Insights, inspirations, and general curiosities related to books, films, and shows. Some posts include lesson and resource content available in The Planning Room (for educators), The Lit & Lens Society (for independent teens), or H&L Film Studies (for film enthusiasts) memberships. Access these resources when you're signed in, and you can find them at the end of the post (before the comments).
SeeReadWrite
This shot-by-shot breakdown of Into the Spider-Verse explores how to teach film analysis and visual symbolism—even if you don’t have a film background. Perfect for middle and high school ELA!
Summer Enrichment
Teach film analysis without a film degree! Use Into the Spider-Verse to build students’ visual literacy, critical thinking, and ELA writing skills.
9th Grade ELA
I’ve taught both freshmen and seniors, and when May hits, their energy couldn’t be more different. Seniors? Erratic but energized. They're leaning into the unstructured chaos of their final filmmaking projects, juggling AP tests, spring sports, and soaking in every last moment of high school. Freshmen?
9th Grade ELA
When I introduce film into the ELA classroom, my goal is always the same: get students thinking deeply without pulling their eyes away from the screen. Thoughtfully crafted viewing questions help strike that balance: they anchor attention, spark discussion, and lay the groundwork for analysis that extends beyond the surface.
9th Grade ELA
When it comes to engaging ninth-grade students in literary analysis, few texts are as effective, versatile, or culturally resonant as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While the film dazzles with its revolutionary animation and dynamic visual style, it also provides a rich foundation for deep thematic exploration, character analysis, and cinematic
Books
Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street offers a rich tapestry of themes, characters, and literary devices, making it a versatile text for classroom exploration. To help students connect deeply with the material, here are ten activities that blend creativity with critical thinking. 1. ✍️ "My Name"
Books
Rich figurative language analysis and easy lesson scaffolding for The House on Mango Street.
Books
I taught Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street once, and quickly realized I needed to rethink my approach. In this post, I'll explain why, and why I’m building something new for students who need a little more structure, support, and literary confidence. What Wasn’
Analysis
Plus a Free Lesson Using Azazel Jacobs' His Three Daughters If you’ve ever wanted to teach (or learn) how to truly read a the rich language of film, a shot-by-shot analysis is one approach that can help you dig in to the details. Whether you're a