Two Middle School ELA Teachers

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

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of classroom management, focusing on four key areas: relationships, engagement, bell-to-bell instruction, and transitions and procedures. Discover how to create a positive, productive, and engaging learning environment where students thrive.

What You’ll Learn:

• Building Relationships: Tips for establishing trust and respect, understanding your students, and maintaining open communication.
• Enhancing Engagement: Strategies to keep students actively involved in their learning through varied instructional methods and the use of technology.
• Bell-to-Bell Instruction: How to maximize instructional time with clear objectives, prepared materials, and seamless transitions.
• Effective Transitions and Procedures: Setting clear expectations, using visual aids, and reinforcing positive behaviors to ensure a smooth and orderly classroom.

Join us as we share practical advice and real-life examples to help you manage your classroom effectively. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, these insights will help you keep the main things the main things when it comes to classroom management.

Back to School Bell Work

6th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide 

7th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide 

8th Grade 1st nine weeks Pacing Guide

In this episode, we are sharing our top picks for Amazon Prime Day deals that every middle school ELA teacher should know about! These hand-picked items will not only save you money but also enhance your teaching experience. Tune in to hear about these deals and how we use them or plan to use them. Don't miss out on these must-have Amazon Prime Day bargains designed to make your ELA classroom a success.

Amazon List One 

Amazon List Two

Join us in this episode as we share the secrets to starting a successful Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) store. Ranked in the 99th percentile, we’ll guide you through the initial steps of becoming a TpT seller, from creating unique products to choosing the right membership. Discover how you and a friend can collaborate, generate extra income, and reignite your creativity as educators. Perfect for ELA teachers looking to make a meaningful impact and boost their earnings. Subscribe now and start your TpT journey with confidence!

Our store ~ ELA Core Plans

Before you open a store, you probably want to make sure you have some products or at least can make some products, so this episode will help you take some inventory of what you have and how you can create quality products. 

Please complete this quick Google Form if you would like to hear more content like what is included in this episode!

We would love to look at your ideas and give you feedback!  Feel free to email us!

[email protected]

[email protected]

Today, Tammy and I will share the first episode in this summer series, where we’ll outline four compelling reasons why you should join forces with your best teacher friend and start selling on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT).

We began our journey back in 2006 with S&T Publications and transitioned to TpT as ELA Core Plans in 2013. Since then, we've achieved incredible success, ranking in the top 1% of TpT sellers. We’re eager to share our experiences and insights with you, and maybe even inspire you to start your own TpT business with a friend.

If you would like to see more content like this, please fill out this Google Form

In this episode of "Two Middle School ELA Teachers" by ELA Core Plans we are sharing an exciting end-of-year activity to keep middle school students engaged and motivated as the school year comes to a close. We'll tell you about a fun and low-maintenance activity that brings literature to life.  Additionally, I will also share an alternative idea of updating fairy tales to modern settings for a fresh spin on storytelling. You can find our modern day fairy tale resource by clicking here.  Don't miss out on this creative and enjoyable activity for wrapping up the school year!