This teaching blog is shaped by a clear conviction: the books and stories we choose for our students matter deeply. Every text, story, and film I write about is the result of a personal and thoughtful choice — selected from what I have personally read, studied, loved, and found significant, profound, and enduring.
Here you will find reflections, analyses, and ideas for middle and high school classrooms. Analysis becomes discovery, and stories become encounters. They are not chosen simply because they fit a syllabus; they are rich in beauty, depth, and human insight — and students deserve what is most beautiful, most challenging, and most significant in storytelling. This teaching blog is where that search begins.
Latest Posts
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Seeing with New Eyes: How Intertextual Comparison Enhances Middle School Student Reading
Read more: Seeing with New Eyes: How Intertextual Comparison Enhances Middle School Student ReadingWhat happens when students read C.S. Lewis through the lens of Scripture? This intertextual approach unlocks symbolism, authorial intent, and rich classroom discussion.
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Why Teach The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in Your Middle School Classroom?
C.S. Lewis, C.S. Lewis – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Middle School ELA, Reading suggestionsRead more: Why Teach The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in Your Middle School Classroom?Why does The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe continue to captivate both students and educators? Its magical adventure, timeless themes of courage and sacrifice, and rich cross-curricular connections create a powerful story that inspires meaningful reflection and lasting engagement in the classroom. Let’s explore why.
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Middle School ELA: Enhance Learning with Crossword Puzzles
Read more: Middle School ELA: Enhance Learning with Crossword PuzzlesLooking for a fun way to help your middle schoolers dive into The Hobbit? Crossword puzzles are a great tool to boost vocabulary, remember key moments, and get to know the characters—all while having fun in your ELA class!
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Text Analysis Made Easy: How to Teach The Hobbit in Middle School
Read more: Text Analysis Made Easy: How to Teach The Hobbit in Middle SchoolReady to embark on an unforgettable teaching journey? Discover a step-by-step guide to bringing “The Hobbit” to life in your middle school classroom — packed with engaging worksheets, creative activities, and effective strategies to inspire adventure, curiosity, and deep learning.
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Immerse in Adventure: The Educational Value of The Hobbit for Middle School
Read more: Immerse in Adventure: The Educational Value of The Hobbit for Middle SchoolDiscover the timeless themes in The Hobbit that make it a powerful tool for middle school classrooms. Explore adventure, friendship, courage, and growth—key lessons that inspire young readers to think deeply and dream big. Perfect for educators looking to bring Tolkien’s classic to life!
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Introducing The Hobbit in Middle School: Runes, Literary Context, and Creative Community
Read more: Introducing The Hobbit in Middle School: Runes, Literary Context, and Creative CommunityIntroduce your middle schoolers to The Hobbit with a creative twist! Explore Tolkien’s magical runes and the legendary Inklings to spark curiosity, deepen engagement, and bring literary history to life—no extra prep required.
- Back to School (3)
- Books That Shape Teachers (1)
- C.S. Lewis (9)
- C.S. Lewis – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (6)
- C.S. Lewis – The Magician's Nephew (7)
- Classroom Management (1)
- Educational Movie Activities (4)
- H. Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird (5)
- High School ELA (2)
- Homer – The Iliad (5)
- J. Steinbeck – East of Eden (5)
- J.R.R. Tolkien – The Hobbit (6)
- Middle School ELA (11)
- Mythology (5)
- Reading suggestions (6)
- Social Emotional Learning (2)
- Teaching suggestions (11)