about sitting at the back of the room and listening to students have a conversation for the whole period. Where do we create space like this in our adult lives?

I love it when my students walk in the room already talking about their assigned reading. Reflecting on this, I’m realizing that it’s not as much about what stories they enjoy, so much as which stories pique their curiosity or challenge them to think in new ways. Which books do this for your Ss?

A lot of people have shared this poem over the past week. It’s a sentiment I think about a lot, especially now.

I hope everyone is doing what they need to take care of themselves. One step at a time. One day at a time.

Student at the beginning of class: “Are you sure there is enough time for our group to finish this? It sounds hard.”

Same student at the end: “Dang, we actually cooked this thing.” Then high fives the rest of the team.

Love it when students surprise themselves with their own brilliance.

It is striking to me that so many students don’t believe that they are capable of deep thinking and completing difficult work. They constantly compare themselves to their classmates for better or worse, and I can’t help but think this is a product of the American educational system.

Compliance vs Engagement esheninger.blogspot.com/2024/10/comp... #education #teaching #teachers #studentagency #pedagogy

I’m planning to compile an ELA & literacy leader Starter Pack of people who serve as literacy teacher-leaders, ELA/Humanities department chairs & supervisors, curriculum directors, literacy coaches, and state-level coordinators.

Please comment with your role and repost so we can develop a network!

Hello BlueSky! First timer here, but I’m hoping to rekindle some of the community and conversations that used to happen on edutwitter. I’ve taught HS English for 19 years. Lover of coffee, poetry, a good book.