Creative English Teacher — Five Reasons To Teach Series

Five Reasons To Teach Frankenstein

February 08, 2022 • British Literature • Five Reasons To Teach Series • World Literature

Even with over two centuries of age on it, Frankenstein still continues to evoke emotion and provoke important conversations. So, without further ado, here are five reasons to teach Frankenstein.

Five Reasons to Teach "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and Other Short Stories by Washington Irving

November 11, 2020 • American Literature • Five Reasons To Teach Series • Short Stories

When the leaves start to change and the weather gets a bit cooler, that means it’s almost time for my go-to Halloween story: Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” In the lineup of American authors, I feel like Irving gets short shrift. Sure, his stories aren’t super deep, but they’re fun, which should count for something! They are also some of the first works that can be considered distinctly American. Before I get too far ahead of myself, here are five reasons to teach the short stories of Washington Irving. Washington Irving was America’s first celebrity writer. In the...

Why Young People Need Hero Stories Now More Than Ever

April 13, 2020 • Encouragement • Five Reasons To Teach Series • Mythology • Teaching Ideas • The Hero's Journey

Navigating the journey of life is tough, and students need to be prepared. As schools build up their support systems, there is an additional (and perhaps unexpected) way to fortify young people against the challenges of life: teach them hero stories.

Ten Reasons for Teaching Moby Dick

December 16, 2019 • American Literature • Five Reasons To Teach Series

Most people probably wouldn’t equate Moby Dick with fun, but it’s honestly my favorite work to teach. Here are ten reasons why.

Five Reasons for Teaching Early American Literature

October 03, 2019 • American Literature • Five Reasons To Teach Series

Teaching Early American Literature isn’t easy. Native American literature covers many different tribal traditions and customs, so where do you start? Even those who deeply respect the Puritans, probably can’t categorize their writings as “fun.” And the more you learn about the first explorers here in America, the more you seem to dislike them. So why not just skip America’s early years? Aren’t they just our country’s awkward transition time? Well, not exactly.