Author Archives: nicoleshelpman
Inspiration from Exceptional Student Work
Can students in any grade and any school create exceptional work that inspires others and impacts their communities? Can they accomplish these lofty goals while also meeting academic standards? Should education enable students to create something valuable, something more than a … Continue reading
Deeper Learning and Innovative Schools
After one semester of graduate school, I have been inspired to look for innovative approaches to education. During my three years of teaching, I became increasingly frustrated by the traditional structure that prevails in the majority of our public high schools. … Continue reading
Young Adult Literature Review #5
Title: The Arrival Author: Shaun Tan Reading Level: N/A, but interest level grades 7-9 (according to Scholastic) Synopsis: Through illustrations that are simultaneously whimsical and realistic, Shaun Tan uses only pictures to depict the story of a man who migrates to a new land in … Continue reading
(Educational) Holiday Handouts
Now that I have turned in my final papers and projects for the semester, I am able to relax during the second half of December for the first time in years. In the classroom, the weeks leading up to winter break always … Continue reading
Connectivism Reflection
In an earlier post (Sept. 18), I wrote that learning about connectivism has made me rethink how I ask students to respond to literature and participate outside of class. To review, the guiding principles in a connectivist class are “that each … Continue reading
Young Adult Books and Classic Novels
As mentioned in my last post, I recently created a bibliography of young adult books that can be paired with classics. I found several books that could be paired with novels that are often taught in middle/high school. They are listed below! … Continue reading
Young Adult Books and Classic Plays
This semester, I took a young adult literature class, and for my final project, I created a bibliography of young adult books that can be paired with classics. I found several books that could be paired with plays that are … Continue reading
