If you are tired of the same old 8th grade essay prompts then it’s likely your students will be too. Breathe some life into your writing practice with these creative ELA writing prompts that will have your 8th graders charting, analyzing, designing, moving, and more! Cheryl Rizzo, a savvy middle school ELA teacher in New York City, joins us today to share 5 essay prompts for 8th ... Read More about 5 Creative 8th Grade Essay Prompts
Independent Reading Research: Promoting Audiobooks and eBooks
Most English teachers and librarians believe in the adage: “There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.” –Frank Serafini. However, I would like to add on to this theory with: If someone doesn't like to read, they haven't found the right book OR the right medium yet. There is some compelling independent reading research on why you ... Read More about Independent Reading Research: Promoting Audiobooks and eBooks
Meaningful and Fun Activities for Teaching The Crucible
From its complex language to double meaning, teaching The Crucible may seem like a challenge, but from my experience, it usually ends up being students' favorite play! Not only do they get super into the history of the Salem Witch Trials, but they also come to realize just how relevant the themes like groupthink, public shaming, and paranoia are today. In this timeless tale of hysteria and ... Read More about Meaningful and Fun Activities for Teaching The Crucible
Middle and High School ELA Test Prep All Year Long
I’ll never forget the tension in the room the day our entire English department got called into the conference room. We were in trouble. Or rather, our scores were in trouble. But as all educators know, it’s often difficult to separate yourself from the numbers on a page when the stakes are high. While I won’t pretend I was open to their strongly worded suggestions at the time, in hindsight, it ... Read More about Middle and High School ELA Test Prep All Year Long
Light Academia Middle School ELA Classroom Decor
There’s just something special about setting up a classroom for the new school year. A clean, organized, and welcoming space gives us warm feelings of optimism for what the new year will bring. I love this feeling so much that I volunteer to set up one local classroom each July. This year I went with a Light Academia classroom theme for a middle school ELA classroom in my area. After ... Read More about Light Academia Middle School ELA Classroom Decor
Literary Wanderlust: Bookish things to do in Savannah, Georgia
We honeymooned in Savannah, Georgia, so we’re biased, but we think it’s one of the most romantic cities in the world. With Spanish moss dripping from the live oaks and the amber glow of old fashioned street lights, it’s difficult not to be swooned by Savannah. Book lovers will also be enamored with what many believe to be the prettiest city in America. With twenty-two public squares in ... Read More about Literary Wanderlust: Bookish things to do in Savannah, Georgia
