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…
As Earth Day approaches, it's the perfect time for middle school English Language Arts (ELA) teachers to infuse their curriculum with environmental themes. Not only does this celebrate the significance of Earth Day, but it also provides an opportunity to instill environmental awarenes…
Looking for last minute, low-prep Valentine's Day activity ideas for middle school ELA, Teacher Bestie? I've got you! Try these! 1. Use whatever current vocabulary you're teaching to have students write a love letter (or a story, or a poem-- see #2). It doesn't have to be…
Looking for low-prep Thanksgiving-themed writing activities for your Middle School ELA classes? I've got SIX for you! In my previous blog post, Surviving the Holiday Hustle: Five Teacher Tips for a Smooth End to the Year! , I recommended really planning to take it easy on yourself at…
You made it, Teacher Bestie! Once the Halloween shenanigans are behind you, you are officially in the countdown to Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks! While that sounds exciting, we have actually entered one of the most difficult parts of the school year. Your personal and/or family life i…
In my blog post, Teaching Middle School ELA in October: Five Content Topics to Enrich Your Classroom (Part 1), I identified FIVE super engaging content topics that you could explore with your students in the month of October: 1. The remainder of Hispanic Heritage Month (begins mid Septem…
The weather starts cooling outside, but you're in the heat of the school year by October. The newness of the beginning of school has faded away. The first grading period report cards may be finalizing soon. You're officially teacher-tired, the kids are testing your classroom manag…
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