Two Middle School ELA Teachers
You're a middle school teacher trying to fit it all in without a lot of time. We get it! Join us, two seasoned middle school ELA teachers, as we talk about lessons, activities, strategies that work in the middle school ELA classroom.
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Retests with a Twist in Middle School ELA
10/01/2024
Retests with a Twist in Middle School ELA
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 into a powerful learning experience?
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Engaging Middle School ELA with Classroom Economics: A Fun Approach to Classroom Management
09/17/2024
Engaging Middle School ELA with Classroom Economics: A Fun Approach to Classroom Management
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 tips, job ideas, and ready-to-use handouts to kickstart your own classroom economy. Perfect for middle school educators looking to motivate and inspire their students!
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Mastering Text-Dependent Writing in Middle School ELA
09/03/2024
Mastering Text-Dependent Writing in Middle School ELA
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 think critically and connect reading and writing in meaningful ways. Tune in for practical tips, engaging discussions, and a fresh perspective on ELA education!
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Reading Signposts in Middle School ELA
08/20/2024
Reading Signposts in Middle School ELA
Join us in this episode as we delve into 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 explore each signpost—Contrasts and Contradictions, Aha Moment, Tough Questions, Words of the Wiser, Again and Again, and Memory Moment—explaining their purpose and how to implement them in the classroom. We'll share practical tips on introducing and modeling the signposts, guided practice, and encouraging independent practice. Hear how these strategies are boosting students' reading and analytical skills in our own classrooms through short stories and book clubs. Don't miss our free first nine weeks pacing guides for grades 6-8, available for download.
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First Chapter Fridays in Middle School ELA
08/06/2024
First Chapter Fridays in Middle School ELA
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!
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Classroom Management Tips for Middle School ELA Teachers
07/23/2024
Classroom Management Tips for Middle School ELA Teachers
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, and maintaining open communication. Enhancing Engagement: Strategies to keep students actively involved in their learning through varied instructional methods and the use of technology. Bell-to-Bell Instruction: How to maximize instructional time with clear objectives, prepared materials, and seamless transitions. Effective Transitions and Procedures: Setting clear expectations, using visual aids, and reinforcing positive behaviors to ensure a smooth and orderly classroom. Join us as we share practical advice and real-life examples to help you manage your classroom effectively. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, these insights will help you keep the main things the main things when it comes to classroom management.
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Amazon Finds for Your Middle School ELA Class
07/09/2024
Amazon Finds for Your Middle School ELA Class
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 success.
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Launch Your TpT Store: Essential Steps to Get Started and Succeed
06/25/2024
Launch Your TpT Store: Essential Steps to Get Started and Succeed
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 teachers looking to make a meaningful impact and boost their earnings. Subscribe now and start your TpT journey with confidence! Our store ~
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Where to Begin ~ Find your Ideas for Your TPT Store
06/18/2024
Where to Begin ~ Find your Ideas for Your TPT Store
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 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! Feel free to email us!
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Four Reasons To Start Selling on TPT With Your Best Friend
06/11/2024
Four Reasons To Start Selling on TPT With Your Best Friend
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 TpT sellers. We’re eager to share our experiences and insights with you, and maybe even inspire you to start your own TpT business with a friend. If you would like to see more content like this, please fill out this
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End-of-Year ELA Activities: Reader's Theater & Modern Fairy Tales
05/09/2024
End-of-Year ELA Activities: Reader's Theater & Modern Fairy Tales
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 fresh spin on storytelling. Don't miss out on this creative and enjoyable activity for wrapping up the school year!
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Making Test Prep Fun by Using Games in Middle School ELA Class
04/23/2024
Making Test Prep Fun by Using Games in Middle School ELA Class
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.
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Bringing Narrative Poetry to Life in the Middle School ELA Classroom
03/26/2024
Bringing Narrative Poetry to Life in the Middle School ELA Classroom
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 methods, from interactive historical discussions about highwaymen to dynamic sound effect readings of the poem that will captivate your students! Be sure to , and if you missed it, you can also grab the If you need a resource for the , and as mentioned, the resource for
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Fun Ways to Introduce Poetry to Your Middle School ELA Students
03/12/2024
Fun Ways to Introduce Poetry to Your Middle School ELA Students
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 annotate and explore poems like 'Oranges' by Gary Soto and 'Autobiography in Five Short Chapters' by Portia Nelson. Tune in for engaging activities that spark creativity and understanding in your poetry unit! Oh, and grab the
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Unlocking the Unexpected in 2024 with Fun ELA Lessons!
02/27/2024
Unlocking the Unexpected in 2024 with Fun ELA Lessons!
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 to Also, check out the TpT resource mentioned about the . Don't miss out – let the adventure begin!
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A Day in the Life of My ELA Class
01/30/2024
A Day in the Life of My ELA Class
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 you a glimpse into the dynamic life of an ELA teacher. Tune in for insights, anecdotes, and a snapshot of the middle school ELA experience!
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From Renting to Owning: Mastering Concepts Through Repetition in the Middle School ELA Classroom
11/15/2023
From Renting to Owning: Mastering Concepts Through Repetition in the Middle School ELA Classroom
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 review and practice to solidify concepts, challenging the common trend where students seem to forget what they've learned over short breaks.
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Let's Be Honest and Real About Teaching Middle School
10/31/2023
Let's Be Honest and Real About Teaching Middle School
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.
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Teaching Beyond the Ordinary: Using Twilight Zone Episodes in Middle School ELA
10/17/2023
Teaching Beyond the Ordinary: Using Twilight Zone Episodes in Middle School ELA
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 Common Core State Standards by integrating multimedia sources into the curriculum, enriching students' comprehension, and promoting critical thinking skills. Plus, we have some exciting news! If you want some resources with read to teach activities using some of our favorite "Twilight Zone" episodes, you can check out our
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Spooky Stories in the Middle School ELA Classroom for October
10/03/2023
Spooky Stories in the Middle School ELA Classroom for October
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.
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35. Seamless Transitions in the Middle School ELA Classroom
09/12/2023
35. Seamless Transitions in the Middle School ELA Classroom
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 an environment where transitions are not a source of chaos but an opportunity for learning. Tune in and transform your classroom transitions today!
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Where To Start When You Don't Know Where To Start with Writing Instruction
08/22/2023
Where To Start When You Don't Know Where To Start with Writing Instruction
Ever faced the challenge of having middle school students who struggle to construct even a single sentence? We have been there too. We will unravel practical strategies to turn sentence struggles into writing successes from day one. Discover how to teach the foundational skills often overlooked, whether your students are beginners or seasoned writers. Starting the year with sentence-writing activities is key! Worried about engagement? Rest assured, these strategies are tailored to middle schoolers' needs, fostering growth for every student. Need some mentor sentences to use for modeling? Check this resource out in our TpT store!
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33. All Systems a Go: Running an Effective ELA Classroom in the First Nine Weeks
08/08/2023
33. All Systems a Go: Running an Effective ELA Classroom in the First Nine Weeks
In our podcast "All Systems a Go,", you will discover proven strategies to run a successful ELA classroom in the first nine weeks of school. From grammar to vocabulary and writing, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on free pacing guides and engaging resources. Get ready to inspire young minds and elevate your teaching! Happy listening!
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32. A Roadmap for Middle School ELA First Nine Weeks
07/25/2023
32. A Roadmap for Middle School ELA First Nine Weeks
Welcome to "Two Middle School ELA Teachers!" In the first nine weeks, we lay the groundwork for essential skills like grammar, analysis, objective summaries, word choice, gist statements, and themes in stories. Through strategic bell ringers and proven methods, we empower students for academic success. Be sure to download our free for 7th grade and the too! We now have FREE first nine weeks pacing guides for grades 6-8! 8th grade ELA pacing guide 1st nine weeks
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What's at the Top of our 2023 Teacher Amazon Wish List?
07/11/2023
What's at the Top of our 2023 Teacher Amazon Wish List?
Join us on "Two Middle School ELA Teachers" as we share our top Amazon wishlist items for this upcoming school year! In this episode, we're not promoting specific brands or seeking any kickbacks. Instead, we focus on the items themselves and their potential to create a positive and engaging classroom environment. Tune in to discover practical and inspiring ideas that can make a difference in your own teaching journey.
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From Expectations to Efficiency: Essential Techniques for Classroom Management
06/27/2023
From Expectations to Efficiency: Essential Techniques for Classroom Management
In this episode of "Two Middle School ELA Teachers," we delve into the essential strategies for effective classroom management. We explore three key pillars that lay the foundation for a positive and productive learning environment: establishing expectations and routines, communication and preventing problems, and efficient classroom management. Whether you're a new or experienced educator, this episode will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you enhance your classroom management skills. Join us as we empower you to create a positive, engaged, and harmonious learning environment for your students. Tune in and master the three pillars of classroom management!
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29. What it Takes to Manage a Middle School ELA Classroom Part 1
06/13/2023
29. What it Takes to Manage a Middle School ELA Classroom Part 1
Welcome to the first episode of "What it Takes to Manage a Middle School ELA Classroom," a two-part series. In this episode, we dive into the ever-evolving challenges of today's classroom environment and provide insights based on 24 years of experience teaching middle school. In this episode, we offer practical tips, such as storytelling and intentional communication, to help teachers connect with their students on a deeper level. From writing personalized letters to offering individual and class-wide praise, these strategies foster a positive classroom climate and promote engagement. Join us as we explore the essential ingredients for managing a middle school ELA classroom and empowering both teachers and students to thrive. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own teaching journey.
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28. Maximizing Efficiency: End-of-Year Reflection and Preparation for Next Year
05/30/2023
28. Maximizing Efficiency: End-of-Year Reflection and Preparation for Next Year
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
05/16/2023
27. A Creative Response Activity Everyone Loves ~ One-Pagers in the Middle School ELA Classroom
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 offering guidance on best practices, this episode will equip you with the tools to implement one-pagers in your ELA classroom immediately!
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26. Middle School ELA Inquiry Based Project ~ Perfect for the End of the Year!
05/02/2023
26. Middle School ELA Inquiry Based Project ~ Perfect for the End of the Year!
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 classroom. We will tell you how to do it all yourself, but if you want to save some time, don't forget to check out our where you can find everything already done you to make this project work!
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