{"id":5801,"date":"2026-04-27T10:40:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T14:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/?p=5801"},"modified":"2026-04-27T11:24:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T15:24:39","slug":"authentic-learning-teaching-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/?p=5801","title":{"rendered":"Authentic Learning Activities for the ELA Classroom"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5801\" class=\"elementor elementor-5801\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a8b32d6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a8b32d6\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-81ecd8e\" data-id=\"81ecd8e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-27e9676 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"27e9676\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-bc48a82\" data-id=\"bc48a82\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-4d46078\" data-id=\"4d46078\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ecbac4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6ecbac4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.2 - 22-02-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"480\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Authentic-Learning.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-23166\" alt=\"Authentic Learning\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Authentic-Learning.jpg 480w, https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Authentic-Learning-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Authentic-Learning-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Authentic-Learning-24x24.jpg 24w, https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Authentic-Learning-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Authentic-Learning-48x48.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-4b5d126\" data-id=\"4b5d126\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36ab6b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"36ab6b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.2 - 22-02-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#818a91;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#818a91;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p><p>Ever had a student ask, \u201cWhen am I ever going to use this in real life?\u201d (Of course you have; we all have!) That\u2019s exactly why <strong>authentic learning activities for the ELA classroom<\/strong> matter. Instead of worksheets that feel like busywork, authentic learning invites students to apply their skills in real-world situations that actually matter.<\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And here\u2019s the secret, students love it. When they see how language connects to their world whether through headlines, advertising, or even planning a dream trip, they stop asking <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">why<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> they have to learn it and start <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">doing<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the learning.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Today, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">let\u2019s look at<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> how <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">we can bring<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> authentic learning into the <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">language arts classroom<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> with six teacher-friendly ideas.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><img class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/14.0.0\/svg\/1f4e5.svg\" alt=\"\ud83d\udce5\" \/> Download the handout here. It includes printable organizers, task cards, and links to the video lessons and Google Slides<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64305b3 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"64305b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/languagearts\/authentic-learning\/authentic-learning.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-md\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon elementor-align-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-paper-plane\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get the handout.<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c717f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7c717f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Authentic Learning Activities for the ELA Classroom: Six Ideas That Work<\/h2><h3>Activity #1 &#8211; <span style=\"color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 30px;\">Decode Headlines with Denotation vs. Connotation<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Language is powerful, and nowhere is that clearer than in the news. A single word choice can completely change how a reader feels.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Take these two headlines:<\/span><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">City<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spends<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Money on N<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ew<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Park<\/span><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">City <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wastes<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Money on New Park<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Same<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> basic event, very different spin!<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><img class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/14.0.0\/svg\/1f449.svg\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc49\" \/> Show students how denotation (dictionary meaning) differs from connotation (emotional meaning). Then play detective using the headlines in Activity #2.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-693f96a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"693f96a\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-01e9e7d\" data-id=\"01e9e7d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b10cad elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2b10cad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/Ih8r3MsxryA&quot;,&quot;show_image_overlay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;image_overlay&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/bookunitsteacher.com\\\/languagearts\\\/authentic-learning\\\/video-lesson.jpg&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Denotation vs Connotation in Media Headlines Video Lesson&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;url&quot;},&quot;lightbox&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.2 - 22-02-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-video .elementor-widget-container{overflow:hidden;transform:translateZ(0)}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper iframe,.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper 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data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJ0eXBlIjoidmlkZW8iLCJ2aWRlb1R5cGUiOiJ5b3V0dWJlIiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6XC9cL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbVwvZW1iZWRcL0loOHIzTXN4cnlBP2ZlYXR1cmU9b2VtYmVkJnN0YXJ0JmVuZCZ3bW9kZT1vcGFxdWUmbG9vcD0wJmNvbnRyb2xzPTEmbXV0ZT0wJnJlbD0wJm1vZGVzdGJyYW5kaW5nPTAiLCJtb2RhbE9wdGlvbnMiOnsiaWQiOiJlbGVtZW50b3ItbGlnaHRib3gtMmIxMGNhZCIsImVudHJhbmNlQW5pbWF0aW9uIjoiIiwiZW50cmFuY2VBbmltYXRpb25fdGFibGV0IjoiIiwiZW50cmFuY2VBbmltYXRpb25fbW9iaWxlIjoiIiwidmlkZW9Bc3BlY3RSYXRpbyI6IjE2OSJ9fQ%3D%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/languagearts\/authentic-learning\/video-lesson.jpg\" title=\"\" alt=\"Denotation vs Connotation in Media Headlines Video Lesson\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-custom-embed-play\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play Video about Denotation vs Connotation in Media Headlines Video Lesson\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-play\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Play Video about Denotation vs Connotation in Media Headlines Video Lesson<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-a342b8e\" data-id=\"a342b8e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dce439c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dce439c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\ud83c\udfa5 <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bonus<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Use my <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Denotation vs. Connotation in Media Headlines<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> video as direct instruction, then let students practice with fresh examples.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5302c83 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"5302c83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.2 - 22-02-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#2c2c2c;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider 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class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Activity #2 &#8211; Practice Activity: Headlines with a Twist<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-6088f79 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6088f79\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-10ddb39\" data-id=\"10ddb39\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-023168a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"023168a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/languagearts\/authentic-learning\/authenic-learning-activities-3.jpg\" title=\"\" alt=\"Authentic Learning Activities Headline Comparison\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2902df8\" data-id=\"2902df8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab0944f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ab0944f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Read each pair of headlines. Notice how the <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">denotation<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> (dictionary meaning) stays mostly the same, but the <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">connotation<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> (emotional \u201cflavor\u201d) changes. You will find these in the printable handout.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Example Set<\/span><\/p><p><em style=\"background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\">Neighborhood Dog Roams the Street<\/em><span style=\"background: transparent; color: #0e101a; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> <img class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/14.0.0\/svg\/1f415.svg\" alt=\"\ud83d\udc15\" \/><\/span><\/p><p><em style=\"background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Da<\/span><span style=\"background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ngerous Stray Threatens Community<\/span><\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b3dc8d elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"6b3dc8d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dca5924 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dca5924\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Activity #3 &#8211; <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Create Book Trailers (Authentic Reviews for Authentic Readers)<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-36f13f8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"36f13f8\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2bafc5a\" data-id=\"2bafc5a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f07d83 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0f07d83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/languagearts\/authentic-learning\/authenic-learning-activities-4.jpg\" title=\"\" alt=\"Authentic Learning Activities Book Trailer Planner\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-da6703d\" data-id=\"da6703d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f305f22 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f305f22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Forget the traditional book report. Today\u2019s readers live in a world of <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">trailers and TikToks<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Have students script and produce a short \u201cbook trailer\u201d that could actually persuade someone to read the book.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">T<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">his project forces them to:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">summarize without giving away spoilers<\/span><\/li><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">highlight themes and characters<\/span><\/li><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">use persuasive language and tone<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When finished, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the trailers can be shared<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> on a class YouTube channel or embedded in your school\u2019s library page. (And yes, students will suddenly care <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">a lot<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> more about theme and plot when they\u2019re producing something \u201creal.\u201d)<\/span><\/p><p>The handout includes an organizer planner for this activity.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3451e9b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3451e9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Activity #4 &#8211; Write Letters That Matter<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Move beyond the \u201cfriendly letter format\u201d and give kids an audience that exists outside the classroom. A few authentic options:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Write to a favorite author with questions about their work.<\/span><\/li><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Draft letters to local leaders about an issue students care about.<\/span><\/li><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Craft persuasive emails to the principal proposing a new club or event.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When there\u2019s a chance of getting a real response or making a real impact, students put more care into their writing. (And their grammar improves, too!)<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e49e12c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"e49e12c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dfc156a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dfc156a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Activity #5 &#8211; Play the \u201cAd Agency\u201d Game<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-5e4cb4b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5e4cb4b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-08b012e\" data-id=\"08b012e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3fc17ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3fc17ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/languagearts\/authentic-learning\/authenic-learning-activities-5.jpg\" title=\"\" alt=\"Authentic Learning Activities Planning an Advertisement\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-fbf9597\" data-id=\"fbf9597\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd09adc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dd09adc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Students <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are surrounded<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> by ads all day long, so why not flip the script? <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In this activity, students <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">become<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the advertisers.<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Assign each group an everyday object (like a pencil, backpack, or water bottle).<\/span><\/li><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Their task? Create an ad campaign complete with a slogan, persuasive copy, and visuals.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> ties directly to persuasive techniques, figurative language, and tone. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Plus<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, students <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">get<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a crash course in how language <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">really<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> shapes<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> our decisions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2aea4b7 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"2aea4b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-927bf67 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"927bf67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Activity #6 &#8211; Plan a Vacation (Budgeting Meets Writing)<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-840a7db elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"840a7db\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-b4500c8\" data-id=\"b4500c8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da0920d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"da0920d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/languagearts\/authentic-learning\/authenic-learning-activities-2.jpg\" title=\"\" alt=\"Authentic Learning Activities Vacation Planner\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-6645107\" data-id=\"6645107\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c213f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2c213f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Yes, math teachers love this project, but it also belongs in language arts. Why? <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Because planning<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a trip requires <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">tons of authentic<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> reading, writing, and communication.<\/span><\/p><p>Here\u2019s the challenge: Students get a $3,000 budget for four people and a destination such as Disney World or Washington, D.C. <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">They must research travel, meals, hotels, and entertainmen<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">t, then present the plan in a polished manner<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It\u2019s not just numbers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Students:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">write up itineraries<\/span><\/li><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">compare persuasive ads for hotels and attractions<\/span><\/li><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">summarize choices in a logical order<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa81816 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fa81816\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why Authentic Learning Works<\/span><\/h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Authentic learning isn\u2019t about throwing away grammar practice or novel studies\u2014it\u2019s about connecting those skills to the world beyond the classroom. Students stop memorizing for a test and start seeing themselves as readers, writers, and thinkers who have something to say.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And honestly? It makes teaching a lot more fun for us, too.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">So, next time a student asks, <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cWhen will I ever use this?\u201d<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> you\u2019ll have the perfect answer: <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Right now.<\/span><\/em><\/p><p>These <strong>authentic learning activities for the ELA classroom <\/strong>help students connect their reading and writing skills to the world beyond the textbook.<\/p><p><!--EndFragment --><\/p><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\ud83d\udce5 Download the free vacation planner and try one of these activities with your students this week!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6783014 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6783014\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/languagearts\/authentic-learning\/authentic-learning.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-md\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon elementor-align-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-paper-plane\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get the handout.<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25f730b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"25f730b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.2 - 22-02-2023 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-068a3b0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"068a3b0\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3dd41f0\" data-id=\"3dd41f0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51e9c5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"51e9c5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"col-sm-9\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">See the product that inspired this post.<\/span><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-3563463 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3563463\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2158e48\" data-id=\"2158e48\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cbb482 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1cbb482\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Story-Elements-Point-of-View-Characters-Settings-Plot-Development-Theme-1363401\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/writing\/authors-purpose\/teaching-writing-with-animated-shorts-7.jpg\" title=\"\" alt=\"Teaching Writing with Animated Shorts - Teachers Pay Teachers Product\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-b67f726\" data-id=\"b67f726\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6db4e8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6db4e8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p><p><!--StartFragment --><\/p><p>Are you looking for a fun way to teach writing skills? This series teaches narrative, informative, and opinion writing with animated short films your students are sure to love!<\/p><p><!--EndFragment --><\/p><p><!--EndFragment --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5836e33 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"5836e33\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Teaching-Writing-Animated-Shorts-Digital-Bundle-5042619\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-md\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon elementor-align-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-shopping-cart\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Visit TPT to shop.<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-44ec2af elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"44ec2af\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3631f3a\" data-id=\"3631f3a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d3544f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6d3544f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"644\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/nametransparent.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2320\" alt=\"Gay Miller\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/nametransparent.png 644w, https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/nametransparent-282x300.png 282w, https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/nametransparent-600x637.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 644px) 100vw, 644px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-87ac2fa\" data-id=\"87ac2fa\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever had a student ask, \u201cWhen am I ever going to use this in real life?\u201d (Of course you have; we all have!) That\u2019s exactly why authentic learning activities for the ELA classroom matter. Instead of worksheets that feel like busywork, authentic learning invites students to apply their skills in real-world situations that actually matter. &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link btn\" href=\"https:\/\/bookunitsteacher.com\/wp\/?p=5801\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23166,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[741],"tags":[803],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Authentic Learning Activities for the ELA Classroom<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover authentic learning activities for the ELA classroom that help students connect skills to real\u2011world situations. 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