The last time I set foot in DC was 1999, back when my primary focus was simply hunting for cute boys and the latest explicit CDs. Returning now, as a 40-year-old who has spent 17 years teaching the intricacies of American literature and history, the experience was like revisiting a classi…
You’ve heard of gallery walks, but what do they actually look like in a middle school ELA classroom? Why are gallery walks so great? Why should you even try this method of instruction in your classroom? Let's talk about it! My #1 reason to use a gallery walk: It gets students moving …
When I first started teaching horror, I leaned heavily on the classics: Poe , Jacobs , and Bradbury . They’re short, accessible, and they hook students right away. But after a while, I noticed something—my horror unit was filled with dead white dudes. Nothing wrong with a little Poe, but …
I may not be in the classroom anymore, but once an ELA teacher, always an ELA teacher—especially when it comes to summer reading! This summer, I’m diving into a few titles that aren't just fun for me but could spark some serious engagement with middle school readers, too…
Looking for some fresh ideas for your Black History middle school ELA curriculum? I'm excited to share some of my ideas with you! Black History Month is traditionally celebrated around the U.S. throughout the month of February, BUT it is also best practice to incorporate African Ame…
January is the perfect time to reset your classroom routines. Not only have your students surely "forgotten" all of the rules, procedures, and expectations over their holiday break, but you may also need to fine-tune your expectations in response to…
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…
