Substitute Teacher Blog

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 twists to communication — and teaching it can really sharpen students’ reading and writing skills. Let’s break down what irony is, the main types you’ll encounter, and examples you can use right away in your classroom. What is irony? Irony happens when there’s a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs — or between what is sa

Oxymorons are one of those delightful language quirks that can make both students and teachers pause, chuckle, and think. Whether you’re teaching ELA, leading a vocabulary lesson, or just looking for a quick classroom brain teaser, oxymorons are a great way to introduce nuance and wordplay into your day. Let’s explore what oxymorons are, how they differ from paradoxes, and review a wide range of fun examples your students will love. What is the defintion of oxymoron? An oxymo

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...