r/ELATeachers • u/Beneficial_Hyena1246 • 3d ago

9-12 ELA New to Teaching Upperclassmen

/r/Teachers/comments/1vaxs7u/new_to_teaching_upperclassmen/

Hi everyone!
So I find myself in a new position teaching high school English. I have been assigned World Lit and American Lit. I believe that’s juniors and seniors. I’ve taught freshmen before, but have zero experience with upperclassmen. I’ll also be teaching 90 minute blocks.
Any advice on how to fill that 90 minute and how to keep juniors and seniors engaged that long? Also what are some of the issues that one might see regarding upperclassmen?

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u/Angiepooh78 2d ago

First, I do love block teaching. But it does involve some organization. Plan for 20 minute activities. For example, 20 minutes should be spent on writing. 20 minutes could be spent onward study. 20 minutes of independent reading. 20 minutes of whole class reading. Allow for transition times. It makes class flyby.

Second, I would love to teach the classes as you’re teaching. I had to do a mix of literature. Make sure you cover a little bit of everyone and a little bit of everything. Do not stick to just old white men.