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Solar Eclipse 2017 Lesson Ideas for Secondary English

The 2017 Solar Eclipse is coming and my county is in one of the paths were a great amount of totality will be experienced. It’s such a big deal that we’ve called off school that day for several reasons, but we are required to teach a lesson on the event before August 21, 2017.  I’ve researched and glanced briefly online, but most lesson ideas that come up are either for math or science, or they are not for middle or high school level.  We secondary English teachers don’t want to let the elementary teachers or science and math teachers have all the fun with the 2017 solar event of a lifetime; we “totally” want to join in with the fun, too! Therefore, I’ve brainstormed five ideas that I think are perfect to shed some “light” on the topic in your secondary English class.

1) Reading Informational Text: Find some articles that explain what happens during an eclipse.  I used this article @ http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/gem-projects/hm/0304-1-08-eclipse/Types%20of%20Solar%20Eclipse.htm for the lesson I did with my dual enrollment seniors.  I had them read the article and annotate. Then, in groups, they had to make a poster displaying that information.  There were many skills that I was able to cover in this lesson including reading complex informational (scientific texts which scores points for ACT science); summarizing; classifying information; speaking & listening; art.  Before conducting the lesson, review close reading strategies with my Close Reading and Annotating Teaching Pack.

2) Traditional Writing: Students don’t usually get “starry-eyed” about writing, but when the topics are as cool as a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse event, even the most reluctant writers will “shine.”

Narrative Prompt – Tell a story of what happens if the moon didn’t move out from in front of the sun, and it stayed dark forever.  Teach younger students to use descriptive language when writing narratives using my interactive “Show. Don’t Tell.” sorting game.

Explanatory Prompt – Compare and contrast the different types of solar eclipses.  (This would be a perfect follow up to the informational text reading activity above.)

Explanatory Prompt – Write to explain what causes a total solar eclipse to occur.

Argumentative Prompt – Your school is considering closing for Solar Eclipse Day, but some of the school board members disagree. Write to persuade them to let you have the day off.  If your students need extra practice or an introduction to counterclaims, my Claims and Counterclaims Teaching Pack is sure to brighten their arguments.

3) Songs/Poetry: Students love the opportunity to listen to songs in class, and I don’t mind when we can study them as poetry.  Take a look at Pink Floyd’s “Eclipse” or Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of My Heart.” These two songs in particular are rich with figurative language and a particularly appropriate dark tone. Grab my poetry analysis bundle with a variety of tools including poetry worksheets, poetry analysis task cards that are perfect for stations, and vocabulary review games. You’ll be all set to guide your students through a celestial poetry analysis.

4) Reading Science Fiction: Ray Bradbury is the first author who comes to mind when science fiction is mentioned. He expertly explored and explicated his imagination of the future and even life outside of earth in relation to and as a reflection of our own humanity.  I’ll be reading his “All Summer in a Day” with my juniors for our eclipse lesson. While the characters in the story actually are waiting to see the sun, and we will be waiting to do the opposite on August 21, 2017, Margot, the main character, is literally in the dark and misses the experience entirely because of her antagonistic classmates. See my easy prep, ready-to-go lesson with other paired texts and a complete sun-themed unit.  I think this lesson would also work well with younger students, too. If you are looking for a science fiction text for more advanced students, check out Isaac Asimov’s “Nightfall.” Pair it with my literary analysis task cards, and your students won’t be in the dark for long.

5) Creative Writing: Many cities across the country are planning events and celebrations to host viewing parties for the Great American Solar Eclipse.  Have your students use propaganda techniques and figurative language to create posters advertising a real – or imagined – viewing party in your neck of the woods.  Sneak in a little review of the types of propaganda with my complete teaching pack.

Check out NASA’s website and my own county’s website for more information! #headingtothedarkside

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Filed Under: classroom teaching strategy, close reading, interactive learning, Lesson Ideas, literature ideas, logical fallacies, Poetry Close Reading, Poetry Strategies, propaganda, secondary classroom management, secondary classrooms, secondary ELA, secondary English Teachers, teaching ideas, teaching tips Leave a Comment

The Super Bowl: Analyzing The Commercials In ELA

Super Bowl Commercials Lesson Plan

A little bit touching, a little bit thought-provoking, and a whole lot funny – Super Bowl commercials are rich with material for lessons.   Since I’m an English teacher, I see these commercials as the perfect opportunity to cover persuasive appeals, rhetorical devices, literary techniques, and even media choices.  I’m sure we all have our favorites for different reasons, but the ones I linked below are the ones I love because I am that nerdy English teacher!  I’ve compiled them all in one place for you, so all the research is done.  If you haven’t covered Common Core R.7 or SL.2 yet, the Super Bowl would be the perfect opportunity to do so AND make a real-world connection.  Your cool teacher rating? 10 out of 10!  This Super Bowl Commercials Lesson Plan always “scores big” with my classes!

1) 2013 Dodge “So God Made a Farmer” with Paul Harvey narrating

Teaching Notes: While Paul Harvey might be an out-of-date reference for most teens today, for older generations, that voice is immediately recognizable – thus, providing a sense of ethos or credibility to the Dodge Ram automatically. Also, the commercial banks largely on pathos or emotional appeal using the techniques of  transfer with patriotic images sprinkled throughout and loaded words with lines such as “God made a farmer…. to work hard, to stay up late, to participate on the school board, etc.” Even though it seems that this commercial is targeting only the one audience – farmers – it illustrates beautifully the core of the American Dream: hard work.  That is a claim that connects with any audience.

2) Budweiser Clydesdale “Puppy Love” 2014

Teaching Notes: It seems like Budweiser always tugs at the heartstrings with those beautiful horses every year, and they’ve done it again this time by doubling the cuteness factor. This example actually went on my Top 5 Fav list by request of my students.  They loved it, and for good reason.  It is dripping with pathos from the adorable puppy to the lyrics of the song.  Also, the final call to action screenshot employs a pun, and if it’s punny, I’m a fan! #bestbuds  – used to pull together the theme of the commercial and to make that final push of the product.  Genius, right?

3) Monster.com “When I Grow Up” 2008

Teaching Notes: Wow. This is one really makes you stop and think.  Not only is this one an excellent example for pathos, but the underlying dark logic used here with the faulty comparison, “you must go after your dreams or be stuck in a job you hate,” is definitely an “in your face” type approach. Also, important to note is the choice of the black and white color scheme that darkens the mood even further.  I like that this commercial works perfectly for an ELA class, but it would also work well in a personal finance class for preparing for your future and goal setting or even for discussion in a human services class.

4) “Cat Herding” (2000) EDS.com

Teaching Notes: I tend to really, really enjoy dry humor and verbal irony, so I had to double check the funny factor of this one with my students. They agreed that it is a solid choice for funny!  When the two cowboys are discussing their “injuries,” I am laughing so hard I can barely breathe – maybe that’s because I can relate to the cat-herding feeling as a teacher some days!  This one is definitely tickling the funny bone, which falls into the pathos category, and I also enjoy the metaphor used for the company’s goal of pulling all sorts of information together in one place.

5) “Middle Seat” – Doritos 2015

Teaching Note: This fan-made ad from 2015 is stop, drop, and roll hilarious.   If you’ve ever flown, you know that fear of not knowing who is going to be sitting beside you.  The struggle is definitely real! I appreciate the creativity here, and it’s a perfect example of situational irony.  Of all his antics in this one, it’s hard to choose which one is the most outlandish – maybe the flossing or toe-nail clipping… shudder!
Hop over to my TPT store to get my FREE Big Game Commercial Analysis, updated 2019! Super Bowl Commercials Lesson Plans
Super Bowl Commercials Lesson Plan

Here are a couple more of of my favorites…

– Coca-Cola Make It Happy Coca Cola, 2016
 – Suntrust, On Up, 2016 (This is my new FAVORITE! Like, really, Suntrust, you nailed it!)
– Fiji, Nature’s Gift, 2017

  – Honda, Dream On, 2017 (being the yearbook sponsor, this one had to make my list!)

  – NFL, Inside These Lines, 2017

And check out my other post about making connections with sports in your ELA classroom. 

Love this content? Join a group!  There are already tons of ideas, freebies, and fabulous teachers in my new groups, and joining is simple.  Just click over to the following links, answer a few questions, and voila! Thanks again for following along my classroom stories and small-business journey, and I really do hope you to see you over in my new “backyards” where we can chat and share all things English and Yearbook.

Filed Under: Common Core SL.2, digital text analysis, football, logical fallacies, persuasive appeals, propaganda, R7, real world connection, super bowl, the big game, Uncategorized 3 Comments

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New Writing Prompt Pack! Added to my argument writing bundle and curriculum. If you have either of those, you can get this for free. If not, follow the link to grab it. Perfect current events topic for summer school! www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Prompt-Pack-Argumentative-Essay-on-Gas-Powered-Vehicl... ... See MoreSee Less

Writing Prompt Pack, Argumentative Essay on Gas-Powered Vehicle Ban

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In this easy-prep writing prompt pack, students will analyze texts that discuss a topic which is a major driving force in the world: the future of fuel in the vehicles we drive. They will then write a...
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Have you ever heard of or used task cards with your classes? I use them for reading and writing. Check out this blog post where I explain all about task cards. juliefaulknersblog.com/using-task-cards-in-middle-and-high-school/ ... See MoreSee Less

Benefits of Using Task Cards in Middle and High School - Faulkner's Fast Five

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There are plenty of reasons and ways to use task cards in any middle or high school classroom. This post shares practical ways for using task cards.
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18 - the magic number today 🪄6/5/04 is our “marry day” anniversary- that’s what my niece called weddings before she knew that word. If you think about it, though, her way makes so much more sense. A wedding is special, but having a great life with someone is really about focusing on the marriage. I’m thankful God sent me this guy (🦄) and I know he feels the same way about me🤣🤣😜😜 Prayers for 18 x infinity more. ... See MoreSee Less

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Thinking of setting up a classroom library over the summer or updating yours? Check out (pun intended) my free supplies. www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Library-Materials-Free-4733097 ... See MoreSee Less

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What do you think? Thursday - Anyone of these in the list stick out more than another?deeprootsathome.com/kids-bored-entitled/ ... See MoreSee Less

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We have the best intentions - to make our kids happy - but the ability to learn delayed gratification is one of the key factors for future success.
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Pinch and zoom... This dress has lemons on it 🍋 Pinch and zoom... This dress has lemons on it 🍋 - I immediately thought of the caption: "When life gives you lemons..." But, since I'm super interested in the psychology of the #enneagram, I thought it would be fun to explore how each person would respond to a potentially sour situation. So here goes!⁠
When life gives you lemons...⁠
🍋 Type 1 (The Perfectionist): you make the most perfect batch of lemonade #bethechange
🍋 Type 2 (The Helper): you make sure no one else has to taste the lemon #bigheart
🍋 Type 3 (The Achiever): you deny ownership and get rid of the lemon as fast as you can by finding someone else to whom you think it belongs #notmylemon #saveface
🍋 Type 4 (The Individualist): you record a vlog, make a caption for IG, Tweet, and write post blog about how the lemon made you feel ⁠ #sigh
🍋 Type 5 (The Investigator): you research the best way to use lemons and then experiment with a few of those options⁠ #knowledgeispower
🍋 Type 6 (The Loyalist): you wonder if there are more lemons and if this is the biggest lemon you will get. Then you make a plan to avoid the next lemon.  #expecttheunexpected
🍋 Type 7 (The Enthusiast): you plan a fun and adventurous trip and pack the lemons as a snack⁠ #letsgo
🍋 Type 8 (The Challenger): you squeeze the juice in the eyes of your enemies⁠ #nomercy
🍋 Type 9 (The Peacemaker): you keep calm and ignore the lemons⁠ #everythingisfine #lifegoeson
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Put your #enneagramtype in the comments and let me know if I got close on your response!⁠
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On the blog: Everything you need to know about ess On the blog: Everything you need to know about essential questions in lesson planning. ⁠
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My teacher planners are designed exclusively for t My teacher planners are designed exclusively for teachers with multiple preps and are perfect for getting your lesson plans and goals organized! With the PDF and ready-made-for-Google formats, you'll have everything you need to plan successfully. There are options for A/B Block Schedule or up to 4 Preps. Link in bio. ⁠
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I wore this outfit to my mother's retirement lunch I wore this outfit to my mother's retirement luncheon. She served our community in education for 45 years as an English teacher and then in administration. That kind of commitment is often unheard of these days. I'm super proud of her accomplishments!⁠
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Jeans - #loveloft⁠
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Finished my first book of summer. Here are my thou Finished my first book of summer. Here are my thoughts on Dolly's #runroserun: ⁠
💡The voice is engaging, but I do wonder if it would have been better if it were told in first person. ⁠
💡Overall the characters were fun, but pretty predictable and somewhat flat. ⁠
💡There was enough suspense to keep me reading; however, the turning point seemed rushed and thus the main "secret" was underdeveloped. The secret wasn't what I was expecting, so that was nice. ⁠
💡Most of the time I felt I was reading a commercial: there was a lot of brand-name dropping. In many cases, I had no idea what was even being referenced. Perhaps that was a choice to show the stark contrast between the main character and the person she was trying to become. ⁠
💡I enjoyed the way the song snippets were incorporated in. ⁠
💡I'll always enjoy reading a story set close to home #tennesseeismyhome. ⁠
💡Favorite quote: "How had she became as necessary to his life as oxygen? ...The world is full of mysteries. He supposed the human heart - his human heart - had turned out to be one of them."⁠
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Overall, I give it 3 stars out of 5. ⭐⭐⭐⁠
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18 - the magic number today 🪄6/5/04 is our “m 18 - the magic number today 🪄6/5/04 is our “marry day” anniversary- that’s what my niece called weddings before she knew that word. If you think about it, though, her way makes so much more sense.  A wedding is special, but having a great life with someone is really about focusing on the marriage. I’m thankful God sent me this guy (🦄) and I know he feels the same way about me🤣🤣😜😜 Prayers for 18 x infinity more.
#fridayfoodforthought #summertime #summerquotes #fridayfoodforthought #summertime #summerquotes
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