Read Head
10 Followers
Bakersfield, California, United States
About the store
Hi there! I'm a veteran high school English teacher with 30 years of classroom experience in grades 9–12. I specialize in creating full ELA units and resource bundles that are standards-aligned, student-centered, and designed to spark critical thinking, creativity, and real-world connections.
Whether you're looking to streamline your planning, engage your learners, or bring more depth to your instruction, my goal is to support fellow educators with ready-to-use materials that truly work. Thanks for stopping by—I’m so glad you’re here!
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Close Reading Adaptable Digital Template e-Handout
What I love most about this Close Reading e-document is that it can be adapted for any piece of reading - from short articles and speeches to longer poems and novels. The teacher must select a total of 4 reading passages from the literature that students are currently reading in class. These textual selections are copied and pasted into the Model Selection and Close Reading Selection boxes. Because this is an adaptive and fluid digital document, teachers can make a copy with each use and eas
7th - 12th
Close Reading, English Language Arts
"Breaking the Barrier" - Characterization and Plot
In this practice activity (formative assessment), students will analyze interactions between main and subordinate characters in a literary text and explain the way those interactions affect the plot.
Skill sheet can be given as homework that leads to review and discussion the following day.
Includes reading excerpt, 5 multiple choice questions, and answer key.
7th - 10th
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Literature
The Cask Of Amontillo - Poe- Close Reading & Paraphrasing
9th grade students, who are not quite reading at grade level, often struggle with reading the works of Edgar Allen Poe. Although they love the dark Gothic subject matter, Poe's vocabulary and syntax often leaves younger readers in their own state of "darkness".
With this opening activity, students will focus on the very first paragraph of Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" and conduct a close reading by:
-making a personal connection
-asking a question
-defining unknown words
-paraphrasing
Stu
9th
Close Reading, English Language Arts, Literature
Tone Analysis Chart
With this visually appealing graphic organizer, students will be able to break down, analyze, and determine an author's tone within a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective. Students will identify the seven traits that help to reveal a writer's tone and the persuasiveness or beauty of the text.
11th - 12th
Close Reading, English Language Arts
CCSS
RI.11-12.6
Common Core (CCSS) Focused Writing Practice - Response to Literature
This intensive skill practice handout will help beginning or struggling writers with Response to Literature writing elements. First, students will practice labeling the following RTL elements:
-title
-author
-genre
-page #
-answer to the prompt
-intro to the selected quote
-quote
Next, students will practice correctly punctuating the RTL, including practice with using ellipsis and brackets.
The response to literature practice closes with a formative assessment in which students write their o
7th - 10th
English Language Arts, Literature, Writing
Digital Note Card
Say "goodbye" to the 3×5 index card and "hello" to the new digital note card. No longer will your students complain about keeping track of and formatting notes or having to "retype" all of their information. By going digital, it's as easy as 'copy and paste'. Not only that, but these practical cards can be edited and copied to suit the needs of any educational environment or level.
By using a digital note card, students will be able to:
-Easily organize notes on the cloud that are acquired
Not Specific
English Language Arts, Informational Text, Writing
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About the store
Experience
Hi there! I'm a veteran high school English teacher with 30 years of classroom experience in grades 9–12. I specialize in creating full ELA units and resource bundles that are standards-aligned, student-centered, and designed to spark critical thinking, creativity, and real-world connections.
Whether you're looking to streamline your planning, engage your learners, or bring more depth to your instruction, my goal is to support fellow educators with ready-to-use materials that truly work. Thanks for stopping by—I’m so glad you’re here!
Teaching style
My teaching style blends structure with creativity, high expectations with heartfelt support. I believe students thrive when learning feels purposeful and engaging, so I design lessons that encourage critical thinking, real-world application, and authentic student voice. Whether through literature, writing, or discussion, I aim to foster curiosity, confidence, and compassion in every classroom.
Over the years, I’ve leaned into strategies like project-based learning, scaffolded writing instruction, and meaningful discussions to help students not only meet standards—but also see their own growth. I value clarity, consistency, and a sense of community in the classroom, and my materials reflect that balance.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Throughout my 30 years in the classroom, I've been honored with a few meaningful recognitions—kudos from colleagues, curriculum leadership roles, and invitations to mentor new educators or to help veteran teachers who struggle with new technology. But the real shining moments come from the little things: watching a reluctant writer find their voice, seeing a class light up during a lively book discussion, or getting a heartfelt thank-you note years later from a student who still remembers overcoming their fear of public speaking or reading The Kite Runner.
For me, the greatest reward has always been helping students believe in their ability to think critically, express themselves powerfully, and meet the world with confidence and compassion.
My own education history
BA & MA studies in English
Masters in Education; Curriculum: Technology;
Internship focusing on the digital classroom
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