The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast | ELA

209: Highly Recommended: Alone

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week I want to share one of my favorite recent reads - Alone, by Megan E Freeman. I picked up this book after hearing what a smash hit it was wit...

208: A New Approach to Differentiation with Kareem Farah

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast, I'm glad to welcome Kareem Farah, founder of the Modern Classrooms Project. As a teacher in Washington D.C., Kareem faced probl...

207: Highly Recommended: Book Clubs

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week I want to share a quick push for trying book clubs this year. If you haven't jumped on this trend yet, I want to give you a few quick reason...

206: Help Students Consider the Ethics of AI with this Free PBL Unit

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

AI is here. And everyone is paying attention. Many people are wondering if AI will take over their jobs, others how it can help them do their jobs. S...

205: Highly Recommended: Attendance Questions

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the back-to-school season rolls around, attendance questions are a super easy strategy to help you build community and get to know your students. I...

204: Students need Diverse Texts and Choice - Here's Help

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast, we're talking about why offering our students diverse texts and giving them choice over their reading is so vitally important. ...

203: Highly Recommended: Name Tent One-Pagers on Day One

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on "Highly Recommended" I'm sharing my absolute favorite way to start school - the name tent one-pager.  Long-time listeners to the show wi...

202: Silent Discussions Made Easy

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Silent discussions are a handy go-to option for helping every student participate in a discussion. They can help break up discussion ruts, show your ...

201: Highly Recommended: Penny Kittle's "Beautiful Words" Project

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm sharing an idea from Penny Kittle that is so lovely and adaptable, I'm sure you can find a wonderful way to use it - the "Beautiful Word...

200: Do THIS in July to make August Better in your ELA Classroom

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I know how it is. One minute you're paddleboarding along the lake, the next your mind is back-to-school as you consider whether to add book clubs in ...

199: Highly Recommended: Playing the "Whole Game"

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A few years ago I read Sarah Fine and Jal Mehta's book, In Search of Deeper Learning. These two researchers criss-crossed the country, searching out s...

198: Take One of These Virtual Field Trips with your ELA Students

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As I sat in the warm theater watching my son's sixth grade class recount their favorite memories of school last week, I couldn't help but notice how ...

197: Highly Recommended: Canva

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on "Highly Recommended," I'm sharing my absolute favorite tool on the internet, which just so happens to be free for educators - CANVA!   ...

196: How Caitlin's Verse Novel Book Clubs Engaged Seniors 'til the End

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast, I've got a great story for you. It's the story of how one senior class stayed engaged right up to the end through an incredible...

195: Highly Recommended: The High School Classroom Library

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So here's the thing. High school kids have about 10,000 things on their agenda just above going to the library to pick out a book. And if they do make...

194: 4 Graphic Storytelling Activities from Graphic Novelist Laura Lee Gulledge

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast we're sitting down with Laura Lee Gulledge, the graphic novelist behind The Dark Matter of Mona Starr. She's an Eisner Award nom...

193: Highly Recommended: The Libro FM Educator Program

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know about Libro FM's free audiobook program for educators?  It's easy to sign up - they approved me in just one day!  You can register for ...

192: Who's on your New Pride Month Display?

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Interactive wall displays are one of my favorite new things. Adding a QR code to a poster gives students the opportunity to take things further. If y...

191: Highly Recommended: Jason Reynolds

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on "Highly Recommended" we're talking about the guy who has been one of my top go-tos for years when someone asks for a book recommendation ...

190: My Top Contemporary Text Ideas for your ELA Classes

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I see a lot of posts each month inside our Facebook group, Creative High School English, asking for text recommendations for different courses. What'...

189: Highly Recommended: My Shakespeare

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Highly Recommended  I'm sharing my favorite online tool for Shakespeare, the free website My Shakespeare.  So what makes it so great? W...

188: Feel like it's Impossible for an English Teacher to Teach it All? (Part II)

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you tuned into the podcast last week, you know I received an email from Emily, an ELA teacher with big questions. In a nutshell, she asked - how d...

187: Highly Recommended: The Dark Matter of Mona Starr

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Dark Matter of Mona Starr, by Laura Lee Gulledge, is a STELLAR book to consider for your choice reading library, book clubs, or even full class te...

186: Feel like it's Impossible for an English Teacher to Teach it All? (Part I)

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week I received this email from Emily, an English teacher with questions I think we can all relate to. Here's what she wrote... "I am in my 8t...

185: Highly Recommended: Faculty Fun

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Highly Recommended  I'm sharing a rather unusual strategy to help you create connection among your faculty.   Unless you've already fou...

184: How to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with this Interactive Display

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrate AAPI month in your ELA classroom with a bright display I made for you, featuring bios and QR code links to the work of ten AAPI creators.  ...

183: Highly Recommended: Time-Saving Templates

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Highly Recommended  I'm sharing one of my favorite strategies for saving time AND adding quality to daily work tasks. Doesn't seem possi...

182: Want to Support Student Well Being? I Know! (Here's Help)

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You've probably seen me amplifying Amplifier already this year, in the episode about featuring contemporary Indigenous voices in your ELA classroom ...

181: Highly Recommended: John Spencer's Video Writing Prompts

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Highly Recommended  I'm sharing one of my favorite sources for writing prompts, Dr. John Spencer's video writing prompts channel. Perso...

180: The One about Eastern Europe

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thinking about a trip overseas to Europe someday? Or in the mood for a little armchair travel?  OR, maybe you're thinking about teaching abroad, and...

179: Highly Recommended: SBB's Baths vs. Showers

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Highly Recommended  I'm sharing a hilarious podcast episode you can use from Smash Boom Best titled "Baths vs. Showers."  I discovered ...

178: Struggling to Make it to the End of the Year? Try this.

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're currently seated dead center on the struggle bus, or your seniors are waving senioritis flags in your ELA classes, you're not alone. As sum...

177: Highly Recommended: Starfish

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this week's episode of the Highly Recommended Series. Every Thursday we take a quick look at something I think you'll love. What will that ...

176: Reasons to Feel Hopeful about AI at School

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for the "right" approach to AI in your English classroom? Find out how the New England Innovation Academy is working WITH students to design t...

175: Actionable ABAR Steps in ELA, with Liz Kleinrock

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to bring more Antibias Antiracist work into your creative ELA classroom and curriculum? Liz Kleinrock of Teach and Transform has written a won...

174: A New ELA Go-To? 15 Ways to use La Literatura de Cordel

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This creative spin on classroom decor gives you dozens of options for creative, interactive writing, reading, and arts integration lessons in your ELA...

173: Enjoy Teaching Rhetorical Analysis (with these Strategies)

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want to teach rhetorical analysis in a way that's creative, engaging, AND gets the job done? Mix and match these fun ELA strategies to suit your needs...

172: Celebrating Black Authors, Artists, & Activists in ELA

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want to showcase Black authors, poets, artists and activists in your ELA classroom? Celebrate Black History Month all year long with these ideas.  Bl...

171: 6 Wonderful Ways you can use Graphic Novels

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Try using graphic novels in your ELA classroom to create powerful reading ladders, launch literature circles, help make the classics accessible, and m...

170: How to Host a Graphic Novel Book Tasting

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want to introduce your ELA students to the creative joys of graphic novels? Find out how to run a quick and productive book tasting to help introduce ...

169: Turning Classics into Graphic Novels, with Gareth Hinds

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gareth Hinds has created appealing  graphic novel versions of many great classics of English literature, like The Odyssey, The Iliad, Beowulf, and Sh...

168: Why I'm not Worried about the New AI Tools

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Worried about the new AI and its repercussions in the world of ELA? In this quick episode, let me share why I think it might actually be a good thing ...

167: Fight Erasure. Feature Contemporary Indigenous Voices in Class.

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Featuring contemporary Indigenous voices in your ELA classroom - on your walls, in your research and writing projects, and on your shelves - can make ...

166: How to Add an Audiobook Listening Station to your ELA Classroom

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to help the independent readers in your ELA classroom enjoy audiobooks? Whether you want to use Audible, Libro FM (do you know about their free e...

165: Classroom Management Strategies you can Actually Enjoy

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to improve your classroom dynamics? Start with relationships, and watch how they can positively impact your daily life as a teacher in so many wa...

164: 5 Public Speaking Projects for Secondary ELA

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to engage your secondary ELA students in creative public speaking projects? Try podcasting, debate, mock trials, mini speeches, or genius hour...

163: Case Study: A Meaningful 21st Century Research Project

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Find out how veteran teacher Jane Wisdom successfully incorporated a social media twist on the traditional research project, with great results from h...

162: Active English Teaching: 10 Out-of-their-Seats Activities

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Beat the after-lunch lethargy with these active classroom strategies for ELA. Learn how to use stations, escape rooms, speed debating, hexagonal think...

161: The Ultimate Guide to First Chapter Friday

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

First Chapter Fridays let you introduce students to a wide range of diverse compelling authors even if you can only spare a few minutes a week. In thi...

160: The College Essay: What Students (and Teachers) Need to Know

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Need help teaching the college essay to your students? Learn about what makes a strong college essay from four experienced college admissions officers...

159: 3 Creative Ways to Teach Varied Sentence Structure

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to teach sentence structure in a creative way that really helps? Try these three fun twists on the traditional worksheet.  Check out the visuals...

158: How to Create a Successful International Classroom Partnership

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to try an international classroom collaboration? Learn the tips and tricks from Andrea Greer, who runs a five country collaboration from Japan. ...

157: Designing Back-to-School for Belonging, with Dr. Susie Wise

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What if faculty meetings deepened relationships and helped people feel connected and inspired? In this interview, get ideas for changing the design of...

156: How to Teach Living Poets, with Mel Smith

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to build more contemporary poetry into your ELA classroom? Find out how with #teachlivingpoets founder Mel Alter Smith. Discover poetry collectio...

155: 21 Creative ELA Lessons you can use Immediately

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Goodbye chapter comprehension questions, hello creative lesson ideas!  In today's episode, discover 21 creative lessons, activities, and units you ca...

154: Colorful Vocabulary Activities: Story Tiles, Wordy Decor & More

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for creative vocabulary activities that aren't boring? Want students to get excited about using words in interesting ways? Check out these col...

153: 6 Powerful Mentor Texts for Secondary ELA

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for creative multimedia mentor texts for your ELA students? Check out these options, from picture books to podcasts, videos to poetry, student...

152: 5 Class Podcast Projects for ELA

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to get started with class podcast projects? Good for you! Get inspired with this creative list of options for your high school English students. ...

151: Here's the Teacher Tech that Actually Helps, with Jennifer Gonzalez

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for the teacher technology that will really make an impact in your classroom, not just replace processes you use with newer, more complicated ...

150: A Quiet Revolution in Reading and Writing, with Penny Kittle

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the power of choice reading, modern mentor texts, and writer's notebooks in this actionable podcast workshop with Penny Kittle.  Get Penny's...

149: Two Inspiring Children's Book Projects, with Pernille Ripp

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Want to try having students write nonfiction children's books? How about perform plays based on their favorite children's books? Learn all about these...

148: The Power of Children's Books for Older Kids, with Pernille Ripp

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Picture books have so much to offer readers of all ages. In this interview with literacy dynamo Pernille Ripp (part one of two), find out how to use c...

147: 6 Fresh Ideas for your Writing Program

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to refresh your writing program with new, creative options? In this podcast episode, learn about unique writing prompts, writing alternative end...

146: Authentic Audiences aren't Hard to Find

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 stud...

145: Teaching Annotation just got Fun

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 creati...

144: 3 Flexible ELA Units for an Omicron Winter

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

143: What We Can Do about Teacher Demoralization, with Doris Santoro

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

142: Choice Reading: Building a Reading Culture in your English classroom

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

141: Setting up your ELA Classroom Library

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ent...

140: Every Student can Sketchnote, with Sylvia Duckworth

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Want to teach your students to apply critical thinking to their notetaking? Sketchnoting creates more engagement and retention, but not every kid come...

139: We Moved to Bratislava, Here's what it's Like

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 dec...

138: Hexagonal Thinking with Brave New Teaching (Bonus Episode)

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

137: Creative ELA Activities to Pair with Any Novel

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

136: Creative Real-World Research Projects in ELA

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

135: When Students Design Escape Rooms

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 u...

134: Creative Escape Rooms without the Fuss

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

133: Body Biographies & Digital Escape Rooms with Danielle Knight

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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

132: A Case Study in Successful Student Podcasting

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, learn how Beth Duncan, a creative high school teacher from North Carolina, got her students podcasting. Discover the steps she went t...

131: Help for Integrating SEL, with Dr. Lorea Martinez Perez

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

130: Build Connection with your Classroom Design

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, featuring five creative guest experts, discover six powerful ideas to transform your ELA classroom into the inclusive, creative, insp...

129: Try Hexagonal One-Pagers

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Love hexagonal thinking? Love one-pagers? Combine them in one visual critical thinking activity for your creative ELA classroom. Go Further:  Explore...

128: Take your Hexagonal Thinking Activities Deeper

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 de...

127: How to Create a Hexagonal Thinking Deck

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

126: 5 Ways to Use your Writing Makerspace

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

125: How to Start a Writing Makerspace

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 e...

124: 6 Free Canva Tools for English Teachers

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 cre...

123: Creative Blended Learning (Now and in the Future), with Dr. Catlin Tucker

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview with Dr. Catlin Tucker, blended learning specialist, learn about the station rotation model, effective playlist creation for indepen...

122: The Ultimate Guide to Genius Hour In ELA

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to dive into genius hour with your students? Genius hour is an amazing way to develop their creativity AND ELA skillset. In this episode, learn ...

121: When Lit Circles WORK, with Krista Barbour

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Want to do lit circles with your older students without the usual prescribed roles? Find out how one teacher made them work beautifully in her classro...

120: Collegiate High School's Digital Literary Food Truck Festival

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A literary food truck project is a great creative assessment for lit circles and choice reading. Find out how to take it digital in this interview wit...

119: 5 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes in ELA

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Want to try mixing interactive QR codes into your lesson plans, classroom design, and school hallways? In this show, find out how to simply create QR ...

118: Big Ideas for Better Writing Instruction, with EB Academics

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Feel adrift when it comes to teaching writing in your ELA classes?  You'll find great tips in today's episode to help, like spiraling your writing in...

117: 10 Ways to Encourage a Reading Culture in your (Online) Classroom

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wishing you could promote choice reading more effectively with students online? It IS possible to create a rich reading culture with your kids now. Ch...

116: Connect with your Students as a New Year Begins

01 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! In this episode, discover six ideas for re-connecting with your English students when you get back to school, no matter what your scen...

115: 5 Creative Digital Poetry Activities

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching a poetry unit? Need engaging poetry unit ideas you can roll out easily in Google Classroom? Today we're talking about digital poetry tiles, d...

114: Easily Reduce your Digital Paper Pile

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is your digital paper pile keeping you up at night? Google Classroom work may not fill your workbag, but it sure can weigh on your mind. Check out thi...

113: Breakout Rooms, Community Building, and Grading Policies for Online Teaching

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, get ideas for better breakout rooms, building community in the remote classroom, teaching writing online, and much more with my guest...

112: An ELA Teacher's Gift Guide

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In search of fun, creative gifts this holiday season? Discover sixteen ideas in this first annual Creative English Teacher's Gift Guide episode. From ...

111: Creative Uses for Jamboard, with Matt Miller

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Want to try Jamboard, but not sure how? In this episode, discover creative classroom options for Jamboard, and learn how to avoid the common pitfalls....

110: Take Your Writing Workshop Digital (It's Easy), with Amanda Werner

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wanting to experiment with online writing wokrshop? Let Amanda teach you how! Writing workshop translates easily and simply to the online classroom. F...