Two Middle School ELA Teachers

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!

Join us as we share some fun games for test prep season. In this episode, we will share two games that you can play immediately in your classroom as you tackle the end of the year review in your ELA classrooms.

In this episode of "Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans," join Shannon as she shares secrets for bringing poetry to life in your middle school ELA classroom. Building upon previous discussions about introducing poetry in the classroom, Shannon dives into the realm of narrative poetry with a focus on Alfred Noyes' timeless classic, "The Highwayman." Discover Shannon's engaging teaching methods, from interactive historical discussions about highwaymen to dynamic sound effect readings of the poem that will captivate your students! Be sure to download this FREE resource discussed in the episode, and if you missed it, you can also grab the free poetry resource for writing cicada haiku here. If you need a resource for the upcoming solar eclipse, click here, and as mentioned, the resource for Slam Poetry can be accessed by clicking here.

Introduce poetry to your students with these fresh and fun ideas for your middle school ELA classroom! In this episode, explore an inquiry-based activity where students roam the room, absorbing diverse poems and creating their unique 'found poems.' This activity is followed by another fun introduction involving music! We will talk about how we used Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' to teach students to annotate and explore poems like 'Oranges' by Gary Soto and 'Autobiography in Five Short Chapters' by Portia Nelson. Tune in for engaging activities that spark creativity and understanding in your poetry unit! Oh, and grab the free resource mentioned in this episode here!

Join us as we reveal surprising events in 2024 that promise to infuse excitement into your classrooms. This year in 2024, there are two natural phenomena that can become captivating learning experiences for middle school ELA students. This episode is filled with creative ideas and resources. Listen in to uncover the surprise elements that will add a unique touch to your teaching toolkit. Be sure to grab the FREEBIE mentioned in this episode here! Also, check out the TpT resource mentioned about the total eclipse of 2024 here. Don't miss out – let the adventure begin!

In this episode of "Two Middle School ELA Teachers," Shannon takes you on a journey through a day in her 7th-grade ELA classroom. Recorded solo in the quiet aftermath of a Wednesday evening, Shannon shares the intricacies of her classroom routine, and shares exactly what she did in that day. Join her as she guides her students through engaging activities, imparts essential ELA concepts, and gives you a glimpse into the dynamic life of an ELA teacher. Tune in for insights, anecdotes, and a snapshot of the middle school ELA experience!

With a keen focus on moving students from merely "renting" knowledge to truly owning it, Shannon shares practical strategies and experiences that have proven effective in her own middle school ELA classroom.

Discover how the philosophy of repetition can revolutionize the learning experience, especially in areas like grammar, vocabulary, and writing. Shannon discusses the importance of consistent review and practice to solidify concepts, challenging the common trend where students seem to forget what they've learned over short breaks.

In this episode titled "Let's Be Honest," we will tackle topics like teacher burnout, challenging students, and navigating difficult relationships with colleagues. Through candid conversations and practical insights, we shed light on the rewarding, yet sometimes tough, journey of educators, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the long-lasting impact of teaching.

In this episode, we delve into how you can use Twilight Zone episodes in your middle school ELA classroom. Discover how these thought-provoking stories provide an excellent platform for teaching ELA, including character development analysis, exploring moral dilemmas, and dissecting literary elements such as symbolism and foreshadowing.

We'll discuss how "The Twilight Zone" seamlessly aligns with Common Core State Standards by integrating multimedia sources into the curriculum, enriching students' comprehension, and promoting critical thinking skills. Plus, we have some exciting news! If you want some resources with read to teach activities using some of our favorite "Twilight Zone" episodes, you can check out our Twilight Zone bundle by clicking this link!

Transitions are a natural part of any lesson, and if handled correctly, they can save time and minimize disruptions. Discover tips on organization, efficient paper handling, clear instructions, and tech-savvy solutions to keep your students engaged and your lessons flowing smoothly. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey in education, these strategies will help you create an environment where transitions are not a source of chaos but an opportunity for learning. Tune in and transform your classroom transitions today!