English Language Arts

In English classes, which require students to sit and read or write for extended periods of time, it can be challenging to get them to want to do their work.

Perhaps some learning loss is to be expected during summer vacation, but there are reasonable concerns about how the break may weaken students’ reading and math skills.

For students who struggle with reading, adding technology can be hugely beneficial. But there’s still a lot to be said about old school methods.

As soon as I utter the words “writing assignment,” looks of panic appear on my students’ faces. Their hands shoot up like rockets and the questions immediately start.

Students plagiarize. But they don’t create the problem. Assignments need to require more than Google searches to complete.

Nothing commits knowledge to memory better than having to teach it. Thus, what better way to teach students a piece of literature than to have them teach it themselves?

I have gleaned three wise teachings from King Lear's fool and each one informs my practice in the classroom more and more each day.

Beverley Brenna knows what children like to read. She has written award-winning children’s books. She teaches prospective English teachers in the University of Saskatchewan’s education program. Before that, she was a classroom teacher—a reading specialist for several years. But she’s “regretful” she couldn’t offer her students a valuable tool: graphic novels.