The stretch between Thanksgiving and winter break can be tricky in the middle school ELA classroom. Students are buzzing with holiday energy, yet there’s still plenty of room for creativity and learning. Here are ten writing activities that will keep your students engaged during this fes…
When you introduce your middle schoolers to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, you’re not just teaching them a classic text—you’re inviting them to explore timeless themes like kindness, redemption, and social responsibility. But let’s face it: the language and setting can feel dista…
When September comes around, many of us in the teaching community find ourselves reflecting on the significance of 9/11. For those of us who lived through that day, the memories are vivid and lasting. But for our students, it's a historical event they know only from textbooks, novels,…
Published in 2000, Stargirl is a young adult novel that quickly gained acclaim for its unique storyline and memorable characters. The novel is set in the fictional town of Mica, Arizona, and follows the life of Leo Borlock, a high school junior who becomes fascinated by a new student name…
“If you want to become a better teacher, become a better teacher of the Holocaust.” Teaching the Holocaust to middle schoolers is no small feat. It's a heavy topic, but it's also a chance to teach important lessons about history, humanity, and empathy. Here are some key takeaways …
