reading

How to use graphic novels to teach reading skills

Making better readers with graphic novels

Reading skills are crucial in middle school. We really have such a short time to get students reading, comprehending, and on level. One way to do that is through graphic novels. Graphic novels have been growing in popularity for a long time, but many teachers tend to shy away from bringing them into the classroom. […] Read more…

How to run successful book talks

How to use Book Talks to Encourage Reading

Books talks are a great way to invigorate reading in your classroom.  Students enjoy talking about the books they’re reading, and this can create a reading “buzz” in your class. Here are the steps to creating successful book talks with your students: What are book talks? Before you launch into them, what are they? Book […] Read more…

These 12 poems are perfect for middle school students. The post includes lesson plan ideas and a free poetry discussion starter.

12 Poems your Middle Schoolers will Love

Here are 12 poems that seem to be written specifically for middle school students, along with suggestions for teaching. You’ll find a variety of poetic forms from contemporary to classic poems. 1. “I’m Nobody! Who are you?” by Emily Dickinson   Reasons to love this:  Lesson focus: 2. “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost Reasons […] Read more…

How to teach annotation skills to your students

Making Better Readers: How To Annotate Like a Pro

What is one of the best ways for students to learn close reading skills? Annotation. But, how do we avoid the dreaded entire-page-is-highlighted syndrome? Have no fear, because these easy steps will have your students writing amazing annotations in no time. What is annotation? The quick answer is that annotation means taking notes on what […] Read more…

What are effective teaching strategies for vocabulary instruction?

Easy & fun ways that work to teach vocabulary

Teaching vocabulary can be a real challenge. Looking for some extra help? Here are vocabulary teaching strategies that with help you and your students in your word study. Why is vocabulary important? We know that vocabulary instruction is important. When our students can understand, decode, and determine the meaning of new words, their reading comprehension […] Read more…

Lesson Ideas for what to teach in April

Wondering what to teach in April? This post is full of ideas to keep your students engaged and you organized! Let’s dive right in! Preview the month Here is a list of interesting and important events that are happening in April. You’ll want to put them on your calendar! April is Black Women’s History Month […] Read more…

What should you teach in February? Here are ideas to help you get the most from this month!

What to teach in February

Looking for ideas of what to teach in February? Here are some ideas to get you started! There are tons of quirky, funny, and interesting holidays this month. You can find a whole list here. Here are some of the important ones that you’ll want to mark on your calendar: February is Library Lover’s Month […] Read more…

Need mentor texts to help your students understand memoir writing? Here is a list of 13 texts you can share to get them started.

How to use memoirs as mentor texts

Memoirs mentor texts are perfect for teaching students this genre. The perfect place to start when you want them to write their own memoirs. What is a memoir? It’s important to understand the definition of a memoir. The root of the word sounds like “memory,” and that helps students understand what it is: The personal […] Read more…

Looking for teaching ideas for January? Here are 11 that are sure to help. Grammar, writing, reading, and more. Click through for exclusive freebies for teachers!

What to teach in January

Not sure what to teach in January? Here is a list of ideas to get you started! Here are some important events for this month that you’ll want to be sure to include on your calendar: This is International Creativity Month January 17 is Kid Inventor’s Day Celebrate Thesaurus Day (Peter Mark Roget’s birthday) on […] Read more…

Host a reading challenge with your students. Whether they read 4 or 40 books, you'll find tips here that will help you run a successful reading challenge.

15 Tips for a Reading Challenge

Ready to host a reading challenge with your class?  Whether you want your students to read 4 or 40 books this year, here are some ideas that will help you be successful. The Problem with a Reading Challenge It’s no secret that middle school students aren’t spending as much time reading as they are on […] Read more…

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