Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome is a book that we love to teach to our middle school classes. It takes place right after World War II during the Great Migration as Langston and his father move from rural Alabama to the bustling city of Chicago after Langston’s mother passes away. It is a heartfelt story about a boy’s love of his family, books, and poetry.
Read MorePublic education has long been a cornerstone of American democracy, a system designed to give every child a chance, regardless of their zip code. But that cornerstone is cracking under the weight of deliberate policy decisions. Federal funding for public schools has been slashed, leaving schools in underserved areas struggling to meet even basic needs. Programs that support special education, school lunches, and after-school enrichment have been gutted.
Read MoreAre you looking to transform your classroom into a vibrant, engaging, and productive environment? Gamification might be your key. By incorporating game elements into your teaching strategies, you can make learning fun and more effective. Here are some practical tips to help you get started.
Read MoreA well-organized classroom is essential for creating a productive and engaging learning environment. Efficient organization helps reduce clutter, minimizes distractions, and maximizes teaching time. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or new to the profession, these classroom organization hacks will help you create a structured and inviting space for your students.
Read MoreVelocity of Being: Letters to Young Readers is one of the most beautiful books we have ever read, inside and out, and we highly recommend it to every language arts, English, and reading teacher out there.
Read MoreCreating a welcoming and stimulating classroom environment is essential for fostering student engagement and learning. However, the difference between a government-funded classroom and a teacher-funded classroom can be stark. Often, even in well-funded schools, the budget for classroom decor and supplies comes out of the teacher's own pocket. Despite these challenges, with a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can transform your classroom into a vibrant and inviting space that fosters learning and engagement. Here are some budget-friendly tips and ideas to help you create an inviting classroom environment.
Read MoreThis unit of study includes a presentation (Keynote, Powerpoint, and PDF formats) that contains the basic elements of any good lesson: an anticipatory set, direct instruction, guided practice, and a reflection.
Read MoreI do it. (Teacher modeling)
We do it. (Teacher with class and small groups)
You do it. (Independent practice)
All lessons that teachers design should have this gradual release of responsibility. True learning happens with the help of others and is always intentional.
Read MoreWe sell our argument research text sets in our Teachers Pay Teachers store. We have seven engaging arguments topics for middle school students. We have also bundled them all together at a nice discount, too. In addition, we sell our argument writing presentation in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Google Classroom has revolutionized the way teachers manage their classrooms, making it easier than ever to distribute assignments, communicate with students, and keep everything organized. However, to truly leverage its full potential, it’s essential to understand the best practices and tips for using Google Classroom efficiently. Here’s a guide to help you maximize your productivity and enhance your teaching experience.
Read MoreA back-to-back unit of study that we love to teach with our students is a unit that focuses on literary response and analysis for theme and symbolism. First, we read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry which is a classic story that reflects upon childhood, imagination and the inevitability of growing up. Perfect for middle school students!
Read MoreIn the fast-paced digital age, integrating technology into the classroom has become essential for enhancing student engagement, fostering collaboration, and streamlining administrative tasks. As teachers, we are constantly seeking innovative tools to enrich our teaching and improve learning outcomes. Here’s a comprehensive list of must-have tech tools that can transform your classroom into a modern, interactive learning environment.
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