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Laura Swilley
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Teaching During Ramadan: Supporting Students in a Fasting-Friendly Classroom
As teachers, we strive to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for all our students. During Ramadan, many Muslim...
Laura Swilley
Mar 5, 20252 min read


How to Integrate Novels Effectively in the ELA Classroom
Shifting from textbook-based instruction to a novel-centered curriculum doesn’t mean abandoning structure or skill-building. Instead, it...
Laura Swilley
Mar 5, 20253 min read


Why Novels Work Better Than Textbooks in Middle and High School ELA Classrooms
For decades, English Language Arts (ELA) instruction has relied heavily on literature anthologies and skill-based textbooks. While these...
Laura Swilley
Mar 5, 20253 min read


Elevating Classroom Discussions with Socratic Seminars in ELA
In an era where students are bombarded with quick soundbites and digital distractions, fostering deep, meaningful discussions in the...
Laura Swilley
Mar 4, 20253 min read


Bellringers in the Classroom: Pros and Cons
Bellringers—those short, engaging tasks that students complete at the beginning of class—are a staple in many classrooms. Designed to...
Laura Swilley
Mar 3, 20253 min read


Using Mentor Sentences to Strengthen Writing in the Middle School ELA Classroom
One of the most effective ways to help middle school students improve their writing is by using mentor sentences. These carefully...
Laura Swilley
Mar 3, 20253 min read


THE POWER OF SHARING: WHY TEACHERS SHOULD FREELY EXCHANGE LESSON PLANS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions—but also one of the most mentally and emotionally exhausting. Between grading papers,...
Laura Swilley
Mar 3, 20253 min read
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