It is very important to teach non-fiction in middle school. Fiction literature is a favourite in many literature classrooms while non-fiction selections often take a backseat. And while fiction is a great option for many reasons and in many situations, non-fiction has merits as well that are often overlooked
Have you ever planned a middle school short story unit? Short story units are very popular among middle school ELA classes. Unlike novels and other longer works (which often require a whole vetting and purchase process before they can be added to or changed in the curriculum), short story selection
Finding engaging and rigorous persuasive writing lessons should not be a challenge to find. Unfortunately, not all writing curriculums and activities draw the attention of our students and encourage their engagement. Consequently, the lessons they learn in these classes are not as solid or memorable as they could be. From
When teaching science fiction it is important to incorporate both classics and modern favourites. From such classics as War of the Worlds and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea to more modern texts like Ender’s Game or City of Ember, science fiction offers a wide variety of stories for first-time
It is important to find ways to incorporate non-canon authors into your curriculum. Canon authors and books are canon for a reason – these authors and their works have an ability to tap into the human experience in a manner that speaks across space and time. And while Shakespeare, To
Professional development is a key part of a teacher’s career. Many districts require teachers to attend professional development regularly that may or may not be provided at the district or school level. I love opportunities when I can select a topic. I love virtual teacher professional development opportunities because I
Use these ready-to-go no-prep sub plans for middle school ELA classes. All the teacher needs to do is upload the sub plans to a secure online location and then students can complete the engaging before, during, and after reading/viewing activities. These lessons can be completed on paper or on the
Why is Online Teacher Professional Development Important? Today we’re discussing online teacher professional development. But why? You went to college, you have your degree, and you’ve started teaching at your dream school. Your kids love you, you love them, and you feel pretty good about how things are going. But
