PRESTO PLANS BLOG

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 […]

If you’re looking for a short story that sparks lively discussion and debate, consider teaching “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank Stockton. This popular story, first published in the late 19th century, is famous for its exploration of justice and fairness, as well as its controversial ending! In the story, a young man is […]

If you want to spark meaningful discussions with your middle or high school students, teaching “The Leap” by Louise Erdrich is a great choice. Originally published in Harper’s magazine in 1990, “The Leap” is told through a series of recollections about the narrator’s mother, Anna Avalon, who is a former trapeze artist in a travelling […]

If you’re looking for a short text to encourage your middle school readers to consider a new perspective, teaching “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” by Walter Dean Myers is rewarding and worthwhile. This short story provides students with an opportunity to explore a number of different themes, including the value of family. Set during the […]

In my personal reading, I really enjoy trying to pinpoint what motivates literary characters. To me, figuring out what makes complex characters “tick” feels a little bit like solving a puzzle. This is one of the reasons I love teaching characterization to middle or high school students! Drawing their attention to the various ways that […]