Novel units are a big part of my ELA classroom. I utilize them in whole class instruction, small groups, and independent reading. As students discover connections between a novel’s characters, setting and story elements, they become more engaged readers.
Novel study units are a HUGE part of my ELA classroom. I use them for whole class instruction, small groups, and independent reading, and after 25 years of teaching middle school, I can tell you they cover more standards than most teachers realize. When I …
Character analysis is one of the most engaging aspects of teaching R.J. Palacio’s Wonder, and this is one of the rare books that offers an obvious playbook for teachers. Six narrators. Six perspectives on the same events. Six opportunities for your students to step outside …
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis is one of those perfect middle school novels that teaches character resilience while keeping kids engaged page after page. The Great Depression setting gives you a built-in angle for teaching historical fiction, which is something many teachers struggle …
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is one of my favorite books to teach in middle school because it sparks authentic discussions about empathy, perspective, and acceptance. If you’re looking for Wonder lesson plans that are ready to teach, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll …
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 …
One of my favorite winter-themed books for middle school is Brian’s Winter by Gary Paulsen. It makes for a great novel study during the winter months, as your students will be AMAZED at Brian’s ingenuity to survive the brutal winter. The book is a continuation …
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