When students are given real choices in the classroom, their motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes all improve. In this episode, I’m joined by Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog to talk about the power of student choice—and how you can incorporate it into your middle school ELA classroom without doubling your workload. We explore strategies like choice reading, essay topic options, and scaffolded choice boards that allow students to work at their own level and in their preferred style.

Kristy shares practical tips for starting small, offering flexible assignment formats, and using choice to support differentiation and student ownership. Whether you're new to student choice or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers manageable, meaningful ways to make choice a regular part of your teaching.

Read more in the show notes. 

Get to Know Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog:

Kristy is a middle school teacher in Canada. When she is not teaching, you can find her reading a good book, thrift store shopping or blogging at www.2peasandadog.com.

Connect with Kristy

• 2 Peas and a Dog
• Rubik’s Cube Lesson
• Independent Reading Journal

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