English Education

As students progress through their academic journey, fostering a love for nonfiction material is essential. Introducing young readers to compelling real-life stories and informational text can be an enriching experience. Here are some outstanding nonfiction books suitable for students in grades 7-12. These texts will not only inspire and educate but also captivate the minds of these young readers.

1. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban – by Malala Yousafzai

This powerful memoir tells the story of Malala Yousafzai’s incredible journey as she advocates for girls’ education in Pakistan, her life-altering encounter with the Taliban, and her unwavering determination to fight for what she believes in. This inspirational story will open your students’ minds to the power of education and activism.

2. The Boys in the Boat: The True Story of an American Team’s Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics – by Daniel James Brown

Dive into the captivating world of competitive rowing as you follow nine young men from Washington State and their commitment to winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Through perseverance, adversity, and grit, this story highlights the power of teamwork and the triumph of human spirit.

3. Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy – by Seymour Reit

This gripping true story follows Emma Edmonds, who disguised herself as a man to spy on Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War. This engaging narrative showcases her resourcefulness, bravery, and patriotism as a woman fighting against all odds in a male-dominated world.

4. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat – Young Readers Edition – by Michael Pollan

This youth edition of Michael Pollan’s classic examines our modern food system and encourages young readers to think critically about the choices they make every day. The book will help students understand the environmental, ethical, and health implications of their food choices.

5. March Trilogy – by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

This award-winning graphic novel series tells the true story of Congressman John Lewis’s life as a key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. The engaging illustrations and powerful storytelling bring history to life, demonstrating the importance of social activism.

6. The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives – by Dashka Slater

This heart-wrenching true story details the events that unfolded when two teenagers—one black, one white—boarded a bus in Oakland, California. Their lives become intertwined after a reckless action leads to tragic consequences, forcing them both to face their contrasting experiences growing up in different communities.

These engaging nonfiction texts will spark conversations, critical thinking, and understanding among your middle and high school students. Exploring real-life stories and important topics will not only broaden their knowledge but also cultivate empathy – a skill that extends far beyond the classroom. With these exceptional options at hand, it’s time to inspire your students with the incredible world of nonfiction literature!

Introduction:

English class can be a challenging yet exciting subject for many students. It is a space to explore literature, improve writing skills, and broaden one’s horizons through language. While one should not hesitate to communicate with their teacher about any doubts or questions, there still exist some potentially cringe-worthy or inappropriate inquiries that students should avoid. In this article, we will examine 10 such queries that may result in raised eyebrows or even embarrassment in the classroom.

1. “Can you just give us the answers?”

Asking for direct answers without making an effort to learn is a sign of laziness and lack of interest in the subject matter. Instead, seek clarification on concepts you don’t understand and work towards finding the answer yourself through critical thinking and problem-solving.

2. “Will this be on the test?”

This question demonstrates a lack of focus on grasping the material with genuine curiosity and only prioritizing test scores. A better approach would be engaging actively in class, taking thorough notes, and striving for comprehension rather than purely memorizing the facts.

3. “Do we really need to know this?”

Questioning the relevance of subjects taught in English class undermines your teacher’s efforts and lesson plans designed to provide a comprehensive education. Keep an open-minded attitude and remember that not all topics need direct application for them to hold value.

4. “Can I turn in this assignment late (again)?”

Repeated requests for deadline extensions suggest poor time management skills and a disregard for classroom rules. Be proactive in organizing your workload and planning ahead to avoid last-minute extensions.

5. “Did you read my essay?”

Implying your teacher hasn’t put effort into reading your work can come across as accusatory or disrespective. Trust that your teachers invest their time into evaluating your performance fairly.

6. “Why didn’t I get a better grade?”

Demanding explanations for grades conveys entitlement and lays blame on the teacher. Instead, ask for feedback on how to improve in future assignments and work towards enhancing your performance.

7. “Is the spelling and grammar really that important?”

English teachers are responsible for teaching not just literature but also communication skills, which include proper spelling and grammar. Showing disinterest in such fundamentals is a red flag.

8. “What’s the point of reading old books?”

Classic literature helps students gain insights into different eras, cultures, and the evolution of language. Dismissing them as irrelevant suggests close-mindedness and an unwillingness to appreciate the impact of these historical works.

9. “Can I take a nap/check my phone/skip this class?”

Requests to avoid engaging in classroom activities portray laziness, disrespect, and indifference towards the subject matter. Dedicate your time in class to participating actively and paying attention.

10. “Who even uses this stuff in real life?”

English is more than just books and essays; it teaches critical thinking, analysis, creativity, empathy, and effective communication. Disregarding these skills can lead to limiting one’s potential inside and outside of school.

Conclusion:

While students should feel encouraged to express their doubts or confusion openly, staying aware of appropriate questions helps maintain a respectful classroom environment. Ask thoughtful questions, be prepared for class discussions, and always seek constructive feedback from your teacher. By avoiding harmful inquiries suggested above, you will strengthen your relationship with your English teacher and pave the way for academic success!

Once upon a time in the American frontier, a legend was born – a giant lumberjack named Paul Bunyan. With his mighty blue ox, Babe, by his side, Paul’s incredible adventures have been passed down through generations of young readers. Here are nine tall tales about the amazing Paul Bunyan that will surely capture your imagination.

1. The Great Lakes Creation

Did you know that Paul Bunyan is responsible for creating the Great Lakes? As the story goes, he needed a watering hole large enough for his colossal blue ox, Babe. With one swipe of his enormous ax, Paul carved out these massive lakes so Babe could have a drink.

2. The Grand Canyon Creation

Another incredible feat by the legendary lumberjack is the creation of the Grand Canyon. It is believed that as he walked along with Babe and dragged his ax behind him, the continuous scraping against the ground formed this remarkable landmark.

3. The Formation of Mount Hood

In Oregon, it is said that Paul Bunyan created Mount Hood! Feeling cold one night and longing for warmth, Paul took rocks and piled them high to make a massive bonfire. Eventually, the peak of rocks turned into Mount Hood.

4. The Mississippi River

As you may have guessed, Paul Bunyan also has a hand in creating the famous Mississippi River. When he needed a river to transport logs from his logging camps, he simply gouged out a path with his ax – and there we have it!

5. The Great Stump Joke

Paul found humor in all things big – even stumps! When he came across a giant redwood stump in California, he saw an opportunity for some laughs. He decided to carve out an enormous tea kettle from the stump and filled it with water from Niagara Falls; then built a fire under it using mountains as kindling!

6. The Owyhee Desert Pancakes

This tale takes us to the Owyhee Desert, where Paul decided to prepare a massive pancake breakfast. Paul used his giant griddle to cook colossal pancakes and leveled a mountain range in the process!

7. The Great Land Slide of Puget Sound

In Washington State, it is believed that Paul caused a massive landslide near the Puget Sound as he tried to clear more land for his lumber camp. The landslide created a vast valley and made room for even more tall tales.

8. Babe’s Blue Fur

Curious about how Babe got his blue color? Well, during one harsh winter, while Paul and Babe were traversing the snowy forests of North America, Babe became so cold that he turned blue! Miraculously, this change became permanent – forever marking him as Paul Bunyan’s trusty companion.

9. The Giant Mosquitoes of Wisconsin

Our final story involves an epic battle between Paul Bunyan and gigantic mosquitoes in Wisconsin. Armed with tree trunks, Paul fought off these monstrous bugs – ensuring that none remained to terrorize the people of the region.

There you have it – nine tall tales of the adventures and feats of the legendary Paul Bunyan and his loyal companion, Babe the Blue Ox. These stories have delighted children for generations, sparking their imaginations and expanding their minds through folklore’s power.

Introduction

Enhancing the learning experience and developing grammatical skills are crucial for all students mastering the English language. One area where improvement cannot be overlooked is the proper use of comparative adjectives. To help in this regard, we’ve compiled a list of 10 worksheets designed explicitly for practicing and mastering comparative adjectives. So, let’s delve into these valuable resources!

1.Basic Comparative Adjectives Worksheet

This beginner-friendly worksheet introduces students to the concept of comparative adjectives and provides simple exercises for comparing two things using ‘-er’ and ‘more.’ This is perfect for young learners or those just starting with English grammar.

2.Degrees of Comparison Worksheet

Students practice identifying the three degrees of comparison—positive, comparative, and superlative—using various adjectives in this exercise. This worksheet aids students in distinguishing between different adjectival forms and degrees.

3.Picture-Based Comparative Adjectives Worksheet

Incorporating visuals in language learning can greatly enhance retention and comprehension. With this worksheet, learners use illustrations to provide meaningful context to comparative adjectives through fill-in-the-blank exercises.

4.Irregular Comparative Adjectives Worksheet

Some adjectives don’t follow the typical rule of adding ‘-er’ or ‘more.’ This comprehensive worksheet exposes learners to irregular comparative adjectives, such as ‘better,’ ‘worse,’ or ‘farther,’ with a series of structured exercises.

5.Comparative Adjectives Matching Game Worksheet

Turn language learning into a fun activity! Students will enjoy matching opposites using different comparative adjectives on this interactive game-style worksheet, consolidating their knowledge while playing.

6.Comparative Adjective Crossword Puzzle

Perfect for encouraging group work or as an individual challenge, this puzzle-based worksheet requires learners to solve clues on various comparative adjectives in order to complete a crossword grid successfully.

7.Negative Comparisons Practice Worksheet

Teaching students how to use comparative adjectives in negative form is essential. This worksheet practices the use of ‘less’ and ‘fewer’ to build negative comparative sentences.

8.Comparative Adjectives Question and Answer Worksheet

Cultivate conversation skills using this question and answer format worksheet. Students practice asking questions using comparative adjectives and respond properly to their peers, fostering interactive communication in the classroom.

9.Mistake Correction Comparative Adjectives Worksheet

Accuracy is integral in language development, especially when working with adjectives. In this worksheet, students are tasked with identifying and correcting mistakes concerning the usage of comparative adjectives within context-based sentences.

10.Mixed-Ability Comparative Adjective Challenge

Lastly, this mixed-ability worksheet covers various aspects of comparative adjectives usage, allowing students of different skill levels to engage and progress at their own pace through multiple exercises.

Conclusion

With these 10 worksheets specifically designed for practicing comparative adjectives, teachers can now provide ample opportunities for students to explore and excel in this crucial grammar concept. Integration of these activities into regular lesson plans promotes both individual growth and collaborative learning among students on their journey toward English language proficiency.

If you are a fan of the Percy Jackson series, the excitement you felt as you dived into the world of young demigods is hard to replicate. But fear not! There are numerous other books and series out there with similar themes, fantastical worlds, and intriguing characters. Here is a list of 14 books and series that will cater to Percy Jackson fans:

1. The Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan – This series directly follows after Percy Jackson’s adventures, featuring new demigods, exciting battles, and even more enthralling Greek mythology.

2. The Magnus Chase Series by Rick Riordan – Norse mythology comes to life in this fantastic adventure series centered on Magnus Chase, cousin of Annabeth Chase from the Percy Jackson books.

3. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan – This trilogy explores Egyptian mythology as Carter and Sadie Kane embark on thrilling adventures in their quest to understand their magical lineage.

4. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – A timeless classic, the magical world of Harry Potter offers exciting adventures, friendship, and battles between good and evil.

5. Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer – Follow Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old criminal mastermind, as he discovers the secret world of fairies living beneath the earth’s surface.

6. Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull – Ideal for young readers who love magical creatures and thrilling adventures, Fablehaven centers around siblings Seth and Kendra as they protect mythical beings in hidden refuges.

7. Wings of Fire Series by Tui T. Sutherland – This immersive series follows five dragonets that have been prophesied to end a long-standing war among dragon tribes in their land of Pyrrhia.

8. The Unwanteds Series by Lisa McMann – The Unwanteds is set in a dystopian society where children are divided into either Wanted or Unwanted categories, where the young protagonist discovers a magical world after being marked Unwanted.

9. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman – Dive into the parallel universes and captivating story of Lyra Belacqua in this epic and complex trilogy that explores the battle for free will.

10. The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud – Set in an alternate version of London, this series follows the young magician-in-training Nathaniel and his partnership with a powerful and sardonic spirit named Bartimaeus.

11. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis – Step into the enchanting world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe and embark on adventures with mythical creatures, mysterious prophecies, and epic battles.

12. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini – This high-fantasy series is centered on a farm boy named Eragon who embarks on an incredible adventure after discovering he is a Dragon Rider.

13. The Gregor the Overlander Series by Suzanne Collins – Journey with Gregor as he stumbles upon the hidden subterranean world under New York City and becomes the reluctant hero among these underground dwellers.

14. The Beyonders Trilogy by Brandon Mull – This captivating series follows two teens pulled into another realm where they join forces to solve puzzles, acquire magical items, and fight against dark forces to save both their worlds.

These captivating books and series offer remarkable stories that are sure to echo the same excitement you felt while reading Percy Jackson. Pull up your cozy reading seat and dive into these fantastic adventures!

Education is an essential aspect of our lives, shaping our knowledge and critical thinking. For many students, the classroom contributes significantly to their academic experience. However, not all classrooms have an ideal setting, and some may even lack the benefits of natural light, fresh air, and a view outside. Here are some tips to help you survive and thrive in a classroom without windows.

1. Incorporate Personal Lighting

A well-lit environment is crucial to maintaining focus and productivity. Bring portable desk lamps or clip-on lights for personal use. Opt for LED lights that imitate natural sunlight as they put less strain on your eyes compared to harsh fluorescent lighting.

2. Adjust Seating Arrangements

Discuss with your teachers or classmates to rearrange the seating in a way that maximizes the available light source and minimizes glare and shadows. Proper seating configurations can make a significant difference in terms of both physical comfort and psychological well-being.

3. Utilize Technology

While screen time should be limited, using tablets or e-readers with adjustable brightness settings can provide an alternative means of illumination when studying in a windowless environment.

4. Introduce Plants

Incorporating plants into the classroom not only brightens up space but also helps improve air quality by releasing oxygen and absorbing harmful substances like carbon dioxide. Select low-maintenance plants like snake plants or pothos that require minimal care while providing oxygen and purifying the air.

5. Showcase Educational Posters or Artworks

Displaying colorful educational posters or inspiring artwork can enhance visual appeal and stimulate learning. Coordinate with your teacher to create a comfortable environment by hanging works related to the subject matter or boosting motivation.

6. Schedule Regular Breaks

Arrange regular breaks with your teacher or simply walk outside during free periods to get some fresh air and sunlight exposure at intervals throughout the day.

7. Aromatherapy

Whether it’s essential oils or scented candles, introduce fragrances that promote focus and concentration. Scents such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint can help enhance your cognitive abilities in a windowless classroom.

8. Personalize Your Space

Creating a personalized study space with items that have sentimental value or represent your interests can increase motivation, productivity, and make an environment more inviting.

9. Practice Good Posture

Poorly lit spaces may exacerbate fatigue and eye strain, leading to poor posture when studying. Be mindful of maintaining proper posture by sitting upright and adjusting your chair’s height to suit ergonomics.

10. Encourage Communication

Discussing challenges associated with a windowless classroom among peers can promote empathy and collaboration. Open communication will enable teachers and students to work together to develop creative solutions.

In conclusion, while a classroom without windows may not be ideal, by implementing these coping strategies, you can still maintain a positive learning atmosphere and overcome any limitations that a windowless environment might impose.

In a world where the human experience is constantly evolving, literature continues to play a significant role in shaping our understanding of society. Teaching literature can provide students with a window into different cultures, historical periods, and the universality of human emotions. As educators, it is essential to employ creative techniques to bring texts to life and inspire young minds. This article will explore innovative ideas on teaching literature and shed light on the power of perspective.

1. Encourage Active Reading

Active reading involves engaging with the text through questioning, annotating, and analyzing while reading. Teach students to make connections between the text’s elements and their own lives. Using literature circles, where students assign roles such as connectors or big idea finders within their group, is an effective way to involve everyone in the discussion.

2. Empathy Maps

Comprehension of literary characters should go beyond the surface level. By utilizing empathy maps in the classroom – visual diagrams that allow students to identify a character’s thoughts, feelings, actions, and motivations – teachers can encourage deep analysis and foster an empathetic understanding.

3. Contextualizing Literature

Incorporate resources that provide historical background or explore an author’s life in order to better understand various contexts within the source material. Show how different literary movements have shaped storytelling across eras by comparing older pieces of literature with contemporary works.

4. Analyzing from Different Perspectives

Promote a diverse learning environment by incorporating multiple perspectives when examining texts. Encourage students to explore how gender, culture, social class, or personal experiences can influence their perception of a story or character.

5. Creative Writing Exercises

Invite students to rewrite scenes or add new chapters from the perspective of a different character or even an inanimate object. Such exercises help in developing creative thinking skills while also allowing them to place themselves in another’s shoes.

6. Debates and Role-Play

Role-playing activities and debates can be a fun and interactive way to teach literature. These activities expose students to multiple viewpoints and spur critical thinking, as they must not only understand, but also defend a character’s motivations or actions.

7. Multimodal Presentations

Students may create visual essays, podcasts with character interviews, or multimedia presentations that combine text, graphics, audio, and video elements to analyze a literary work. This can ignite enthusiasm in students who learn best through non-traditional formats.

8. Incorporate Technology

In an increasingly digital age, educators can leverage technology to amplify the teaching experience. Utilize apps or websites that gamify learning or encourage group collaboration.

In conclusion, teaching literature can be a rewarding experience that transcends the pages of a book and opens students’ minds to various perspectives within the human experience. Through creativity and engaging classroom activities, educators can foster an appreciation of literature that will last a lifetime.

Introducing poetry to children can be a rewarding experience for both the child and parents or educators. There are numerous forms of poetry, each with its unique characteristics and structures. Here are 15 types of poetry to share with kids, along with examples to help them understand and enjoy this wonderful world of words.

1. Acrostic Poems

In an acrostic poem, the first letter of each line spells out a word or message. This format can be a fun way for kids to express their creativity.

Example:

Super powers I have,

Under water I can breathe,

Persevering through any challenge,

Exploring new adventures,

Reaching beyond the sky.

2. Haiku

A traditional Japanese form, haikus consist of three lines with syllable counts of 5-7-5.

Example:

A frog on a pond—

Splashes and then disappears;

Nature’s symphony.

3. Limericks

Limericks are humorous five-line poems with an AABBA rhyme scheme.

Example:

There once was a kid named Drew

Who collected rocks old and new

With quite such delight

In day or night

His collection eventually grew.

4. Sonnets

Sonnets have 14 lines with an ABABCDCDEFEFGG rhyme scheme.

Example: (Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18”)

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:

5. Shape Poems

Also known as concrete or calligram poems, shape poems use words and phrases to create an image that represents the poem’s theme.

Example: Create a shape poem in the form of a tree.

6. Couplet Poems

Couplets consist of two consecutive lines that rhyme and have the same meter.

Example:

The cat sat on the mat,

Greeted by a welcoming pat.

7. Diamante Poems

Diamante poems resemble a diamond shape with seven lines and describe either a single topic or two opposite topics.

Example:

Puppy

Fluffy, Playful

Biting, Barking, Running

Collar, Toys, Coop, Seeds

Pecking, Preening, Chirping

Noisy, Curious

Bird

8. Clerihew Poems

Clerihews are humorous four-line verses about a famous person.

Example:

Walt Disney had it all,

From Mickey Mouse to a snowball.

From theme parks to lovely films,

He built dreams with endless trills.

9. Cinquains

A cinquain has five lines with syllable counts of 2-4-6-8-2.

Example:

Sunset

Golden, Bright

Fading, Glowing, Changing

Sky filled with colors profound

Evening

10. Tanka Poems

Similar to haiku but with 5-7-5-7-7 syllables.

Example:

A blanket of white,

Winter’s breath so visible,

Children playing free.

Snowflakes fall like whispered dreams,

Nature’s quiet symphony.

11. Bio Poems

Bio poems are focused on describing a person in a particular format.

Example:

Raymond – friendly and compassionate,

Son of Julie and Michael,

Lover of animals, books and nature,

Who fears spiders, loneliness and failure,

Who dreams of traveling the world and making a difference.

12. Epitaphs

An epitaph is often etched on a tombstone or monument and gives honors to someone who has died

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is crucial for students to develop effective communication skills. One such skill is argument writing, which requires the ability to make a claim and back it up with evidence. Teaching students argument writing through close reading is an effective method for helping them develop this skill and improve their overall academic performance.

What is Close Reading?

Close reading is a method of literary analysis that involves careful examination of a text to understand its deeper meanings, structure, and rhetorical devices. This strategy teaches students to think critically about what they read and engage with the content on a more profound level.

Teaching Argument Writing through Close Reading

1. Select a suitable text: Choose a text with strong arguments or opinions that will challenge your students’ critical thinking abilities. This can be an article, an essay, or even a short story.

2. Introduce the concept of argument writing: Explain to your students that argument writing is the process of making a claim based on evidence found within the text. Teach them the difference between claiming something without evidence (an assertion) and making a well-founded claim supported by strong evidence.

3. Model close reading skills: Begin by reading the selected text together as a class, focusing on specific sections containing claims and supporting evidence. Demonstrate how to analyze the text carefully, asking questions and encouraging discussion among the students.

4. Practicing close reading: Have your students work individually or in small groups to identify claims within the text and the evidence provided supporting each claim. Encourage them to ask questions about the author’s choices in phrasing or selecting evidence.

5. Crafting claims from evidence: Ask students to choose one piece of evidence they found while practicing close reading and create their own claim based on it. Teach them how to write clear, concise claims that are easy for readers to understand.

6. Strengthening arguments: Have your students write an argument paragraph that supports their claim with evidence derived from their close reading of the text. Encourage them to use transition words, quotes, and other rhetorical devices to strengthen their arguments.

7. Revising and editing: Once students have written their arguments, ask them to peer-review each other’s work. Emphasize the importance of revising and editing in argument writing to make their claims more persuasive and effective.

8. Reflect on the process: Finally, provide opportunities for your students to reflect on their learning experience. Ask them to consider how close reading has helped them develop a better understanding of the text and the arguments it presents.

By teaching argument writing through close reading, you can help your students become more critical thinkers and effective communicators. Integrating this literary analysis method into your curriculum can lead to improvements not only in students’ writing but also in their overall academic performance.

As an English teacher, you know that your days are full of highs and lows, laughter, and frustrations. Whether you’re discussing the finer points of Shakespeare or deciphering the meaning behind emojis, a good sense of humor is essential to maintaining sanity in the classroom. With that being said, here are 15 memes that accurately sum up life as an English teacher:

1. The “I Moved from Shakespearean Drama to Classroom Drama” Meme

This meme showcases an ironic image of Shakespeare himself surrounded by speech bubbles and emojis as he laments having to teach modern slang terms like “bae” and “squad”.

2. The “Macbeth Curse” Meme

You’re not a true English teacher until you’ve experienced the fear of uttering the name “Macbeth” aloud in your classroom, causing chaos and catastrophe to follow suit.

3. The “Misplaced Modifier Mayhem” Meme

When your students unintentionally create hilarious sentences with misplaced modifiers, it sparks both amusement and frustration for any grammar-loving teacher.

4. The “Punctuation Struggle is Real” Meme

This meme uses exasperated facial expressions to capture the pain experienced when students struggle with punctuation rules and the Oxford comma debate.

5. The “To Grade or Not to Grade” Meme

Showing Hamlet contemplating life’s great questions, replaced by an English teacher holding a stack of essays debating whether to start grading or procrastinate a little longer.

6. The “Red Pen Wielder” Meme

A sarcastic twist on superheroes: a masked figure wielding their mighty red pen, illustrating that not all heroes wear capes –  some just correct grammar!

7. The “Mispronouncing Literary Names” Meme

When you hear a student mispronounce a famous author’s name like Jane “Ow-sten,” it takes every ounce of willpower not to correct them immediately.

8. The “Literal Note-taking” Meme

After repeatedly stressing the importance of taking notes during class, your students take it literally by writing down every single word you say, verbatim.

9. The “Singular They Debate” Meme

Grammar traditionalists and modernists clash in this meme depicting an English teacher caught in the middle of the great “singular they” debate.

10. The “Close Reading vs. Skim Reading” Meme

Portraying a student attempting to explain that their skim reading technique counts as a close reading, much to an English teacher’s despair and disapproval.

11. The “Fine Line between Plagiarism and Inspiration” Meme

Watching students blur the line between borrowing ideas and copying work, you question if they’re just heavy inspirations or downright plagiarism bandits.

12. The “Too Many Classic Books Not Enough Time” Meme

A photo of an impossibly tall stack of books in front of a teacher with outstretched arms conveying the frustration of having to choose which essential literature makes it into the curriculum.

13. The “Split Ends: Run-on Sentence Edition” Meme

The division on compound sentences has never looked so literal (and had such bad hair) than in this meme illustrating how run-on sentences should be split into separate thoughts.

14. The “Mixed Metaphor Madness” Meme

As your student remarks on “burning daylight at both ends,” you shake your head in amusement at this creative mish-mash of classic idioms.

15. The “Figurative Language Fiasco” Meme

When students struggle with figurative language and claim that similes are similar, but not the same as metaphors or personification- and you just can’t deal anymore!