As ELA teachers, we are constantly looking for new tools and resources to help our students improve their reading, writing, and fluency. While textbooks and other traditional teaching methods hold an important role, the internet has expanded our options for unique teaching tools. From teacher-created resources to interactive technology, finding new favorites for your teacher toolbox has never been easier.
What Is a Teacher Toolbox?
The teacher toolbox is a metaphorical term for me. I don't actually have a file cabinet filled with lesson plans and learning devices. Instead, I think of my toolbox as a file of resources I am familiar with and can apply to different situations. This includes materials, resources, and strategies that can be used to enhance instruction and engage students in my ELA classroom. Some of my teaching tools are designed to supplement classroom instruction, while others are complete units I use to teach a subject like poetry.
Tools for Differentiation
There are a few core reasons why I incorporate a wide array of teaching tools. The first is to differentiate instruction so that I connect with different types of learners. The second reason is to boost engagement, especially when the subject matter is more challenging. The third reason I keep a diverse set of teaching tools is simply for preparation. The more “solutions” I have to help students learn, the more time I can spend on individualized instruction and addressing the needs of all learners.
What is in my language arts toolbox?
Over the 20+ years I have taught language arts, I have created and utilized a variety of ELA resources. While each year is unique in terms of individual needs, I have reached a place in my career where I have a large collection of lesson plans and tools that cover almost every situation. Listed below are my favorite teaching tools to use with upper elementary and middle school students. Each one is featured in my exclusive ELA Toolbox resource available on TPT.
1. Interactive Classroom Tools
Interactive classroom posters and displays offer an easy way to teach and reinforce key concepts. My goal every year is to create a classroom atmosphere that is both welcoming and promotes learning. Combining practical needs with an engaging layout is where teachers get to be their creative best. For my classroom, I try to design reusable resources that can be used in multiple ways, like the ELA word wall displayed above.
2. Readers Theater Scripts
Reader's theater is one of my favorite teaching tools for language arts. Students read aloud from a script, and depending on how creative you decide to get, you can incorporate props, costumes, and other theatrical elements. My reader's theater scripts create a highly engaging activity that enhances student fluency, enriches reading comprehension, and strengthens vocabulary and pronunciation.
3. ELA Task Cards
Task cards are a great way to review and reinforce key concepts in the ELA classroom. The best thing about task cards is that you can apply them to almost any topic. I use them for character analysis, grammar rules, guided discussion, and to review vocabulary. Students can engage with task cards in a variety of ways, including through literacy centers, independent practice, and small group activities. You can learn more about how I use task cards here.
4. Novel Study Units & Projects
Having a good study unit to use in conjunction with your novels is essential. Beyond the need to assess reading comprehension and analysis, a good novel unit can actually inspire MORE reading. Over the years, I have created several novel units, including some for my favorite books. Every teacher has their own preference when it comes to comprehension activities, but my favorite novel study activities are journal prompts, short answer questions, context clue work, and plot organizers.
5. ELA Writing Units
Writing units in upper elementary and middle school introduce more advanced writing concepts. For many students, understanding the process and expectations for things like expository and narrative writing requires more practice. This is why I created my own writing units to help students understand the different approaches to each one. Writing units can be fun if you structure them around high-interest topics, which is what I've tried to do in my digital writing bundle.
Use this bundle to quickly build your own ELA toolbox with resources you choose to match any season, topic, and class size…
More ELA classroom tips and ideas…
- ELA Sub Plans Made Easy for Middle School
- My ELA Classroom Setup
- Classroom Management Activities and Resources
Are you looking for more teaching tools for your ELA classroom? My TPT store offers the same resources I use with my own language arts students. From readers theater scripts to novel study units and class management resources, I've made it easier than ever to quickly build your own ELA teacher toolbox!
