A strong ELA classroom is about much more than reading novels, analyzing poetry, and writing essays. Before students are willing to share an interpretation, read their writing aloud, participate in a discussion, or take a risk with a difficult text, they need to feel comfortable in the classroom. That is why building a positive classroom …
Middle school ELA teachers know the challenge well: there is never enough time. Between bell ringers, vocabulary, reading instruction, writing practice, classroom management, and assessments, a 45-minute class period can disappear before students even settle into their seats. The good news is that an effective ELA lesson does not have to feel rushed. With a …
Finding short stories that truly capture the attention of middle school students can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. Middle schoolers are at a unique stage in life: they want stories that feel exciting, relatable, emotional, and meaningful, but they also lose interest quickly if a text feels too difficult or disconnected from their …
Life threw me several curveballs. I lost my original blog, and I’m completely devastated about it. I had years of content on it, and now I have to start back at square one. I also left my teaching position in 2024 where I had been for 7 years and could not find another position until …
