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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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.
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- Middle School (29)
- Novel Study (16)
- Reading suggestions (7)
- Social Emotional Learning (4)
- Teaching suggestions (10)