The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast | ELA

Ready to refresh your writing program with new, creative options? In this podcast episode, learn about unique writing prompts, writing alternative endings to fiction, using collaborative writing projects, spiraling writing instruction, building an argument unit around a mock trial, and more!

Want to ignite student engagement by bringing their work to real audiences? It's not as hard as it seems! In this episode, explore ten quick case studies and let them inspire new possibilities for connection with audiences in your classroom.

Want to teach annotation skills in a way that's memorable and creative, instead of boring and easily forgotten? Check out this episode for four creative ways to help your students develop their own unique annotation styles.  Want support along the way? Join 20,000 more creative teachers collaborating inside my Facebook group, Creative High School English. More of an Instagram person? Let's connect...

Going remote in your ELA classes this winter, or think you might? Try planning one of these flexible, engaging units, so you're ready for anything. We'll be exploring digital poetry, making tiny podcasts (don't worry, I'll explain what I mean), and adapting the genius hour format for this moment. By the end of the show, you should have lots of engaging, creative ways to guide your students through...

The problem facing teachers today will not be solved by self-care. Let's talk about the real issue - demoralization - and strategies that can make an impact to help teachers stay in the profession and enjoy their work again. My guest for this episode is Professor Doris Santoro, of Bowdoin College, author of the book, Demoralization: Why Teachers Leave the Profession they Love and How they can Stay...

Building a reading culture in your English classroom is a project that never ends, but luckily it's so much FUN. There are many ways to keep books in the spotlight, and in today's podcast episode, I'm going to share ten of them to help you find a few that feel right for your ELA students. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community,  Creat...

Find out how to create a classroom library you (and your students) will love. Learn how to source the books, organize your system, and make use of enticing visuals that make your reading space appealing to students.  Sign up for Camp Creative: Ignite your Choice Reading Program (a totally free five-day mini-course) here: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/ignite

Want to teach your students to apply critical thinking to their notetaking? Sketchnoting creates more engagement and retention, but not every kid comes to it naturally. In this interview with Sylvia Duckworth, find out how to teach all kids how to sketchnote, not just the ones who self-identify as artists.

If you're interested in teaching abroad, love travel, or are just curious what it's like to live in a country that's only been a country for a few decades, this episode's for you! If you're here strictly for the creative teaching ideas, I hear you. Don't worry, they'll be back in the next episode.

Ready to bring hexagonal thinking in as a creative discussion strategy for your students? Find out how in this podcast episode. You'll be amazed at the creativity and critical thinking that comes with hexagonal thinking. In today's episode, we're turning the usual format around. Listen in as Amanda Cardenas from Brave New Teaching interviews me about hexagonal thinking, bringing her own unique and...

Looking for flexible, creative English activities to go with your next whole class novel unit? Find them here! In today's episode, I'm welcoming four surprise guests to share their favorite flexible go-tos for any ELA novel unit.  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High School English , on Facebook. Come hang out on Inst...

Research is such a vital skill in ELA, but it's not always easy to get students to buy in. Let's explore some fresh takes on the traditional research paper.  In this context, we'll talk about Dave Perkins' idea of "The whole game at the junior level." Find out how this simple concept can transform any unit, and change the way your students see their work in the classroom.  I'd love to connect! Com...

Today we're diving into all the details (and the free curriculum set) to get you started with student-designed escape rooms. You'll find out when to use the project, why to use the project, and how to use the project. And oh yes, there's definitely a rubric inside the curriculum set, don't worry, you'll also be able to grade the project! Find the show notes on my website here.  Connect on Instagra...

So you've heard about escape rooms, but you don't have 73 hours to spare? I hear you! In this episode, learn how to create a basic-but-awesome escape room using two easy tools, Canva and Google slides.

Get ideas for how to use body biographies, digital escape rooms, and digital sketchnotes in your ELA classroom in this interview with Danielle Knight of Study All Knight.

In this episode, learn how Beth Duncan, a creative high school teacher from North Carolina, got her students podcasting. Discover the steps she went through to make the project successful and get ready to start podcasting with your own students. 

It's more important than ever to integrate strong SEL practices in the classroom following the pandemic. Find out how in this interview with Dr. Lorea Martinez Perez, SEL-expert.

In this episode, featuring five creative guest experts, discover six powerful ideas to transform your ELA classroom into the inclusive, creative, inspiring place you want it to be. These tips are low cost or no cost, and easy to put into place.    Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High School English , on Facebook. Come...

Love hexagonal thinking? Love one-pagers? Combine them in one visual critical thinking activity for your creative ELA classroom. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High School English , on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram .  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to shar...

Want to try hexagonal thinking but aren't sure how to get students to make interesting connections? Use the strategies in this episode to encourage depth and creativity in your students' thinking. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High School English , on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram .  Enjoying the podcast? Ple...

Ready to get started with hexagonal thinking in your classroom? Find out exactly what to put on your hexagonal thinking decks in today's episode. I think you're going to love this creative discussion strategy!  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High School English , on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram .  Enjoying th...

Ready to put your writing makerspace into action? In today's episode, get five easy ideas for incorporating it into your writing instruction in your creative ELA classes. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High School English , on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram .  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it wi...

Heard whispers about the writing makerspace and wondering if it could help your writers? Find out how it works and how to easily get started in this episode.  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High School English , on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram .  Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend,...

Want to use Canva tools in your English classroom? Good, because they're amazing! In this episode, learn about some of the best - like the handout creator, bookmark designer and flashcard maker - and how to use them for ELA. Once you start, expect to be using Canva on the daily!  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High S...

In this interview with Dr. Catlin Tucker, blended learning specialist, learn about the station rotation model, effective playlist creation for independent learning, project-based-learning in the time of pandemic, and more.  Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of  The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast . Join our community, Creative High School English , on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram ....