Two Middle School ELA Teachers

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. P...

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...

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 strat...

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...

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 th...

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 i...

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 t...

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 t...

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 exp...

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...

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,...

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 su...

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...

  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...

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...

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 fr...

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...

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 a...

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 t...

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...

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 r...

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...

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...