18. Book Clubs in the Middle School ELA Classroom ~Part One
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Release Date: 01/17/2023
28. Maximizing Efficiency: End-of-Year Reflection and Preparation for Next Year
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode, we share practical tips and strategies for teachers as they wrap up the school year and prepare for the next one. Join us as we discuss practical tips for things you can do right now to equip you to have a smooth transition and start the upcoming academic year on a strong note.
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27. A Creative Response Activity Everyone Loves ~ One-Pagers in the Middle School ELA Classroom
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode, join us as we discuss a favorite assignment for both teachers and students. They're called one-pagers, and students love them because they get to have creative freedom. Teachers love them because they're easier to grade than essays! We will provide insights on what one-pagers are, practical tips on incorporating them into your curriculum, and strategies for making them effective. Unleash your students' creativity and empower them to showcase their understanding of literature in visually captivating ways. From exploring different approaches to...
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26. Middle School ELA Inquiry Based Project ~ Perfect for the End of the Year!
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Looking for a fun and engaging end-of-the-year project for your middle school ELA students? As middle school teachers, we know what it's like at the end of the year: kids are tired, teachers are tired, and testing is over. That's why we're sharing a project that's high interest and high engagement for students but low prep for teachers. In this episode, we'll talk about an inquiry-based project that's perfect for the end of the year: having your students write and illustrate a children's book! Tune in to hear us walk you through the steps of how you can foster this project in your...
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25. Engaging Middle School ELA End of the Year Activities
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode, we discuss two fun and creative activities that are perfect for the end of the school year. The first activity is called "Welcome to my Fairytale," where students work in groups to update classic fairytales and perform skits for the class. The second activity is slam poetry, where students learn about poetic elements and write their own poems to perform. We provide examples and ideas for each activity, and even offer links to resources you can use in your classroom. These engaging activities will keep your students motivated and excited about learning until the very end of the...
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24 Middle School ELA Test Prep Boot Camp
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
It's test taking season, and that means we should prepare our students to do their best! In this podcast, we bring you fun and engaging strategies and activities that will help your students develop critical thinking skills and choose the best answer in a multiple choice question. We will share practical and creative tips and activities to help your kids master the art of choosing the BEST answer. We'll also explore the top wrong answer choices that test makers use in multiple choice questions.
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ChatGPT for Teachers ~Make Your Life Easier in Seconds!
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode, we explore the world of artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize the way we teach. Specifically, we discuss ChatGPT, an AI writing assistant created by OpenAI. While some may find the idea of using AI in the classroom daunting, we know that Chat GPT can be an incredibly valuable tool for middle school teachers. It can help with a variety of tasks, including standards alignment, mentor sentences, drafting parent emails, creating writing prompts, and even writing lesson plans. We also discuss the future of how Chat GPT could be used by students- to get feedback...
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Using Mentor Sentences to Teach Writing in the Middle School ELA Classroom
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode, we explore the concept of mentor sentences and how they can be used effectively in the ELA classroom. Mentor sentences are examples of great writing that students can learn from and model their own writing after. We discuss the benefits of using mentor sentences, such as improving students' writing skills, increasing their knowledge of grammar and syntax, and helping them develop their own writing voice. We also provide practical tips and strategies for incorporating mentor sentences into your class. Whether you're a seasoned ELA teacher or new to the profession, this episode...
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21 Argumentative Writing Exercises: Breaking Down Arguments: 4 Interactive Ways to Teach Argumentative Writing Without Assigning an Essay
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode, we share four engaging and interactive activities that can help middle school students understand and practice the key concepts of argumentative writing without having to write a formal essay. We cover the claim vs. opinion game, the debate roundtable, role-playing scenarios, and the expert opinion research. Each activity is designed to be both educational and fun, making it easier for students to stay engaged and retain the information. We have a special offer for those who listen this week to say thank you for listening and to celebrate the accomplishment of...
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20. Teach Poetry With the Acronym TWIST UP!
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Need some ideas on how to teach poetry? The acronym TWIST UP is a game changer when it comes to teaching poetry! Listen to learn how this simple strategy will have your students analyzing poems on a deeper level in no time. The acronym will help create wonderful discussions in your classroom, and everything you need to teach poetry can be included within the letters of the acronym.
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19 Book Clubs in the Middle School ELA Classroom Part 2
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Join us in this second episodes about implementing book clubs in your middle school ELA classroom. This episode will be all about adding accountability and fun!
info_outlineIf you've been wanting to start book clubs in your middle school classroom, but you're not sure how to do it, this episode is for you. This first episode of the series will explain how to form book club groups in your classroom and how to choose the right novels for your middle school students.