Organizing your language arts classroom to optimize learning and minimize distractions is a delicate practice. This section contains my favorite ideas and resources that I use in my own ELA classroom.
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick is one of those perfect middle school novels that can motivate even your most reluctant readers. Your 5th/6th graders will love the friendship between Max and Kevin, and your intervention-level 7th and 8th graders will see themselves reflected in …
If your middle school poetry unit feels flat, you’re not alone. Most students see poetry as irrelevant, difficult, and frankly, boring. But Love That Dog by Sharon Creech changes everything. This novel teaches poetry analysis through a relatable character, Jack, a reluctant poet who starts …
Some of the best classroom conversations begin with a simple quote that gets students thinking. When middle school students are presented a quote that makes them pause and think for a moment, it naturally opens the door for deeper conversations and writing responses. I like …
It is March, which means spring break is on the horizon and the 4th quarter has just begun. And of course, state testing will be here ASAP. We have worked hard to get to this point in the school year with so many standards being …
Struggling to get students to participate in classroom discussions? These creative discussion strategies for middle school ELA help reduce student anxiety and increase engagement during novel studies and reading lessons. Perfect for middle school language arts teachers looking for fresh discussion ideas. You ask a …
March is packed with fun themes that make it easy to bring fresh energy into your ELA lesson plans. From the excitement of St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness to the ominous Ides of March, this month offers plenty of creative ways to hook middle …
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