On a recent visit to the Strand NYC bookstore, I met Sophie Gregoire Trudeau who was signing copies of her memoir/self-help book, Closer Together. Sophie was easy to talk to, relatable, and kind. Readers will feel her warmth and compassion on every page of her book as she interviews professionals in various fields and combines…
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Teacher Inspiration
Teacher Inspo: Hearing from a former student One of the best parts of being a teacher is hearing from a former student. Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending an art show for a former student who is graduating as an art major at Montclair State University. I was honored that Salena invited me, and…
A Gem of a Poem: “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost
Posted on Author Jill M SmithPosted in A Gem of A Poem, Teacher Inspiration, Teacher Resources, Teacher TuesdayLeave a Reply
Robert Frost poetry is accessible to students, provides writing inspiration, and demonstrates a variety of poetic techniques. “Nothing Gold Can Stay” is a true gem for many reasons. Yes, it is quoted in S.E. Hinton’s YA novel, The Outsiders, but when fans of the book take pause and examine why Hinton chose this poem to…
Art in the Classroom: Starry Night by Van Gogh
Posted on Author Jill M SmithPosted in Art in the English Classroom, Teacher Inspiration, Teacher Tuesday, Writing InspirationLeave a Reply
When I taught middle school, Fridays were days when I wanted to do something different. After sticking with the curriculum for the other four days of the week, I looked to Fridays for creativity, inspiration, a relaxed atmosphere. Often, we would arrange our desks in a circle rather than rows, and I would call our…
Art in the Classroom: Henri Matisse’s The Snail
Posted on Author Jill M SmithPosted in Art in the English Classroom, Teacher Inspiration, Teacher TuesdayLeave a Reply
Today I suggest using the colorful art of Henri Matisse in your English or language arts classroom. The piece that I have chosen, The Snail, is fun, bold, and daring. Much of Matisse’s work is less abstract, but I chose this one for its abstractness. Students could try to create a similar piece and let…
A Gem of a Poem: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
Posted on Author Jill M SmithPosted in A Gem of A Poem, Teacher Inspiration, Writing InspirationLeave a Reply
There are few poems or stories that I can remember reading for the first time, and Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is one of them. I remember finding a picture book in the library of the poem. Each page had just a line or two with dark but vivid pictures illustrating the…
Art in the Classroom: Norman Rockwell’s The Jolly Postman
Posted on Author Jill M SmithPosted in Art in the English Classroom, Teacher Inspiration, Teacher Tuesday, Writing InspirationLeave a Reply
‘Tis the season for motivating students with lessons that embrace the festivities of December because, let’s face it, we’re tired and they’re tired, and we are all in need of something fun to do in class. One option is to bring seasonal works of art to your lessons, and who better than Norman Rockwell to…
Teacher Inspo: The Ron Clark Story starring Matthew Perry
Posted on Author Jill M SmithPosted in Teacher Inspiration, Teacher Resources, Teacher TuesdayLeave a Reply
A role seldom mentioned that Matthew Perry championed is his portrayal of Teacher of the Year, Ron Clark, who taught an at-risk class in the Bronx. The Ron Clark Story is an underdog-to-victor story, the hero’s journey in dire circumstances where kids are used to adults in their lives quitting on them. Clark believes in…
Art in the Classroom: Andrew Wyeth
Posted on Author Jill M SmithPosted in Art in the English Classroom, Teacher Inspiration, Teacher ResourcesLeave a Reply
Teachers, looking for a filler/one-day lesson? Try using a work of art to inspire creativity. Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World is a perfect choice. Viewers cannot help but be drawn into the painting. Who is she? Is she running away, or running toward the house? What do we learn about her from the details in the…
A Gem of a Poem: “Dreams” by Langston Hughes
Posted on Author Jill M SmithPosted in A Gem of A Poem, Teacher Inspiration, Teacher TuesdayLeave a Reply
Dreams by Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. Teachers, are you looking for something inspirational, short, and accessible for the end of the school year? I hear…
