9th Grade ELA
Into the Spider-Verse Film Analysis: Visual Literacy & Foreshadowing (pt. 3)
Explore the visual storytelling and character dynamics in 'Into the Spider-Verse' through our detailed film analysis series
Spiderverse ELA Survival Pack
Analyzing Visual Symbolism in Into the Spider-Verse (pt. 2)
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!
9th Grade ELA
Make it to Summer Break with the Into the Spiderverse ELA Survival Pack
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
How I Craft Film Viewing Questions for High School English Class (Using Into the Spider-Verse as a Case Study)
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
Why Into the Spider-Verse Is the Perfect Film to Teach High School Freshmen
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
Lesson Plans
A Simple 3-Step Framework for Teaching Literary Analysis (Even If You're Not an English Teacher)
A free guide for parents looking to support their students with deeper reading in high school ELA.
Books
Top 10 Engaging Activities for Teaching The House on Mango Street
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
Scaffolding Lessons Using The House on Mango Street
Rich figurative language analysis and easy lesson scaffolding for The House on Mango Street.
Books
Transforming Student Engagement with The House on Mango Street
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’
Moonlight
Moonlight Film Sequence Analysis Practice 2: Little & Kevin
COMING SOON: Shot by Shot film sequence analysis practice activity for the sequence of Little & Kevin and the boys playing in the field, in Moonlight.
Analysis
How to Do a Shot-by-Shot Film Sequence 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
Critical Conversations
Teaching 'Woman of the Hour': A Feminist Lens in Film
I started watching Woman of the Hour because it popped up on my Netflix, and when my partner Googled it, he saw it had good reviews. And then I was Instagram re-targeted all of Netflix's promotions for the film as well. What really pushed me to not wait