From Bubblegum to Argument Writing A Fun Way to Teach the Writing Rubric in Middle School ELA
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
If your students stare blankly at rubrics or ignore them altogether, this episode is for you. In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers, Shannon shares a fun, low-stakes, and unforgettable way to introduce students to what a rubric really is—by blowing bubbles. You’ll hear how she uses a bubble-blowing challenge to teach the two essential parts of a rubric (criteria and levels) and how that experience gives students the confidence to understand and use the SC READY argumentative writing rubric. In this episode, you'll learn: How to set up the bubblegum rubric activity How...
info_outline
October Writing Fun in the Middle School ELA Classroom
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Get ready for a frightfully fun October in your ELA classroom! In this episode, Shannon shares how to host a One-Sentence Spooky Story Week to teach sentence structure, punctuation, and style in a way that feels creative and seasonal. Learn how to help students start sentences in new ways, weave in clauses and phrases, and build suspense in just one chilling line. Then, discover how a Dead Word Funeral sets the perfect stage for stronger word choice all month long. Packed with mentor examples, teaching tips, and Halloween classroom magic — this one’s a must-listen for ELA teachers who love...
info_outline
When Teaching Knocks You Down: What To Do on Days When You Feel Defeated
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Every teacher has those days—when behaviors feel overwhelming, the lesson doesn’t land, or you leave school wondering if you’re really making a difference. In this episode, I open up about the reality of defeated days in the classroom and share five practical ways to reset. You’ll also hear encouragement to remind you that one hard day doesn’t define your calling. Tomorrow is a brand-new chance, and your presence matters more than you know.
info_outline
Stop Avoiding It: 5 Teacher Habits That Wreck Behavior Management in Your Middle School Classroom
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
Are you accidentally making behavior problems worse in your middle school classroom? In this episode, Shannon and Tammy break down five common teacher defense mechanisms—from lagging on lessons to fisheye syndrome—that feel easier in the moment but slowly wreck classroom climate. You’ll hear real examples from our classrooms, practical strategies to use instead, and encouragement to step into behavior management with confidence. Want more help with classroom management? We have a that you can check out in our TPT store. This resource is also included in our ELA Core Club! ...
info_outline
The Flashlight Challenge Making Vocabulary Fun and Memorable in Your ELA Class
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In this episode, I’m sharing a quick, engaging vocabulary activity you can try tomorrow in your middle school ELA class and an update that will make your planning life easier. Be sure and download our FREE sample of the ELA Core Club! Just click the link below. If you prefer to purchase on TPT, we offer a bundle for each grade level that’s very similar to the ELA Core Club. The only difference is that it doesn’t include the coaching piece (two calls and unlimited email support). You can grab the Yearlong ELA Curriculum: Everything You Need for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade by...
info_outline
The Middle School ELA Short Story Activity That Your Students Will Beg to Do Again
Two Middle School ELA Teachers
In today’s episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, Shannon shares one of her all-time favorite middle school ELA classroom activities! This isn’t just fun and games—it’s powerful ELA instruction wrapped in courtroom drama. If you want the complete mock trial resource for Also.. 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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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. 💬...
info_outlineIn this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, Shannon shares a fun and competitive review game called "Sink or Swim" that’s perfect for engaging middle school students in ELA practice. Learn how to use this game to review important concepts like comma rules, test prep, and more. Shannon also shares a helpful hack for finding released test questions to help your students prepare for state assessments, and how you can incorporate them into your classroom with a competitive twist. Tune in for a quick, easy-to-implement game that your students will love! If you'd like to use our comma rules task cards plus games, check them out by clicking here!