Category: English/ELA

English/ELA, Teacher Resources

O Cursed Deprivation of Sleep

AlwaysLearningHQ

Planning to teach the Tragedy of the Scottish King?

One of my favorite passages that usually gets tucked under the theme of the agonizing consequences of a guilty conscience is in Act 2, scene 2, when Macbeth [SPOLER ALERT] loses his mind after murdering the reigning monarch.

This little gem defining the features and benefits of sleep remains relevant in our overachieving, always striving, nope-hustle-culture-didn’t-die-during-the-pandemic meritocracy.

One of the gut-wrenching aspects of teaching young adults is watching them slip from seasons of sleep deprivation into a lifestyle of sleeplessness.

It stinks when I realize I’ve made the same transition, too.

So hopefully, if you do teach Macbeth, this free poster and analysis worksheet will speed your way toward the “Chief nourisher in life’s feast.”

Sweet dreams!

Macbeth – Sleep no more – PosterDownload
Sleep No More WorksheetDownload
English/ELA, Teacher Resources

Yeats & Mere Anarchy

AlwaysLearningHQ

Maybe we should create a whole Lit Posters section and make everything free. You good with that?

I studied “The Second Coming” [several times] in college. Of course, I did. I was an English major. I probably studied it in high school, too, but I suppose I was a little more concerned with grades than learning in those days.

The kicker for me came when I taught the poem and learned for the first time that mere meant “pure,” not “basic.”

Sometimes learning happens when you finally start paying attention.

If you happen to teach Things Fall Apart (sorry if it’s on the canceled list now—I can’t keep up with what’s banned by whom these days), this poster might come in handy.

You can check out our other free Lit Posters on our Teacher Resources page.

The Second Coming by Yeats – 11×17 B&W postersDownload

English/ELA, On Wednesdays We Write, Teacher Resources

Today We Write

AlwaysLearningHQ

Three or so years ago, Always Learning HQ featured a series of writing prompts titled “On Wednesdays We Write.”

Goodness, please tell me that somewhere in your head, you hear, “On Wednesdays, we wear pink.” We’re not mean girls, but we do love a good Easter-eggy catchphrase!

Since school is out for summer, we had a little front porch time to wrangle those posts into a presentation on Canva, and what we have for you today FOR FREE (we hope you feel the love) is a PDF of 25 sets of writing prompts.

Each prompt set pairs with a visual image. Thank you, Canva, for the LARGE photo selection. The primary prompt presents a simple writing task. You can stop there or keep going. Following the primary prompt is a challenge to use that prewriting exercise to create a more complex creative work. For a few sets, a super challenge invites writers to take the exercise even further.

Some prompts are SUPER easy so that even a middle school student could complete them. Others involve complex mental gymnastics and feature elevated vocabulary. You’re the teacher. You know your students. Use whatever works for the bodies sitting in your classroom or logging in for a virtual workshop.

Use this PDF of prompt sets as stand-alone writing exercises, bell-ringers, journal assignments, sub lesson plans, or even as a year-long writing curriculum. You are a grown human educator. We have confidence you can figure out best practices for using free stuff!

Happy Writing!

Today We Write – PresentationDownload

English/ELA, Teacher Resources

Words, words, words.

AlwaysLearningHQ

Another free poster! We’re on a roll!

Who doesn’t love Hamlet’s sassy conversation with Polonius in Act II?

Those words came to life for me when I saw Mel Gibson’s version of Hamlet in the previous millennium. Controversy or not, it’s still my favorite.

You can watch their exchange if you want. If you’re in a hurry, the actual quote runs from 1:06 to 1:20.

Here’s a free poster of the words quote. Besides faces, thermometers, rooms, weather signs, political climates, and a few other things, what else do any of us read?

Hamlet – Words, words, words. – Poster (11 x 17 in) – Black & White (1)Download

English/ELA, Teacher Resources

Lord, what fools these mortals be.

AlwaysLearningHQ

Free download, my friends!

This quote from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, out of context of course, may be exactly what we need to bring a little joy when things get chaotic. It’s a good reminder that we’re functioning solidly in the mortal realm, and circumstances and people are far from perfect. So why not smile anyway?

Is it sincere? Sure is. Is it cheeky? Possibly, yes.

Download and print your favorite color option to decorate your classroom or office. It’s free, and you are welcome to share it with your friends!

lord-what-fools-these-mortals-be.-posters-11×17-1Download

English/ELA, On Wednesdays We Write, Teacher Resources

On Wednesdays We Write – Prompt #29

AlwaysLearningHQ

Prompt #29:

Write a recipe for the perfect day, friend, date, game, gift, pet, job, home, holiday, vacation, or party. Include ingredients as well as quantities. Give directions for putting it together.

How long does it take to cook or to chill? How do you know it’s done? What are the serving suggestions?

Prompt #29 Challenge:

Using the recipe you’ve imagined, write a free verse poem celebrating your creation.

Graphics designed in Canva

English/ELA, On Wednesdays We Write, Teacher Resources

On Wednesdays We Write – Prompt #28

AlwaysLearningHQ

Prompt #28:

You have seeds. Magic seeds. They will yield a harvest of anything you want. Any ONE thing. All you have to do is whisper the name of that thing as you plant the seed. The harvest will be abundant, enough for everyone in the world. What do you whisper as you plant your seed? Share why.

Prompt #28 Challenge:

Write a narrative poem that tells the story of planting the seed and nurturing it. Conclude with a description of the harvest.

Graphics designed in Canva

English/ELA, On Wednesdays We Write, Teacher Resources

On Wednesdays We Write – Prompt #27

AlwaysLearningHQ

Prompt #27:

You have five gifts to give to anyone you want. These gifts can be tangible or intangible. They must each go to a different person. What do you give to whom, and why?

Prompt #27 – Challenge:

Choose one or two of the gifts you talked about above. Write the dialogue(s) you imagine would take place when you present the gift(s).

Graphics designed in Canva

English/ELA, On Wednesdays We Write, Teacher Resources

On Wednesdays We Write – Prompt #26

AlwaysLearningHQ

Prompt #26:

Sometimes you encounter a work of literature that makes you feel at home. You imagine yourself inside that fictitious world, and it feels secure and warm and light and comforting. It’s like you belong there.

Write about a work of fiction in which you feel at home. Who are you in that world? What is it like as you inhabit that space and time?

Prompt #26 Challenge:

Imagine a perfect day in this literary home. Maybe perfection means the absence of conflict. Perhaps it means victory in a struggle. Narrate your perfect day.

Graphics designed in Canva

English/ELA, On Wednesdays We Write, Teacher Resources

On Wednesdays We Write – Prompt #25

AlwaysLearningHQ

Prompt #25:

Write ten timeless truths you have learned. You should express each truth in one masterful sentence that reflects its essence.

Be as general or as specific as you wish.

Prompt #25 – Challenge:

Select one of the timeless truth sentences you have written. It is your thesis. Prove that it is an accurate reflection of reality.

Use the Classical Argument model as your structure:

  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Thesis
  • Confirmations
  • Concession
  • Refutation
  • Conclusion

If you haven’t written a classical argument recently, you can find an in-depth explanation from our BFFs at Purdue OWL as a refresher.

This exercise can be brief—just a couple of paragraphs. Or you can take a deep dive. It’s up to you.

You don’t have to support your argument with research, but you can.

You are allowed to trace your steps through life and use your experiences as proof of this truth.

Graphics designed in Canva