English teachers play a crucial role in shaping students’ thinking and communication skills. Nicole DiLonardo’s teaching methods reflect her dedication to diverse approaches. These engage and inspire her students at Iselin Middle School.
DiLonardo teaches using a mix of different styles so that students who are “strong in certain areas” get better opportunities in her classroom. These styles include a variety of miethods, such as notes, visuals, videos, group activities, and other creative practices.
“I have some unique trademarks that I use,” DiLonardo said. “I have class mascots [that] are my little stuffed animals or toys that [represent] certain characters in the books, and I bring them in so that it brings the text to life, and the students can see my collection of these mascots that represent the readings.”
She also highlights the benefits of her students engaging in both individual and group work. She also emphasizes the positive outcomes of it.
“I try and mix it in when I can,” DiLonardo said. “Although I do want my students to be confident, independent thinkers, [when] there’s partner time or group time, I do encourage them to collaborate. It depends on the assignment.”
Additionally, DiLonardo collaborates with other English teachers. She believes that it is a good way to share and get lesson ideas for classes.
She also discusses the ways her class can equip students with skills that prepare them for the future.
“Skill-wise, I want [the students] to grow as readers and writers,” DiLonardo said. “They [have to] develop a love for literature, they [have to] show growth in their writing abilities, but I would say the overall most [important thing] is learning but having fun, getting inspired by me or each other or the authors, and taking that with them in the future to high school.”
