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Personally, I like to learn, although I don't really like being taught.

No, it sadly wasn't me who said it,  Winston Churchill did. Yet, I'm sure these very words resonate with you just as much as they do with me, and resonate in a hurtful, sad way. Ironically, chances are most of you, dear readers, are, just like me, first of all a teacher, by profession, and/or vocation. Are we then, according to Churchill, doomed to an eternity of people disliking us for what we do, teach?  Not when you make your teaching about learning, and this is exactly my agenda for this blog and my professional life. When I am to create a bio/ a profile, I always have the urge to write 'a keen learner', rather than mention my experience as a teacher. It is the culture of learning that I long for, root for and subscribe to. A learner-centered, brain-friendly environment that nourishes motivation, enthusiasm, autonomy, responsibility and the joy of academic discovery and personal growth.  Baby steps, by the day, I strive to become less of a 'sage on the stage...
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Time for a little humblebrag….

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my feed is usually packed with teaching methodology, classroom tips, and fresh materials for your lessons. But today, I’m stepping away from the "how-to" for a moment to share a bit of personal news, or, as we say, a little humblebrag:) I’ve spent so much time thinking about how to get students talking that I decided to create something tangible to make those conversations happen naturally.  I am incredibly proud to finally share my two new sets of  Let’s Talk Conversation Cards!  Whether you’re looking to spice up a higher-level language class or just want to actually connect with the people in your life, these cards were designed to spark discussions that stick. For the Truth-Seekers: A Woman Unfiltered    This deck is all about stripping away the masks. It’s a collection of prompts designed for raw, honest, and empowering conversations about the female experience. It’s perfect for a deep-dive workshop, a girls...

Dead Poets Society Lesson

“ Let’s watch a movie! ” We’ve all been there- usually on a rainy Tuesday when the caffeine is failing and the class morale needs a jumpstart. However, we know the "movie day" stigma. A film is only a great lesson if the actual learning matches the energy of the screen. For my money, there is no better choice than Dead Poets Society. It is the ultimate catalyst for talking about the big stuff: identity, rebellion, and the purpose of education. I’ve mapped out a series of lessons that go way beyond just "watching."  We’re talking: • Silent Discussions (for the deep thinkers) • Film Review Writing • A Mock Trial of Mr. Keating   Carpe Diem! Check out the full plan below and let me know what you think  DeadPoetsSocietyLessonPlan Just a side note, hope you don’t mind...... If you like my content, maybe you would like to support me and  buy me coffee ? Also, you might want to check other materials I create for the English Bilingual Secondary Classes (C1) - I am sure som...

Prove Me Wrong: International Women's Day Activity

As March is the time when women are celebrated, you can run one or several of these across this month: Women and work: myths vs reality Media images of women: who decides what we see? Invisible work, invisible power: unpaid care and housework Everyday sexism: is it still a problem? Men as allies: what is their role on Women's Day? What I would like to suggest, though, is a more structured activity that involves plenty of speaking, namely: Provocative Statements for "Prove Me Wrong" (or a version of the popular meme CHANGE MY MIND- see picture above; ) How can you go about it? - Why don’t you try this Lesson Procedure: 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Quick whole-class question: "What comes to your mind when you hear 'International Women's Day'?" Collect 5–6 key words on the board (rights, equality, flowers, protests, respect, etc.) 2. Group Work (10–15 minutes) Put students in groups of 3–4 Give each group one statement (or let them draw one) They discuss an...

Unlocking Perspectives: The Human Library in the IB DP English B Classroom

Before we dive into the lesson materials, it is worth noting where this brilliant concept began.  The Human Library (or Menneskebiblioteket ) originated in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2000 during the Roskilde Festival. It was created by Ronni Abergel and his colleagues as a way to challenge prejudices and bridge social divides through open, honest dialogue. Instead of a physical book, you "borrow" a human being to hear their lived experience- a perfect fit for the IB’s focus on international-mindedness. Why Use the Human Library for HL Students? For our IB DP English B Higher Level (HL) students, reaching a C1 level requires more than just vocabulary; it requires spontaneous interaction and cultural agility . This activity, adapted from the Culture of Learning blog, provides a structured yet flexible framework for students to explore the themes of Experiences , Identities , and Human Ingenuity . How the Activity Works: The process is designed to mimic a real library experienc...

New Year, New Text Types: A 10-Sentence Stylistic Challenge for IB English B HL

Kicking off the new year with resolutions can feel cliché, but it is also a perfect opportunity to push IB English B HL students into richer, more intentional language use.  This 10-sentence challenge turns the familiar “New Year’s resolution” into a playful stylistic workout, asking students to experiment with advanced grammar and rhetorical devices within a short, manageable text. It works especially well as a bridge back into academic writing after the holidays and as a low-stakes way to revisit features that support higher achievement in Paper 1. Have a look at the handout idea below: Student Handout: The IB English B HL Stylistic Resolution Challenge New Year, New Text: The 10-Sentence Manifesto Challenge Task: Write one coherent paragraph of exactly 10 sentences titled Manifesto for the Year Ahead. Each sentence must follow the “move” described below. Think of each move as a “power-up” you must collect. The Sentences:  1. The Dramatic Entrance (Negative Inv...