Not all Civil War teaching resources are created equal. Both primary and secondary sources enabled me to write a Civil War novel, and they can help you to teach it. Here are the best resources you’ll want when planning & teaching!
Poetry Prompt: Weekend Keeping
How many ways can we keep what’s precious, asks author Callie Feyen. Come along and keep what you love or wish you’d loved, in a poem.
Writing Prompt: Open Wide Your Wounded, Wonderful Heart
What book helps you write from your wounded and wonderful heart? Author Callie Feyen discusses teaching “Walk Two Moons.”
Poetry Prompt: But Take Away The Fear
Teacher and author Callie Feyen can’t take away the fear of creating something new, but she can help you turn your fear into poetry.
The Jacobson Center at Smith College – Making the most of Students’ Education
The Jacobson Center at Smith College, where poet Sara Eddy works, aims to improve teaching and learning for Smith’s students.
Hermit Crab Essay 002: How To Teach Poetry To Seventh Graders
Teaching poetry to 7th graders begins with vulnerability. Join author Callie Feyen and she walks us through a scene in a middle school classroom.
Generosity with Self: When You’re In The Wrong Story
Callie Feyen reflects on Henry VI and encourages Winchester to be generous enough with himself to leave when he’s in the wrong story.
The Incredible Hulk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Gwendolyn Brooks
Callie Feyen marshalls Gwendolyn Brooks, the Incredible Hulk and Red Riding Hood in this reflection on teaching, imagination, wisdom and poetry in the varied parts of ourselves.
Poetry Prompt: Mysterious Observation turned into Poetry
What mysteries do you notice throughout your day? Join author Callie Feyen as she attempts to help a young writer turn those mysteries into a prompt for poetry.
Between Friends: The Making of a Heroine
In this excerpt from Romeo & Juliet (the full play—includes essays and annotations by Callie Feyen), Feyen talks about finding yourself in a story, even when you’re not sure you want to.
Poetry Prompt: Thankful Acrostics When Poetry Feels Like It’s Gone
Callie Feyen believed she’d lost the poetry of teaching, but Megan Willome showed her that poetry (and teaching) hadn’t lost *her.*
Memories Poetry Prompt: Something Lost
Is there something you remember that you wish you could return to? Join Callie Feyen in stirring your memories of lost things you wish you could find again—and put them in a poem!
Top 10 Alphabet Books for National Literacy Month!
Great tips for teaching reading—from librarians, teachers, and literacy specialists—plus professional picks of 10 terrific alphabet books.
10 Surprising Ways to Help a Child Learn to Read
Helping a child learn to read doesn’t require jumping from an airplane. Donna Falcone says you can start with the simple act of play—and other surprising ways.
Emotional Literacy in the Preschool Classroom
How a doll named Bobbie who loved being a builder helped a classroom of preschoolers understand themselves and develop compassion.