Middle School ELA Rookie Mistakes: Behavior Management Lessons You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Classroom management doesn’t have to be a trial-by-fire experience. In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers, Shannon and Tammy get real about the rookie behavior mistakes they made—and still see others making—in middle school classrooms. Whether you're a brand new teacher or a veteran who’s feeling the midweek burnout, this heart-to-heart will leave you with practical behavior tips you can use tomorrow. Bonus Resources Mentioned: Grab your FREE back-to-school printables for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade: Want the full Classroom Behavior Playbook? It’s inside the —a...
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The Free Resource Every Middle School ELA Teacher Needs
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers, we’re announcing the three amazing winners of our ELA Core Club Giveaway. We're thrilled for these teachers to experience the full power of the ELA Core Club Year-long curriculum! But that’s not all... we’ve got a free gift just for YOU, our listeners. You can now download a free sample of the ELA Core Club for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. It’s packed with ready-to-use resources: ✔️ Two weeks of Core Chomp and Standard Start bell ringers ✔️ Unit 1 of grammar ✔️ Unit 1 of vocabulary ✔️ Free handouts from our Best...
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Icebreakers for the first day of middle school ELA
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Start your school year with laughter, connection, and classroom community! In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, we’re sharing engaging icebreakers that are perfect for Day 1 in your ELA classroom. From team-building challenges to creative communication games, you’ll find activities that help students bond—and make your first day fun and memorable. Plus, don’t miss our giveaway! Go take a look at our newest product - and use the discount code to save today! Mentioned in this episode: Freebie + Giveaway: Discount Code: (good...
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Creating the Middle School ELA Room They'll Beg to Come Back To
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Want to start the school year strong with a classroom full of motivated, respectful, and engaged middle schoolers? In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers, we dive into one of the most important (yet often overlooked) ingredients for classroom success: classroom climate. You’ll walk away with ideas you can use right away to create a space your students will love walking into—and that you’ll love teaching in. Don’t forget to grab your free week of ELA lessons to kick off the year with confidence! Get entered into the ELA Core Club giveaway when you download. Link below. 💬...
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2025 Amazon Wishlist for Middle School ELA Teachers
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Prime Day is here, and we’re sharing some of our favorite classroom tools, organizational must-haves, and a few fun teacher splurges that make the school year smoother. In this episode, we’re walking you through our top Amazon picks—things we use (and love!) in our middle school ELA classrooms to stay calm, collected, and ready to teach. From color-coded folders and dry erase boards to our dream ice maker and a pencil dispenser that actually works, we’re talking practical meets fun—and we’ve got a full wish list you can browse! PLUS: Don’t forget—every teacher who downloads a...
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Three Things Your ELA Classroom Can’t Run Without Next Year
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode, we’re talking about the three systems every middle school ELA teacher should have in place before school starts — systems that save time, reduce stress, and actually work all year long! Plus, we’ll show you how to grab everything we mention (and then some!) inside the ELA Core Club — and how to get started with our free First Week ELA Launch Kit! Grab your free week of here! When you download, you’ll automatically be entered to win the full ELA Core Club for your grade level! Let’s make this your smoothest school year yet — systems first, stress-free...
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Ready for a Game Changer This Summer, ELA Teachers? Don't Miss This!
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I’m spending my summer—and it’s not just about relaxing! From reading a powerful book to exploring creative outlets, I’m discovering some exciting ways to bring new ideas into my world, and I want to share how you can do this too! Plus, I’ve got a special offer for those of you looking to make a move this summer. Tune in to hear how you can start building something incredible and why now is the perfect time to take action. Links mentioned in the show: Ready to secure your 25% discount on our upcoming resource for new middle school ELA...
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Two End-of-Year ELA Activities Your Students Will Actually Enjoy
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
2 End-of-Year ELA Activities Your Students Will Actually Enjoy It’s May, the end of the school year, and we all know what that means – restless students, tired teachers, and a countdown to summer break. But before you toss your gradebook in the air and head for the beach, I’ve got two creative, low-prep ELA activities that will keep your students engaged and laughing through the final days of school. In this episode, I’ll share: ✅ The Year in Review Skit Challenge – a high-energy, creative way to wrap up the year and review characters, themes, and conflicts. ✅ Plotline Pictionary...
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Do You Really See the Whole Class? Fisheye Syndrome, Hogs, and Logs in Middle School ELA
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Are you unknowingly teaching to just a few students while the rest fade into the background? In this solo episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers, Shannon dives into two hidden classroom challenges—fisheye syndrome and the classic case of hogs and logs.
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Engaging Apathetic Students: Strategies for Keeping Middle Schoolers Motivated at the End of the Year
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, Shannon shares effective strategies for keeping middle school students engaged and motivated during the end-of-year slump, especially in April and May. With state testing approaching, it can be challenging to maintain focus, but Shannon offers practical tips to help. Listen for fresh ideas on how to keep your students energized, on task, and ready to finish the school year strong.
info_outlineListen to hear our favorite middle school ELA Halloween stories and activities that we've tried over the years. You'll walk away with so many ideas, it will be hard for you to choose which one to try in your own ELA classroom this Halloween! All printables mentoned in today's show can be found on our blog at https://elacoreplans.com/middle-school-ela-halloween-lesson-our-collection/