Learn with Teacher Lillie!
Want engaging articles and videos to help learn English language concepts like grammar, vocabulary, and literary devices in a colorful way… connected to REAL LIFE? No matter what your age or role, if you’d like to learn more about how to use words well, you’ve come to the right place!

Why Trust This Educator?
My name is Lillie, and I’ve been a public school English teacher since 2003, earning National Board Certification (a prestigious level of educator achievement) in 2013. I also serve as a mentor for developing ELA teachers in partnership with Harvard University.
I’ve taught English Language Arts to grades 7-12, plus adult ESL on 5 different continents, including such locations as Boston (where I currently teach middle school), Peru, and Ghana. See? I’ve had some practice in learning how to teach ELA, so you’ll be well taken care of as you continue to read — though I can’t promise to protect you from my abundant enthusiasm.

This article is a directory of some of the most popular online ELA lessons I’ve created so far, spanning my three websites, Around the World “L” Educational Blog), Teaching Traveling Global Community, and Drawings Of… Educational Cartoon Site. Yes, I write a lot! ‘Tis my joy to do so, and I hope these articles help you — or your students or family — to dive into the delights of the English language.
FUN English Language Lessons
Colorful articles and videos to teach and learn English grammar, vocabulary, literary terms and devices, usage, and writing for all ages, from an experienced teacher. ELA fun!
Juxtaposition Examples and Sentences
What does it mean to juxtapose, and how can it help your life and photos? Take an around the world trip in photos to see real-life juxtaposition examples.
Apart vs. A Part: Learn the Difference in 16 Examples
See colorful sentences from my travels to help tell the difference between these tricky homophones. Warning: If you mix them up, your sentence may accidentally offend someone!
An "Influence" Synonym Search
What does "influence" or "influencer" actually mean? Here's my take on the best definition, and the reality of the concept -- as photographed in a bizarre photography playground. (Yes, I'm sitting on a lip-shaped couch in that photo.)
What is a Liminal Space?
This concept of an "in between space" is key in life and literature. Here are some examples, as illustrated by a train ride between Boston and New York City -- plus the famous work of literature, Catcher in the Rye.
Hubris Examples and Definition
What happens when pride and arrogance go wild? Find out in this article about me learning to drive a car at a surprising age, plus a visit to Cambodia.
What is Performativity?
One of my favorite English vocabulary words to live is this one. See why, in my hand-drawn cartoons about how women sometimes pose in funny ways for photos...
Inclusiveness: Learn its Synonym in Action
A certain museum in Pennsylvania is the personification of the word "inclusiveness." See why here. (Teaser: A bin of yoga mats...)
What Does Dushi Mean?
While this doesn't technically come from English, it's time to bring the fabulous word "Dushi" from the island of Curacao into our U.S. vocabulary!
Articles from DrawingsOf.com Educational Cartoon Site:
Passed vs. Past
My other site is chock-full of cartoon-illustrated English lessons like this one, which teaches the difference between "passed" and "past," and how to use each word correctly in sentences -- with funny examples.
Aww or Awe? What’s the Difference?
These homophones sound the same, but mean very different things. See a cartoon and video on why.
Commonly Confused Words: a Cartoon Lesson on How to Fix Them!
Distinguish between "it's" and "its," "their, they're, and there," "your" and "you're" and other frequently mixed up homophones so your writing sparkles with correct spelling and quality editing!
Onomatopoeia: Examples in Words and Art
One of the most delightful literary devices to teach or is the type of figurative language called "onomatopoeia" -- sound effect words! This cartoon-filled article and video explain examples and a trick to remember the spelling.
Tone vs. Mood: Definitions and Examples in Cartoons
Two literary terms that are frequently confused are illustrated here to tell them apart.
Everyday vs. Every Day: One Word or Two?
See illustrated cartoon examples of how to correctly use "everyday" (one word) versus "every day" (two words).
Metacognition POWER! Definition, Strategies, and Examples
One of the most vital vocabulary words to change your life is "metacognition." Understand why in this article.
The Magic of Context, Explained by Art
The concept of context changes everything -- both in literature, and real life. See why here, illustrated with a naughty frog.
How Can a Liminal Space Help?
Yes, I love liminal spaces so much that I wrote a whole second article about them, illustrating them by hand in cartoons on my new site, and connecting them to our current time, and anti-racist activism!
Foreshadowing Examples and Definition
This article explains the concept of foreshadowing through two cartoons.
Juxtaposition in Sentences and Art
Want to learn about the power of contrast? Check out these drawings to demonstrate juxtaposition so you can use it and see it in your own life.
Lessons from TeachingTraveling.com Global Education Site:
Traveling or Travelling? Which is Correct Spelling?!
I kept getting the uses of "traveler" and "traveller" confused in my travels, until I did research for this article. See the spelling secret here.
Is Saying “Dark” to Mean “Bad” Problematic?
Language can cause hurt, even if we don't intend it to. Read this to see why using the metaphor of "dark" or "darkness" to mean "bad things" is a habit which now needs to change.
“Look Both Ways” by Jason Reynolds: Analysis by a Teacher
Want a wonderful young adult or middle grades book? This article is my in-depth exploration of all the beautiful themes in this new publication. Highly recommended!
Examples of Microaggressions: a Lesson
This is one of the key concepts to understand in order to create a respectful environment. Illustrations and the video in this article mean it can be shared with students or groups to discuss.
Which English Concept is YOUR Favorite?
Are you a fan of foreshadowing? Do you go limp with love for liminal spaces? Is is a verb? Does your heart go pitter-patter for performativity? I’m so curious which of these articles on ELA concepts you most love, so do share in the comments section.
See something missing? If you want a vocabulary word, grammatical concept, or literary device explained with creative drawings in my next article, do leave a comment with your request, and I’ll see what I can do to concoct something fabulous for you. Hooray for English language learning love!

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!