PRESTO PLANS BLOG

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 […]

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 […]