October 26, 2024

Make The Odyssey Epic: Before, During, and After Reading Activities to Engage Your Students

ReadingThe Odyssey will be epic with all of the before, during, and after reading activities needed to make this a powerful and engaging unit.


The Odyssey is a mix of action, fantastical adventure, rich characters, moral dilemmas, ancient culture, and lessons about perseverance and the essence of humanity. This classic text will always be a part of our curriculums as the discussions around character motivation, symbolism, and themes are endless. The connections to texts today are undeniable. Let’s take an epic journey of The Odyssey with all of the before, during, and after reading activities needed to make this a powerful and engaging unit! 



5 Myths & Legends Featuring Unforgettable Heroes

Myths and legends offer rich moral lessons and cultural heritage, and timeless heroes whose stories endure through the ages. Here's 5 to teach.


Myths and legends offer a rich tapestry of moral lessons, cultural heritage, and timeless heroes whose stories endure through the ages. Whether you're guiding middle school students or more advanced learners, these legendary figures invite deeper reflection, creativity, and an appreciation of the world's diverse cultures. Below we explore five captivating myths and legends featuring unforgettable heroes and the resources needed to craft an engaging and cohesive teaching unit.



7 Activities To Add To Your Of Mice and Men Unit

Teaching a novel requires careful planning and varied resources to keep student engagement high. Here's 7 activities I use with Of Mice and Men.


Teaching a novel or a novella requires careful planning and a variety of resources to keep student engagement high. Throughout a unit students should be engaging in close readings, reflecting on the text through text dependent writing prompts, applying literary terms and grammar skills, and showing their learning through activities that require creativity. Read on for 7 activities I use throughout my Of Mice and Men unit and how to add them to yours!



Teaching Of Mice & Men: Literary Elements To Focus On In Each Chapter

Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck is a classic text still alive in classrooms today. Here is how I maximize teaching this unit and make it a favorite.


Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck is a classic text still alive in high school classrooms today. The novella’s short length makes it accessible, it is packed with literary elements to analyze, and its characters and themes lead to rich discussions. Below is a roadmap of how I maximize my time teaching Of Mice and Men and make this unit one that my students will remember as a favorite.