Author name: Dylan Callens

Shop classes

The Revival of Shop Classes: Preparing Students for a Future with AI

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the job market, high schools across the United States are revitalizing shop classes to equip students with practical skills that remain indispensable in the evolving landscape. This resurgence not only addresses the growing demand for skilled tradespeople but also offers a strategic hedge against the uncertainties introduced by […]

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Career charades for students

Career Charades for Students: A Fun Lesson Plan

Let’s be honest—talking about careers with high school students can sometimes feel like tossing marshmallows at a brick wall. You say “career readiness,” they hear “nap time.” But what if I told you there’s a way to get your students laughing, moving, and thinking critically about different professions—all without anyone touching their phones? Welcome to

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Classroom Participation

Top 7 Creative Ways to Encourage Classroom Participation

1. Use Think-Pair-Share Instead of tossing out a question and waiting for that one student (you know the one) to answer, try Think-Pair-Share. Give everyone a moment to think, then pair up to discuss before sharing with the class. It gives all students a safe entry point into participation—and saves us from the dreaded awkward

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Haiku examples

Haiku Examples: Reading the Classics, and Writing Your Own

If you’ve ever wanted to bottle up a moment in time and describe it in just a few words, you’re going to love haikus. These small but mighty poems are rich in imagery, emotion, and simplicity. Whether you’re teaching poetry in class or just exploring it for yourself, haiku examples are a great place to

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sci fi books for high school

Scifi Books for High School: 11 Reads Your Students Will Love

There’s something about science fiction that just clicks with high school students. Maybe it’s the time travel, the dystopian worlds, or the philosophical “what if” questions that hook them in. Whatever it is, sci-fi is a powerful genre for sparking imagination and getting students to think deeply about society, technology, and even themselves. If you’re

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outdoor poetry activity

The Haiku Hunt: An Outdoor Poetry Activity to Spark Creative Thinking

The Haiku Hunt: An Outdoor Poetry Activity to Spark Creative Thinking There’s something magical about poetry and fresh air. Maybe it’s the breeze whispering secrets to the trees or the way dragonflies dance just right to the rhythm of a haiku. Whatever the reason, The Haiku Hunt is one of my favorite ways to combine

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career bingo game for teens

Career Bingo Game for Teens: An Engaging Lesson Plan

Career exploration doesn’t have to be dull lectures or daunting discussions. Instead, transform your classroom with this interactive Career Bingo Game for Teens, an engaging activity designed to inspire students about their future career paths! Objective By the end of this lesson, students will: Identify and discuss various careers. Understand basic responsibilities and skills associated

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how to get students to do work

How to Get Students to Do Work: 9 Effective Tips for Teachers

As teachers, we’ve all experienced the frustration of students simply refusing to do their work. I’ve been there countless times, standing at the front of my classroom wondering how to get students to engage in assignments without feeling like I’m pulling teeth. Through trial and error—and more coffee than I’d care to admit—I’ve learned several

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blackout poetry lesson plan

Blackout Poetry Lesson Plan: How to Teach This Engaging Artform

Poetry doesn’t have to start with a blank page. In fact, sometimes the best poems begin by blacking out the words you don’t need. If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and easy way to get your students into poetry, this blackout poetry lesson plan might just be your new favorite. Blackout poetry combines visual

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pros and cons of udl

The Pros and Cons of UDL in Today’s Classrooms

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been widely praised for its inclusive, flexible approach to education. By offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression, UDL aims to support all learners in a way that traditional teaching methods often don’t. While the intent behind UDL is commendable and there are several benefits, it’s also important

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