20 High School English Activities You’ll Want To Try ASAP

  1. Book Club: Start a book club where students can discuss and analyze different literary works. Encourage them to share their thoughts and insights.
  2. Debate Club: Foster critical thinking and persuasive speaking skills through organized debates on various topics. This will enhance students’ ability to articulate their ideas effectively.
  3. Creative Writing Workshop: Organize workshops where students can explore their creativity and improve their writing skills. Provide prompts and encourage them to experiment with different literary genres.
  4. Literary Magazine: Start a school literary magazine to showcase students’ creative works, including poems, short stories, and artwork. This provides a platform for budding writers to share their talents.
  5. Pen Pal Program: Connect your students with other high school students from different parts of the world. They can exchange letters discussing different aspects of their lives, cultures, and literature.
  6. Poetry Slam: Host a poetry slam event where students can perform their original poems. This encourages self-expression and allows students to appreciate the power of spoken word.
  7. Shakespearean Play Performance: Organize a performance of a Shakespearean play, allowing students to embody iconic characters and immerse themselves in the world of Elizabethan drama.
  8. Literary Analysis Discussions: Conduct weekly or biweekly discussions on different literary works, giving students the opportunity to critically analyze themes, symbols, and character development.
  9. Vocabulary Building Games: Engage students in interactive games that help expand their vocabulary. Word puzzles, crosswords, or vocabulary quizzes can make learning new words enjoyable.
  10. Literary Adaptation Movie Club: Watch film adaptations of literary works and discuss the differences between the book and its on-screen representation. This develops students’ ability to analyze different forms of storytelling.
  11. Poetry Reading Event: Host a poetry reading event where students can share their favorite poems or perform dramatic readings. This fosters an appreciation for the art of poetry.
  12. Mock Interviews with Literary Characters: Have students prepare and conduct mock interviews with literary characters, exploring their motivations, actions, and impact on the story.
  13. Writing Contests: Encourage students to participate in writing contests, both within the school and externally. This provides recognition for their writing skills and motivates them to strive for excellence.
  14. Literary-themed Field Trips: Organize trips to museums, libraries, or theaters that have a focus on literature. Students can gain a deeper understanding of literary history and its influence on society.
  15. Author Visits: Invite authors to speak at your school, allowing students to interact with professional writers and gain insights into the writing process.
  16. Literary Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt where students have to find specific literary elements or passages from books around the school. This makes learning engaging and interactive.
  17. Character Portraits: Have students create visual representations of their favorite literary characters through drawings, paintings, or collages. This combines artistic expression with literary analysis.
  1. Collaborative Story Writing: Divide students into groups and have them collectively write a story, passing it along after each team adds their section. This exercise encourages teamwork and creativity.
  2. Literary Podcast: Start a podcast where students discuss their favorite books, authors, and literary themes. This allows for a wider audience and the development of presentation skills.
  3. Mock Book Awards: Organize mock book award ceremonies where students nominate and vote for their favorite books in various categories. This promotes reading and celebrates outstanding literature.

Remember, these activities aim to enhance students’ passion for literature, improve their reading and writing skills, and foster a creative and supportive environment in the high school English classroom.