PRESTO PLANS BLOG

The first few days of school are such an important time for teachers and their students in all grades, but I think it’s especially important to build a strong sense of classroom community for middle schoolers. Taking time to intentionally build strong relationships with students sets everyone up for success! If you’re looking to build […]

Let me share a teaching secret with you: I have never had a student resist the spell of Holes by Louis Sachar. This 1999 Newberry Medal-winning novel is one of those rare books that appeal to even the most reluctant readers, thanks to its interesting characters and creative, adventurous plot. Part fairy tale, part detective […]

One of the things I love most about fiction is the window it offers to characters, places, and experiences that are different from my own. This is why I get so excited about teaching Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. This popular tale of survival, which won a Newbery Honor Award in 1988, never fails to hook […]

Incorporating engaging, hands-on activities for novels or short stories can breathe new life into any ELA unit! If you’re looking to get out of the book report rut, differentiate a novel study for learners of all abilities, inspire students to engage more deeply with their reading, or get a squirrelly class up and moving, a […]

In my experience, the last week of school can be a tricky time for students (and let’s face it – for teachers, too!). The last week brings up all kinds of “big” feelings – excitement for summer break, the sadness of saying goodbye, and everything in between! As the year winds down, I find many […]

In my opinion, short stories are the perfect teaching tool. In just a few pages, students can practice essential ELA skills, including analyzing complex plot elements, making connections, and examining new vocabulary words in context. If you’re looking for a short, intense short story to really hook your middle or high school students, you might […]

Happy Poetry Month! Do you find your students struggle with poetry writing assignments? You’re not alone! I notice that many middle and high school students find it challenging to tap into their creative side, especially when it comes to poetry composition. One trick I find useful is to take an outside-the-box approach to poetry writing […]