PRESTO PLANS BLOG

Teaching William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet can feel like a big task, especially when you want students to engage in creative, purposeful activities to help them comprehend the story.  Luckily, this classic play is full of themes teens recognize – from love and loyalty to conflict, and impulsive choices. In my experience, once they get […]

Between the unfamiliar language, dense plots, and the pressure to “get it right,” teaching Shakespeare to high school students can feel intimidating at first. Believe me, I’ve been there! But here’s the secret…you don’t need to be a Shakespeare expert to teach his work well. In my experience, a collection of creative introductory lessons can […]

The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant may have been published in 1884, but its themes feel surprisingly modern for today’s students. The way de Maupassant uses Mathilde to explore image, comparison, and social pressure connects naturally to the influencer culture students see on TikTok and Instagram. As a result, students are often quick to make […]

One of my favorite books to teach in middle school ELA is Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. This novel, first published in 1989, won both the Newberry Medal and National Jewish Book Award (in the Children’s Literature category) for its moving and accessible portrayal of the Holocaust for younger readers. Number The Stars tells […]

If you’re looking for a short story that will spark discussion about technology, teaching “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury is a powerful choice. This classic piece of dystopian fiction captivates students while prompting them to consider how dependence on technology can shape—and even replace—real relationships. “The Veldt” – originally published in 1950 under the title […]

Halloween will be here before we know it! It’s no secret that I love incorporating a bit of seasonal fun into middle and high school ELA. Getting into the Halloween spirit can be a great way to build relationships with your students and add a creative twist to your daily routine.  If you’re looking for […]

One of my favorite parts about teaching middle school ELA is providing students with opportunities to explore “big” concepts, like justice and fairness, that are important to them. This is why I love teaching Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen. With its exploration of powerful themes and emotional depth, this thought-provoking novel always inspires lively […]