Into the Spider-Verse
Parallel Film Frame Analysis Practice for Into the Spider-Verse
A high-impact visual literacy + writing activity for high school ELA or Film & Media Studies classrooms in school or homeschool.
The House on Mango Street
What If She’s Not “Unmotivated”?
Why I Created a House on Mango Street Novel Study for Homeschool Families If you’re a homeschooling parent trying to get your daughter to care about literature or write with confidence, you might be feeling stuck. Especially if she’s quiet. Resistant. Disengaged. Maybe you’ve heard things like:
ELA
Why the Analytical Paragraph Still Matters in a World of Scrolls and Soundbites
When I first started teaching high school English in a wealthy, high-achieving public school district, I was surprised by how often students would argue over a single point on an assignment. At first, I chalked it up to academic perfectionism or entitlement. But one day, a colleague explained that students
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.
9th Grade ELA
Why So Many Students Struggle with Literary Analysis—And How The House on Mango Street Can Help
“Why can’t I get above a B on my English essays?” I hear this question all the time from students—and I understand their frustration. They want to do well. They’re smart. They read the book. But when it comes time to write about literature, something’s not
Advanced English Class
Re-Integration & Reparation: Final Reflections on When the Emperor Was Divine
Final guided analysis for When the Emperor Was Divine. Reflect on Chapters 4 & 5, explore themes of reparation, identity, and the novel’s haunting ending.
Advanced English Class
Chapter 4: What Does It Mean to Be American? in When the Emperor Was Divine
Explore identity and assimilation in Chapter 4 of When the Emperor Was Divine with a freewrite and close reading activity on what it means to be “American.”
Advanced English Class
Chapter 3: Memory, Identity & the Camp Experience in When the Emperor Was Divine
Close reading questions for Chapter 3 of When the Emperor Was Divine. Analyze memory, identity, and motif development through independent literary practice.
Advanced English Class
Chapter 2 Analysis Toolkit: POV Shifts & Symbolism in When the Emperor Was Divine
Chapter 2 analysis toolkit for When the Emperor Was Divine: POV shift chart + symbolism annotation activity. Ideal for student-led literary analysis.
Advanced English Class
Divining Deeper Meaning: Themes & Motifs in Chapter 3 of When the Emperor Was Divine
Literary analysis toolkit for Chapter 3 of When the Emperor Was Divine: explore symbols, motifs, and themes through guided close reading and reflection.
When the Emperor Was Divine
Close Reading and Symbolism Practice for Chapter 1 of When the Emperor Was Divine
Lit & Lens Society practice for When the Emperor Was Divine Chapter 1: analyze character, mood, and symbolism through close reading and guided questions.
When the Emperor Was Divine
When the Emperor Was Divine Chapter 1 Close Reading Questions
Chapter 1 reading questions for When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka—perfect for IB English, literary analysis, and close reading.