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English & Language Arts Teacher Blog


This blog is for secondary English, ELA, and language arts teachers filled with lesson plans, humor, product recommendations, teaching ideas, tips, and tricks and much more!


11/19/24: Developing grit part 2, books for students that “hate” reading, & more!

11/19/2024

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Another week of touching hearts and changing lives!
​

​But First, A Chuckle!

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Helpful Stuff

Helping Students Develop Grit: A Teacher’s Guide Part 2:

Tip #2: Celebrate Effort, Not Just Talent

Many students think they need to be “naturally good” at something to succeed, but that’s not the case. 

It’s not about talent—it’s about effort.

I make a point to show students that hard work matters just as much, if not more, than any natural skill. 

If a student is struggling with reading & writing, for instance, I remind them that progress comes through practice and persistence and I commend them for not giving up. 

I am also encouragingly remind them that they should not compare their progress with others in a way that causes envy or jealousy, but to use that as inspiration and motivation.

That’s how I’ve been showing my kiddos that grit is something they can build with practice.

Tip #3 will be in the next email!

Try these out and let us know how it goes! Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram and Facebook!
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Recommendation

Check out our latest video on book recommendations for students that “hate” reading!

Or you can read the blog post here or listen to the podcast here! 


​This Week’s Most Helpful Resources! 

Stray by Cynthia Rylant reading comprehension test
The all American slurp by reading comprehension test by Lemsey namioka Picture
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A Little Inspiration

Because our headspace matters when we are trying to show up as our best selves for our students, our loved ones, and ourselves!

We’d like to think of this as a little bit like life coaching the teachers :-)

Here’s a short zen koan with a powerful punch!

There was once an old farmer who had spent many years tending his land. One day, his horse ran away. When the neighbors heard, they came by to express their sympathy. “What terrible luck,” they said. The farmer simply replied, “Perhaps.”

The following day, the horse returned, bringing along three wild horses. The neighbors were amazed. “How wonderful!” they said. The farmer calmly responded, “Perhaps.”

Soon after, the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the wild horses. He was thrown off and broke his leg. The neighbors came to show their concern. “What a misfortune,” they remarked. The farmer again said, “Perhaps.”

A few days later, military officials arrived to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the farmer’s son had a broken leg, they left him alone. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good fortune. He replied, “Perhaps.”

Powerful, right?!

​Sharing is caring—so please forward this to any teacher that could benefit from this message and help spread the love!

The goal of these messages is to help ourselves improve—for our students, for our loved ones, and for ourselves. 

You can always reply to this message or message us on Facebook here!

Keep touching hearts and changing lives!
Charlie with Shining Scholar Education
Our podcast is back—check it out!
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P.S.: Looking to monetize your educational content? Consider joining our TPT Affiliate Program for 25% commissions here!
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