Two of the greatest storytellers of all-time, J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, said that stories have a special power—a healing power.
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.
I’d like to share with you a list of my favorite short stories to teach to high-schoolers. This list might surprise you—not because of what is listed, but because of what isn’t.
Medieval British Literature might not be your thing, but it’s time to give the Pearl Poet’s masterpiece Sir Gawain and the Green Knighta second look! Here are five reasons to teach Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Recently, I was asked to write up my philosophy of education. I hadn't done this since my college days. (You know, before I knew anything about teaching!) Needless to say, a few things have changed about my philosophy. To structure my philosophy, I used the three messages on my classroom podium, but I have to give credit where credit is due. Those messages were created by my wife, who has them in her classroom as well. (I'm a copycat.) So here is my philosophy of teaching. Hopefully, it will reinforce in your mind what an important job we have as teachers! Across...
