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…
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…
As a lifelong reader and educator, I am always on the hunt for books that will engage middle school students while also teaching them valuable lessons. Over the years, I have compiled a list of novels that have proven to be hits in my classroom. Click here for my full list of 21 recommend…
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…
One thing you will quickly learn about me: I LOVE BOOKS. Nothing makes me happier than sharing my love of books and the written word with others, especially kids. Learning to teach novels to a group of students can be challenging at times, but it is a challenge that ignites my passion to…
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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