Name: Elise Macadam
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

 

How do you use Shmoop?

I refer my students to Shmoop to supplement the class work we do on a text. Prior to choosing a new text to teach, I browse through the Shmoop stuff to decide whether it will deliver the lessons on theme and character that I want my students to obtain. I go through the Shmoop challenging discussion questions and pick a few as meaty group and class discussion topics to prompt students to think more deeply about the issues in the text.

Hopefully our questions meat your needs.

What is your favorite Shmoop product?

Literature Learning Guides.

What is the coolest experience you’ve had using Shmoop?

Discovering that it is written in language that is colloquial enough to engage students' interest, but that it also delivers ideas deep enough to engage students' intellect.

What song do you know all the lyrics to?

“The Rose,” as sung by Bette Midler: "Some say love, it is a flower, an endless aching need ..."

Let’s get her some instrumentals, stat.

Which historical figure or character would you pick as a BFF?

Jay Gatsby— he's rich, gorgeous, and always tries so jolly hard to impress, old sport!

Um, you know how that ends, right?

The nicest thing a student has ever said/done for you?

This English class is the best I’ve ever taken.

Well, of course. Congrats!

 Do you know a Shmooperstar educator who should be featured on Shmoop? Have them apply. Or, you know, nominate yourself.