PRESTO PLANS BLOG

When it comes to our writing instruction, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the number of standards we need to cover over the course of the year. This is why the Paragraph of the Week Program is such a game-changer for the ELA classroom. It provides short and manageable daily tasks that help […]

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 […]