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Happy Poetry Month! Have you found that poetry can be a really complex topic for some middle and high school students? If so, you’re not alone! I used to really struggle to make poetry relevant to teenage students, but I think I’ve found the secret ingredient … music! I find using music to teach poetry […]

Using music in ELA class can make complex poetry lessons more accessible for students.

At this time of year, you might be wondering how best to prepare students for standardized tests without sacrificing engagement, creativity, or fun in middle and high school ELA. Let’s face it – review activities have a reputation for being dry. Getting students ready for standardized tests can feel daunting, especially at an already busy and […]

Five activities to support students as they prepare for standardized tests

Not sure where to start when it comes to teaching grammar in middle school? Don’t worry! I’ve been there. Figuring out how to teach grammar basics in ELA can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, with a bit of creativity and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can make grammar accessible (and maybe even […]

Teaching grammar in middle school ELA is more manageable with a whole-year approach.

In my opinion, learning how to run a classroom debate is one of the most versatile skills an ELA teacher can have! I think the debate is one of those rare “perfect” classroom activities for middle and high school ELA. When run effectively, debates can offer a masterclass in a number of essential language arts […]

How to run a classroom debate in middle or high school ELA

Have you noticed that your middle and high school students are glued to their phones? We live in an age of information, which means that media literacy is a more important skill for young people to practice than ever before. Helping students find credible sources and evaluate what makes a source trustworthy can prevent misinformation, […]

Helping students find credible sources online is an essential ELA skill that transfers easily into other subjects.

February is the month of love, and you may be wondering how you can incorporate Valentine’s Day into your ELA classroom this year. Finding the right Valentine’s Day activity for your middle school students can be deceivingly difficult. Some groan at the very idea of Valentine’s Day, while other students are already dipping their toes […]

If you are teaching “The Chaser” by John Collier, you might be looking for strategies and tips for analyzing this love-inspired story. I wanted to share my best tips for helping you guide your students through all elements of this classic tale! At first glance, this short story seems quite light-hearted, but there is more to this […]