Episode Description: Get your students up and moving with this fun and engaging ELA activity! In this episode, we’re diving into the Context Clue Walk About, where students work in pairs to decipher word meanings using context clues in a hands-on, interactive way. Learn how to set it up, teach context clue strategies with the LEAD acronym, and choose the perfect words for your middle schoolers. Plus, we’ll share tips for keeping students on task and ideas for adapting this activity to teach other ELA standards. Don’t miss this classroom-tested idea that your students will love!

What makes a teacher truly unforgettable? In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, we explore the elusive “It Factor” that sets exceptional teachers apart. These are the educators who connect effortlessly with students, make learning engaging, and leave a lasting impact on young lives.

Join us as we break down the key qualities that define the “It Factor". We’ll share stories, insights, and practical tips for fostering these traits in your own classroom. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to inspire, connect, and teach with impact.

In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, we’re diving into the art of argumentative writing with “A Clever Lesson for Argumentative Writing.” We’ll explore an engaging lesson plan that helps middle schoolers master the essentials of crafting strong arguments.

 From brainstorming and prewriting to gathering evidence and structuring a well-organized essay, we cover strategies to make argumentative writing clear and compelling. We’ll share insights on using the Four Square prewriting method, tips for avoiding common pitfalls, and a brainstorming session focused on aspects like author’s style, realistic characters, pacing, and figurative language.

Perfect for preparing students to tackle end-of-year state tests, this episode is packed with practical ideas to inspire your next writing lesson!

link for the prompt 

link for the tool to teach how to write grabbers/leads

Join us, two middle school ELA teachers from ELA Core Plans, as we discuss our favorite time of the year in the middle school ELA classroom – October! In this episode, we share our excitement for spooky stories and how we plan to engage our students during this season. We highlight the classic tales that we have lined up for the month of October. 

Halloween Stories for Middle School ELA:

• • Duffy’s Jacket
  • Click Clack the Rattlebag
  • The Monsters are Due on Maple Street
  • Sorry, Wrong Number
  • The Ultimate Suspenseful Scary Story Resource Bundle for Middle School

Don't forget to subscribe to Two Middle School ELA Teachers for more creative, standards-aligned activities to bring fun and learning together in your classroom.

In this October episode, we are bringing you some spook-tacular writing activities that will engage your students while building key skills in narrative and persuasive writing.

First, we dive into a Halloween-themed writing activity where students get creative by designing their own costumes, writing vivid descriptions, and crafting persuasive ads using ethos, logos, and pathos. This lesson is the perfect blend of creativity and structure, aligned with Common Core Standards, so your students have fun while honing essential writing techniques.

Next, we explore the always-popular Choose Your Own Adventure stories. We’ll show you how to guide your students in creating interactive, branching narratives that teach cause and effect, critical thinking, and technology skills using Google Slides. The best part? It’s a project they can complete while learning essential writing and digital literacy skills.

If you're looking to bring some Halloween fun into your ELA classroom while staying aligned with educational standards, this episode is packed with ideas for you!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Halloween Costume Persuasive Ad Writing Activity
• Choose Your Own Adventure Story Template
• Bonus Halloween Stories for Middle School ELA:
  • Duffy’s Jacket
  • Click Clack the Rattlebag
  • The Monsters are Due on Maple Street
  • Sorry, Wrong Number: 

Don't forget to subscribe to Two Middle School ELA Teachers for more creative, standards-aligned activities to bring fun and learning together in your classroom.

Welcome to the Two Middle School ELA Teachers podcast by ELA Core Plans! In this episode, we’re diving into a simple yet transformative strategy that could revolutionize your classroom—retesting with a twist. As middle school ELA teachers, we know how disheartening it can be when students close their Chromebooks after a test without a second thought. But what if there was a way to turn that test into a powerful learning experience?

Discover a dynamic and engaging way to manage your ELA classroom with our latest episode! We dive into the innovative concept of classroom economies, where students become savvy financial managers, earning and spending classroom currency. Learn how this system can transform behavior management and foster real-world skills in responsibility, financial literacy, and teamwork. Tune in for practical tips, job ideas, and ready-to-use handouts to kickstart your own classroom economy. Perfect for middle school educators looking to motivate and inspire their students!

Welcome to Two Middle School ELA Teachers, the podcast where we unravel the complexities of English Language Arts. Join us as we explore innovative strategies, like incorporating writing prompts before reading assignments, to help students master new standards and excel in state assessments. This season, discover how our UQO method—Underline, Question, and Original Thinking—empowers students to think critically and connect reading and writing in meaningful ways. Tune in for practical tips, engaging discussions, and a fresh perspective on ELA education!

7th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide 

Join us in this episode as we delve into Notice & Note: Strategies for Close Reading by Kylene Beers, Robert E. Probst, and G. Kylene Beers. 

Discover the six essential reading signposts introduced in the book, designed to engage students deeply with any fictional text. These signposts guide students to identify significant literary moments, prompting critical thinking and discussions. We'll explore each signpost—Contrasts and Contradictions, Aha Moment, Tough Questions, Words of the Wiser, Again and Again, and Memory Moment—explaining their purpose and how to implement them in the classroom.

We'll share practical tips on introducing and modeling the signposts, guided practice, and encouraging independent practice. Hear how these strategies are boosting students' reading and analytical skills in our own classrooms through short stories and book clubs.

Don't miss our free first nine weeks pacing guides for grades 6-8, available for download. 

6th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide 

7th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide 

8th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide

Join us for engaging discussions on middle school book clubs and First Chapter Fridays. Explore captivating reads, share insights, and inspire a love for reading among young students. Discover practical tips for making First Chapter Fridays a success. Tune in to learn how to create lifelong readers in your classroom!

Our Book Club Resource

6th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide 

7th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide 

8th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide