When Teaching Knocks You Down: What To Do on Days When You Feel Defeated

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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.

  • Step Away: Physically leave the classroom during your lunch or prep.

  • Find Your ‘Why’: Keep a “smile file” of student notes to read on bad days.

  • Set a Small Win: Pick one tiny task to complete to regain a sense of control.

  • Connect with a Peer: Talk to a mentor who understands the unique stress of teaching.

  • Leave Work at Work: Give yourself permission to not grade or lesson plan tonight.

This product in our store will help too!

Classroom Management Playbook ~ Middle School ELA

Classroom Management Playbook ~ Middle School ELA

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Stop Avoiding It: 5 Teacher Habits That Wreck Behavior Management in Your Middle School Classroom

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Let’s be honest: middle school behavior can be unpredictable, and some days it feels like you’re spending more time ‘policing’ than teaching. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by constant blurting or off-task behavior, you aren’t alone. However, implementing a consistent behavior management system doesn’t have to be complicated. Today, I’m sharing a ‘tried and true’ method that helps settle the chaos and creates a respectful, high-energy learning environment.” Today, 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 Classroom Management Playbook that you can check out in our TPT store.  This resource is also included in our ELA Core Club!

Ready to purchase all of the systems in the ELA Core Club and have coaching calls with us?  Click here! 

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 clicking the links below.

6th Grade Yearlong ELA Curriculum

7th grade Yearlong ELA Curriculum  

8th grade Yearlong ELA Curriculum

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The Flashlight Challenge Making Vocabulary Fun and Memorable in Your ELA Class

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If you want to transform your test prep, the Vocabulary Flashlight Challenge is the perfect way to make learning sticky and memorable for your ELA students.

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.

https://bit.ly/elaclubfreebie

Ready to purchase all of the systems in the ELA Core Club and have coaching calls with us?  Click here! 

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 clicking the links below.

6th Grade Yearlong ELA Curriculum

7th grade Yearlong ELA Curriculum

8th grade Yearlong ELA Curriculum

 

 

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From Bubblegum to Argument Writing A Fun Way to Teach the Writing Rubric in Middle School ELA

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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 to transition into the real writing rubric using student-friendly language

  • How to run a fishbowl scoring activity that helps students internalize rubric expectations

  • Why rubrics give students power—and how to make that message stick

Grab our free bubble gum rubric here! 

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ELA Mock Trial Resource: Fun Middle School Short Story Activity

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Why Use a Mock Trial in Middle School ELA?

In today’s episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, Shannon shares one of her all-time favorite classroom activities! This isn’t just fun and games; rather, it is powerful ELA instruction wrapped in courtroom drama.

If you want the complete mock trial resource for Rikki-tikki-tavi discussed in this episode, you can download it directly on TPT.

Grab Your Free ELA Resources

Furthermore, we have a free gift just for our listeners! You can now download a free sample of the ELA Core Club for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. This pack is filled with ready-to-use materials, including:

  • Daily Bell Ringers: Two weeks of Core Chomp and Standard Start exercises.

  • Grammar & Vocabulary: Unit 1 lessons for both subjects.

  • Expert Handouts: Free resources from our Best Practices and Mini Lesson folders.

How the ELA Core Club Helps You

This isn’t just a sneak peek. Instead, it is a full-on jumpstart to running your classroom with confidence and consistency. If you enjoy the sample, the full ELA Core Club is a one-time purchase that you can use for years.

Additionally, it includes:

  • Unlimited Email Support: Get help whenever you need it for a full year.

  • Personal Coaching: Two coaching calls with us to refine your teaching strategy.

Download this episode.