Freebie
Build a Strong Thesis Statement Worksheet (Print & Digital)
A free, classroom-ready worksheet that helps students build clear, specific, analytical thesis statements for any text. Includes a printable PDF and a Google Docs digital version.
Indigenous American
Teaching Indigenous Texts During Native American Heritage Month
I've been in a reading slump for a good six months now, but I recently subbed for a class that was reading The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, and after reading for the class, I then blasted through the rest of the book in two days. Tommy Orange
Coraline
Coraline, Eccentric Adults, and the Line Between Weird and Unsafe
Coraline shows kids learning bravery amid odd adults. Use these passages and guiding questions to explore safety, risk, and coming of age.
Coraline
Poe, Coraline, and Autumn Atmosphere
Close reading for figurative language, symbolism, foreshadowing, mood, and tone in chapter 1 of Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Free resource for Halloween high school ELA teaching.
Coraline
Best Frames for Film Analysis in Coraline
Best frames for Film Analysis in Coraline. Free template to request ShotDeck funding from admin, too!
The Planning Room
Intro to Film Studies Pacing Guide Week 1
Start Film Studies with Film-Related Bingo, Box Office Trivia, and the Self/Us/Now Community Building Activities. Free Week 1–2 pacing guide.
Halloween
Frankenweenie — Pre-Viewing & Activation Questions
Activate prior knowledge before watching Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie with 8 open-ended prompts on monsters, symbolism, parody, and fear. Perfect Halloween warm-up or film study intro for grades 7–10.
Poetry
Defining the Indefinable: A Poetry Kickoff Lesson Using Quotes from Poets
Poetry intimidates some students—and honestly, some teachers too. It's abstract, personal, packed with hidden meanings, and often taught with more reverence than real curiosity. That’s why I like to start my poetry unit by admitting something radical: there is no one definition of poetry. Instead of
Writing
How to Write a Strong Analytical Thesis Statement in High School and IB English
Learn how to write a clear, compelling analytical thesis statement for high school or IB English class. This guide breaks down sentence frames, provides real examples, and shows how to level up your thinking.
Books
Scaffolding Lessons Using The House on Mango Street
Rich figurative language analysis and easy lesson scaffolding for The House on Mango Street.