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  • How to Cite Quotations in MLA Format: Teaching Ideas

    by Melissa Kruse

    MLA is fussy. When teaching students to cite quotations in MLA format, it can feel like we are really nit-picking at details. And, I suppose we are. Students need to…

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  • 5 Simple Routines to Ease into a New Semester

    by Melissa Kruse

    Does the thought of starting a new semester have you ready to dive under a blanket, binge-watch your favorite Netflix series, and cuddle up with a bowl of popcorn? A…

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  • What is Meaningful Homework?

    by Melissa Kruse

    What is meaningful homework? In middle and high school, stereotypical visions of students weighed down by heavy backpacks and up all hours of the night completing packets and studying for…

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  • How to Engage Students with Musical Debates

    by Melissa Kruse

    The world is disagreeing, and people feel disconnected. In the middle of what sometimes seems like chaos, we need to provide opportunities for students to converse…to share their ideas. Students…

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  • Teaching with Photographs: 3 Powerful Ways to Boost Literacy

    by Melissa Kruse

    Inside: Teaching with photographs is powerful. With just a single image, educators can convey complex ideas, helping students make deep connections. In an age of digital literacy, students need to…

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  • Effective Read Alouds for Teaching Literary Elements

    by Melissa Kruse

    If you are a middle or high school teacher, and you’re not incorporating picture books in your curriculum, why not!? Creating mini lessons with short texts is one of the…

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  • How to Get Started with Sketchnotes in the Classroom

    by Melissa Kruse

    So you want students to do something…to show thinking…to process learning…and to communicate information. But, maybe you’re tired of recycling the same approaches and just need something refreshing. Enter sketchnotes.…

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  • 12 Powerful Discussion Strategies to Engage Students

    by Melissa Kruse

    Inside: Looking for collaborative class discussion strategies that work across settings? This post is full of a variety of engaging technology and formatting options for blended learning, online teaching, and…

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  • How to Create Classroom Norms with Students

    by Melissa Kruse

    Inside: Students need to learn how to take charge of their learning. This involves developing independence and metacognition…along with some focused classroom norms that give students a voice. I taught…

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  • Simple Ways to Make Teaching Writing Online More Effective

    by Melissa Kruse

    Inside: Teaching writing online is challenging. This post outlines simple strategies to make it more efficient, effective, and engaging.  Overwhelming. That’s the first thought that comes to mind when I…

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  • 12 Ways to Build a Virtual Classroom Community

    by Melissa Kruse

    Inside: There’s no secret ingredient to building a virtual classroom community. Every teacher will find approaches that work best for his or her own personality and teaching style. Hopefully, these…

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  • 3 Digital Skills to Model in the Secondary Classroom

    by Melissa Kruse

    Inside this post: Whether you’re teaching in a virtual, blended, or brick and mortar setting, middle and high school students NEED digital citizenship lessons. In this post, find some of…

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  • 10 of the Best Literary Analysis Activities to Elevate Thinking

    by Melissa Kruse

    Inside this Post: Ready to elevate your literary analysis lessons? This post is full of engaging and effective activities to help students master literary analysis topics. Literary analysis has become…

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  • How to Structure a Powerful, Meaningful Vocabulary Program

    by Melissa Kruse

    Inside: A fresh, powerful way to structure a meaningful vocabulary program for middle and high school students. Vocabulary instruction should be more than an afterthought! Read about making it an…

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  • The Big Classroom Supply List for Teachers

    by Melissa Kruse

    Trying to fill out that silly classroom supply list request form? Teachers in many schools are asked to complete one every year, but – for many reasons – these forms…

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  • Daily and Weekly ELA Plans

    by Melissa Kruse

    Looking for a daily ELA plan? Perhaps a weekly ELA plan? In this post, you’ll find some ideas for both. I hope they provide a starting point or spark your…

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  • Easy Ways to Organize a Virtual Classroom

    by Melissa Kruse

    Have you ever had so many tabs open at once that you can’t even tell which tab is which? Yeah, me neither (cough). No one wants their brain to feel…

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  • How to Select the Best Novels for Your ELA Curriculum

    by Melissa Kruse

    It’s frustrating when we have what feels like hundreds of standards to teach and little time to do it in. How do you fit it all in? Everyone wants to…

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  • 7 Ways to Make Learning Relevant with Photography

    by Melissa Kruse

    The new distance learning format has sparked a shift in how educators are connecting with students. Now, more than ever, we need ways to connect with students, build community, and…

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  • 9 Important Student Reflection Questions for the End of the Year

    by Melissa Kruse

    It’s the end of the school year, and you’re tired. Not to worry! This post will save you time. Use these student reflection questions to spark critical thinking about learning…

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About Me

About Me

Reader, Writer, & Teacher

Hi, I'm Melissa. I'm passionate about teaching and learning. As an instructional coach, I'm always asking questions, trying new things, and reflecting. This is the space where I share my learning with others.

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Reading and Writing Haven
  • Home
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