Substitute Teacher Blog

Understanding theme can take your reading—and your writing—to the next level. In this guide, you’ll learn what theme means, how it’s...

Characterization is a fundamental literary device that authors use to bring their characters to life. It involves the representation of a...

Kindergarten is where vocabulary starts to bloom. At this level, kids need words that reflect their daily lives—what they see, feel, and...

First graders are just starting to grow into confident readers and writers. Building a strong vocabulary helps them understand classroom...

In second grade, students grow into more confident readers and writers. A strong vocabulary helps them read with fluency, understand...

Foreshadowing is a powerful tool used by writers to hint at what’s coming next. Teaching students to spot it can help them read more...

Irony is one of the most powerful and versatile tools in storytelling, speech, and everyday life. It adds depth, humor, or unexpected...

Juxtaposition is one of those literary and visual devices that shows up everywhere — from novels and poetry to photography and film....

Oxymorons are one of those delightful language quirks that can make both students and teachers pause, chuckle, and think. Whether you’re...

Idioms are silly, fun, and sometimes confusing! They’re phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say — and that’s what makes them...