Middle School ELA Icebreakers – Fun Activities for the First Day of School

/in /by

Middle School ELA Icebreakers are the perfect way to start your school year with laughter, connection, and a strong classroom community. In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, we’re sharing our favorite activities to make your first day of school both fun and meaningful.

Why Use Middle School ELA Icebreakers?

The first day of school sets the tone for the months ahead. Middle School ELA Icebreakers help students feel welcome, encourage collaboration, and give you a chance to learn more about their personalities and strengths. These activities go beyond introductions—they help create a learning environment where students feel safe to share and take risks.

Top Middle School ELA Icebreaker Activities

  1. Team-Building Challenges – Have students work together to solve a puzzle, complete a scavenger hunt, or build the tallest paper tower. These challenges promote teamwork and communication.

  2. Creative Communication Games – Try “Two Truths and a Tale” or “Story Chain,” where each student adds a sentence to a collaborative story. These games spark creativity and laughter.

  3. Literary Connection Pairings – Partner students and have them find three books, authors, or genres they both enjoy. This encourages conversation and reveals shared interests.

Make Your First Day Memorable

When you use Middle School ELA Icebreakers, you’re doing more than filling time—you’re laying the foundation for a positive classroom culture. These activities foster trust, build relationships, and help students feel connected from day one.

Don’t miss our special back-to-school giveaway! And be sure to check out our newest resource, ELA Core Club, where you’ll find tools, activities, and inspiration for your ELA classroom. Use our discount code to save today!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Download this episode.

Creating a Positive Classroom Climate for Middle Schoolers |

/in /by

Want to start the year strong? The key is creating a positive classroom climate that helps your middle schoolers thrive. The key isn’t a fancy new behavior system or reward chart—it’s creating a positive classroom climate from day one.

In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers, Shanon and I dive into one of our favorite topics: how to build a classroom climate your students will love walking into—and one you’ll love teaching in.🎧 Listen now to hear our top tips—Download this episode.

he idea for this episode started when I saw a heartwarming post from TikTok teacher Misty Brock. Her birthday idea? Simple but powerful:

  • Post a blank calendar

  • Let students add their birthdays

  • Celebrate monthly with cupcakes and candles

It’s a small gesture that says, “You matter here.” We loved it so much, it inspired an entire episode on creating a classroom climate that celebrates, supports, and empowers students.

🎉 The Birthday Wall With a Twist

Here’s another spin on building community: the Birthday Wall With a Twist.

At the start of the year, have students decorate a notecard with:

  • Their name and birthday

  • One unusual fact about themselves

These cards serve as conversation starters all year! For birthdays, you can say:

“Happy Birthday to Jackson—our reptile expert who has three snakes at home!”

Turn it into trivia later:

“Who’s been to three countries?”
“Whose fun fact was meeting a celebrity?”

It’s connection without the overwhelm.

🧡 The “School Mom” Philosophy

Classroom climate starts with how you show up. I’m not my students’ friend, but I’m not their enemy either—I’m their school mom.

That means:

  • High expectations + high empathy

  • Not sweating the small stuff

  • Showing warmth, not weakness

  • Holding the line with love

Students respect you more when they trust you’re in their corner.

🛠 Why Creating a Positive Classroom Climate Is the Key to a Great Year

You don’t need fancy systems. Start with these:

  1. Greet Them at the Door
    A smile and a “Hey, how was the game?” go a long way.

  2. Anchor with a Routine
    A predictable warm-up like our Core Chomp gives students comfort and direction.

  3. Use Inside Jokes & Shared Language
    Create phrases and chants that feel uniquely your classroom.

  4. Give Personalized Praise
    Celebrate the quiet wins. Sticky notes, whispers, shoutouts—small touches that build belonging.

  5. Acknowledge Their World
    Know their snack, show, or sport. It makes them feel seen.

🧠 Mindset Shifts That Change Everything

  • Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer: Set the tone instead of reacting to chaos.

  • Don’t Take It Personally: Middle school moods aren’t about you.

  • Build Culture, Not Control: Focus on creating a space they want to behave in—not one they fear.

📣 Freebie + Giveaway

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

Download this episode.

Amazon Prime Day Teacher Picks: Tools and Fun Splurges

/in /by

Amazon Prime Day Teacher Picks Are Here!
We’re sharing our top Amazon Prime Day teacher picks—the classroom tools, organizational lifesavers, and fun teacher splurges that make teaching smoother and more enjoyable. These are the exact items we use (and love!) in our middle school ELA classrooms to stay organized, focused, and ready to teach all year long.

🎧 Check out the full episode below and scroll down for links, tips, and your giveaway entry!

Top Amazon Prime Day Picks for Teachers

Here’s what’s in our cart—and on our desks:

  • Color-Coded Folders: Help students (and you!) stay organized by class or subject.

  • Dry Erase Pockets: Great for grammar games, stations, and no-waste reviews.

  • Classroom Pencil Dispenser: Yes, one that actually works—and kids love it.

  • Countertop Ice Maker: Stay hydrated in style—especially during long teaching days.

  • Rolling Storage Cart: A mobile command center for your lesson materials.

  • Bluetooth Timer: Manage transitions without raising your voice.

  • Sticky Notes in Bulk: We go through these like crazy—annotating, reminders, exit slips.

  • Desk Chair Cushion: Because let’s face it, your teacher chair deserves an upgrade.  Prime Day isn’t just about snagging deals—it’s about making your school year smoother, calmer, and a little more joyful. Whether you’re organizing your classroom or treating yourself to something fun, Amazon Prime Day teacher picks help you start the year strong.

Download a free week of ELA Core Club plans and you’ll be automatically entered to win a full-grade Core Club membership (6th, 7th, or 8th). One-time purchase. Lifetime access. Lifetime calm.

Links from the Episode:

  • 🛒  Browse our full list of tried-and-true favorites.   Our Amazon Prime Day Wish List

     

  • Use code ELAINSIDERS for 25% off the Core Club through Sept 8!

Take what helps, skip what doesn’t, and treat yourself to something that makes teaching a little easier. You deserve it!

 

Download this episode.

ELA Teacher Planning Systems: 3 Must-Haves

/in /by

Hey teacher friend — whether you’re poolside or couch-side, we know your brain is already soft-launching into next year’s prep. You’re already thinking about your ELA teacher planning systems, and we’ve got you covered.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the three essential systems every middle school ELA teacher needs before school starts. These are the systems that save time, reduce stress, and actually work — all year long.

We’re talking:
✔️ A reusable Best Practices Folder
✔️ Bell ringers that build routines and spiral standards
✔️ Systems for vocab, grammar, writing, and more

You’ll also get access to everything we mention — and extra resources — inside the ELA Core Club. Plus, we’ll show you how to start with our free First Week ELA Launch Kit!

Why These Systems Matter

When your classroom runs on strong systems, everything runs smoother. These aren’t just tips. These are proven routines that help ELA teachers take control of their year.

Need a daily routine for bell ringers? A consistent approach to teaching grammar? Systems that make writing instruction stick? We’ve got you. The ELA Core Club gives you tools, templates, and ready-to-go lessons.

Don’t wait for mid-year burnout. Set up your ELA teacher planning systems now. Start the year with calm, not chaos.

Want to see how it works?
Download your free First Week ELA Launch Kit, packed with editable tools, sample routines, and lesson plans. You’ll automatically be entered to win the full ELA Core Club for your grade level!

Grab your free week of lesson plans here!

When you download, you’ll automatically be entered to win the full ELA Core Club for your grade level!

Let’s make this your smoothest school year yet — systems first, stress-free planning second.

Download this episode.

Two Middle School End-of-Year ELA Activities Your Students Will Actually Enjoy

/in /by

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36541950/height/100/width//thumbnail/no/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/3907446/custom-color/87A93A” height=”100″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen

Middle School ELA End-of-the-Year Activity: The Year in Review Skit Challenge (With a Literary Twist!)

If you’re searching for the perfect middle school ELA end-of-the-year activity that keeps students learning, engaged, and entertained, this one is a must-try! As the countdown to summer begins and classroom energy hits peak chaos, it can feel nearly impossible to hold students’ attention while still doing something meaningful.

That’s exactly why I love the Year in Review Skit Challenge. It’s fun, creative, and doubles as a review of the literature you’ve covered all year—without feeling like more work for you or your students.

🎭 What Is the Year in Review Skit Challenge?

This is a fun and educational ELA activity for the end of the school year that allows students to revisit the books, short stories, and texts they’ve read during the year—but in a way that feels fresh, collaborative, and downright hilarious.

Here’s how it works:

  • Divide your students into small groups (3–5 works great).
  • Each group creates a short skit that brings together characters from different stories you’ve read during the year.
  • Students are encouraged to add modern updates, humor, and creative mashups to make their skit stand out.
  • End the activity with a fun “awards show” featuring categories like:
  • Best Comedy
  • Most Dramatic Performance
  • Best Character Impressions

This activity checks so many boxes: it’s a performance task, a literature review, a group project, and a memory-maker all in one.

📝 Free Printable for Easy Implementation

I’ve made this super simple for you by creating a free, ready-to-print student handout that walks your students through the entire skit-planning process. From choosing characters and writing their script to preparing for performance day, this guide keeps everyone on track (and keeps you from answering 500 questions!).

👉Click here to download the freebie!

💡 Need Skit Ideas to Jumpstart Student Creativity?

Here are a few skit ideas for middle school ELA students that your class will love:

  • Literary Therapy Session
  •  Characters from different texts meet in a group therapy session to talk about their plot trauma. (Yes, someone always brings up surviving a dystopian society.)
  • Reality TV Crossover
  •  Think Survivor, The Bachelor, or The Amazing Race—but starring characters from your class novels. Who allies? Who sabotages? Who cries on camera?
  • Middle School Assembly Gone Wrong
  •  Literary characters are invited to speak at a school assembly… but let’s just say it does not go as planned. (Bonus: sneak in some public speaking standards!)

🧠 Why It’s the Perfect End-of-Year ELA Activity

This end-of-year ELA review activity hits academic goals while keeping the tone light and fun. Students revisit character traits, plot, theme, and conflict—but instead of another test or worksheet, they’re up on their feet, collaborating, and thinking outside the box.

Whether you’re reviewing core novels, short stories, or even nonfiction, this activity is flexible and adaptable to any middle school ELA curriculum.

✅ Looking for More Time-Saving Teaching Tools?

Here’s the truth: this idea—and so many others I’ve used this year—came from a tool that has transformed the way I plan lessons: ChatGPT.

If you’ve never used it, or you’ve tried but feel stuck, I’ve created a practical and quick-reward course just for ELA teachers called ChatGPT for Teachers. In it, I show you exactly how to use ChatGPT to:

  • Save tons of planning time
  • Generate creative activities
  • Write better prompts
  • Lighten your teacher workload without sacrificing quality

No tech skills required. Just actionable, time-saving strategies made for real classrooms.

👉 Here is the link if you want to check it out.

🎬 Ready to End the Year on a High Note?

The Year in Review Skit Challenge is the perfect way to wrap up your middle school ELA year with creativity, laughter, and a little literary magic. Whether your students are acting out a character mashup or turning a novel into a reality TV show, they’ll be reviewing important content while making lasting memories.

Try it out—and don’t forget to grab your free handout to make it easy!

Amazon Finds for Your Middle School ELA Class

/in /by

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 happiness and 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.

Amazon List One

Amazon List Two

Download this episode.

2024 Cicadas ELA Activity and Fun Solar Eclipse ELA Lessons!

/in , /by

Solar Eclipse 2024 ELA Activities and 2024 Cicadas ELA Activity

      In the upcoming months, two remarkable events are set to unfold across the United States, providing educators with a golden opportunity to infuse their classrooms with unforgettable and truly once-in-a-long-time activities. One of those is the complete solar eclipse that will be occurring this April in 2024 and the other is…the cicadas are coming! We have the perfect 2024 cicadas ELA activity as well as some engaging and fun lessons for the 2024 solar eclipse that you can use in your ELA classrooms!

Cicadas Haiku Writing Activity

     Let’s kick things off with a buzz, literally! We’ve got the much-anticipated arrival of cicadas in several states this year. Now, how can we turn this natural phenomenon into a captivating learning experience for our students?  Well, we have the perfect 2024 cicada ELA activity, writing cicada haiku!  Before you do that, you may want to do a little research project with your students. 

     You know middle schoolers are at the age where they don’t know what it’s like to experience these bug reunions.  They were either toddlers or unborn the last time they arrived.  You can start by introducing them to these bugs.  I did this in my own class, and many of my students had never even heard of a cicada. 

 Mini Research Project on Cicadas    

     Once I generated my students’ interest and told them my own stories of experiencing them, I assigned them a mini research project.  I had them create a top-ten facts about cicadas slideshow.  Some used Canva and others used Google Slides, but they really got into this.  They embedded links to YouTube videos and added lots of pictures and facts.  Of course, I let them present their presentations to the class, and we had great discussions about what information was credible and what may not have been.  We all learned a great deal about the broods that will be visiting us soon.  It was wonderful. 

     Once the cicadas emerge here, I plan to bring a few into the classroom for inspiration as we write cicada haiku!  We may even go outside to write the poems.  I have developed brainstorming pages and sample poems to show my students along with directions for writing these poems.  You can grab this free 2024 Cicadas Activity Haiku  pdf here.   

2024 Solar Eclipse Middle School ELA Activities

     It’s interesting that in the same year of 2024, there is another major event on the horizon.  A total solar eclipse is coming in April. We are in SC, and we had a total solar eclipse here in 2017.  You may have been a part of that.  It was amazing!  I don’t think we will get in on this one completely, but I will still use parts of the activities that I did with my ELA students back then.   Creating a black out poem is fun and goes perfectly with this event!  We’ve put together an incredible resource to make this specific 2024 solar eclipse event a memorable learning experience for your students.  It has the black out poem directions as well as an informational text about solar eclipses, a fun analysis activity with the classic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ song, acrostic poem, haiku, and more. It’s a comprehensive package to explore the wonders of a solar eclipse through various ELA activities.  You can find this resource on our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

     We hope these upcoming events add an extra layer of excitement to your ELA classrooms. Don’t forget to check out our free cicadas haiku writing activity!

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 grab the FREEBIE mentioned in this episode here!  Also, check out the TpT resource mentioned about the total eclipse of 2024 here.  Don’t miss out – let the adventure begin!

Download this episode.

Laying the ELA Foundation: Essential Skills for Middle School Students

/in /by

In this post, we will discuss how to lay the groundwork for essential skills during the first nine weeks of school. Our aim is to empower students with lifelong tools that extend beyond the academic year.

In the initial nine weeks, we focus on fundamental skills such as basic grammar concepts, distinguishing summaries from analysis, and brainstorming strategies for literary analysis prompts.

Building a Strong Foundation: Grammar and Analysis

We use daily bell ringers like Core Chomp and Daily Grammar Minutes to ensure students grasp grammar concepts thoroughly. Repetitiveness is key, just like in math, where early concepts support later learning.

Empowering Students with Analytical Skills

We guide students to analyze literature and uncover deeper meanings. We teach them our UAQ strategy—Underline, Analysis, and Questions—to dissect literary analysis prompts effectively.

Crafting Objective Summaries

Objective summaries are crucial for academic success. We teach students a formula to create concise and unbiased summaries, a skill they’ll use across subjects.

The Power of Word Choice

We emphasize word choice through narrative writing, improving vocabulary, and selecting appropriate words to convey ideas effectively.

Gist Statements for Close Reading

Throughout the first nine weeks, we train students to extract main ideas and key details using gist statements, boosting their reading comprehension abilities.

Understanding Themes in Stories

We explore how themes develop in narratives, helping students appreciate storytelling complexities and the messages conveyed by authors.

Versatile Skills for Diverse Genres

While fiction takes center stage during these weeks, the skills we teach, such as the UAQ strategy and objective summaries, apply to nonfiction texts too.

A Cohesive Learning Experience

By strategically incorporating these elements, we create an enriching learning experience for students that lasts a lifetime.

Access Our Detailed Pacing Guides

We provide a free pacing guide for the first two nine weeks, detailing daily activities and texts. It’s perfect for new middle school ELA teachers or anyone interested in our approach.

In conclusion, laying the ELA foundation in the first nine weeks equips students with vital skills for their academic journey. These versatile tools empower them to succeed not only during the school year but throughout their lives.

To access our pacing guide and learn more about our strategies, check the links in our show notes.

From Expectations to Efficiency: Essential Techniques for Classroom Management

/in /by

Classroom Management Middle School ELA Teachers

In this blog post, we will dive into effective classroom management strategies specifically designed for middle school ELA teachers. Classroom management plays a crucial role in creating a positive learning environment and unlocking success for both teachers and students. Join us as we explore three key categories: establishing expectations and routines, communication and preventing problems, and efficient classroom management.

Establishing Expectations and Routines

First of all, hen it comes to classroom management for middle school ELA teachers, establishing clear expectations and routines is paramount. One highly effective technique is implementing bell work. As middle schoolers thrive on structure and routine, providing them with engaging bell work activities sets the tone for the class right from the beginning, ensuring active student engagement. At our school, we utilize Core Chomp and Daily Grammar Minutes as our bell work options, both available in our TPT store.

Alongside bell work, it is essential to have explicit and straightforward rules that students can easily comprehend. In our classroom, we have two rules: “Respect yourself and others” and “Stay on task.” By differentiating between procedures and rules, we maintain consistency in our expectations. Remember, explaining the reasons behind these expectations, such as the importance of quiet during reading or the need for focused attention during instruction, promotes understanding and compliance among students. Be clear in your explanations, leaving no room for confusion or excuses.

Communication and Preventing Problems for Classroom Management

Next, Building strong relationships with parents and guardians is a critical aspect of classroom management for middle school ELA teachers. Establishing open lines of communication early on, through newsletters, emails, or a class website, keeps parents informed about classroom activities and assignments. Additionally, making regular positive phone calls or text messages to share good news can go a long way in fostering a partnership between home and school. Utilizing tools like Google Voice for text communication can be greatly appreciated by parents.

Addressing challenging students requires a personalized approach. Understanding their individual needs and interests allows us to identify potential challenges and proactively address them. Building relationships and providing one-on-one support to struggling students or those causing disruptions can make a significant difference. Find the strengths in these students and collaborate with them to develop solutions together. However, it is essential to hold students accountable for their actions. Consistency in following through with consequences while continuing to show love and support is crucial.

Efficient Classroom Management Strategies

Finally, smooth transitions are vital for maintaining an organized and productive learning environment in middle school classrooms. By planning and preparing for transitions in advance, such as having materials ready and utilizing technology, you can make these transitions seamless. Implementing organizational strategies, like color-coding folders, having designated places for materials, and keeping supplies easily accessible, contributes to an organized classroom. Using tools like Google Forms for documentation and popsicle sticks for various purposes adds efficiency and structure to your classroom management.

In conclusion

Effective classroom management for middle school ELA teachers is a key factor in creating a positive learning environment and unlocking success. By implementing strategies such as establishing expectations and routines, maintaining open communication, and ensuring smooth transitions, you can set the stage for a successful classroom experience. Remember, classroom management is an ongoing process, and each new school year presents an opportunity to make connections and positively impact your students. Embrace the power of effective classroom management and watch your students thrive.

 

This is a part two of a mini series.  Click here for the first blog if you missed it!

 

Click here to see our bell ringers we mention in this podcast!

Download this episode.

One-Pager Assignment in ELA

/in /by

What is a One-Pager Assignment in ELA?

A one-pager assignment in ELA is a creative and versatile tool that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of a text through a single, visually appealing page. They encourage critical thinking, creativity, and provide an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic abilities. Plus, they’re a great alternative to traditional essays or written assignments.

One-pagers can be assigned any time of the year, but they are definitely a valuable end-of-the-year activity for fictional texts. They can be a  platform for students to reflect on their learning journey throughout the year. At this point in the year, students know about plot, characters, theme, setting, foreshadowing, flashback, figurative language… all of those terms we’ve spent all year talking about.  A one-pager assignment will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of these terms as well as their growth as readers, writers, and thinkers in a creative and visual way. And one-pagers can also be a lot of fun for students because they get to showcase their individuality and artistic skills while still engaging with the text.

How Are One-Pager Assignments in ELA Done?

Now, let’s move on to some examples of how one-pager assignments in ELA can be done. There are some different approaches that you can take. 

The Classic Approach

Let’s start with the classic approach. A one-pager assignment in ELA can begin with a central image or symbol that represents the core theme or idea of the text. For example, if students were studying a poem about nature, they could create a vibrant, hand-drawn forest as the centerpiece of their one-pager. Then, they could incorporate quotes, key phrases, or lines from the poem around the image, emphasizing their interpretation and analysis.  You can have them write the theme somewhere on the page and put a shape around it.  They can analyze a character and include text evidence somewhere on the page.  They can draw pictures to illustrate the theme.   This is the style that I usually use, and I give my students a list of what I want them to include.  My 8th graders recently did one for Juliet’s soliloquy in I think it’s Act 4 of Romeo and Juliet.  I gave them a list of what I wanted them to include.  They had to find at least two literary devices and label them.  They had to write a summary of the soliloquy. I had them choose words that stood out and create a border with those words.  And I give them the freedom to design the page however they wanted.  They put shapes around what they wrote.  They included color and pictures.  They had to fill up the page and make it visually appealing. 

The Graphic Organizer Approach

Another approach for completing a one-pager assignment in ELA is the mind map or graphic organizer style one-pager. In this case, students can create a central image or word that represents the main character or concept in the text. From there, they can branch out, using arrows or lines, and add key elements like character traits, significant events, or symbols related to the story or poem. This approach encourages students to think deeply about the connections within the text and how they contribute to its overall meaning.  They can add their own shapes around text and colors and images somewhere on this as well. 

The collage-Style Approach

One approach that allows for even more artistic expression is the collage-style one-pager. Students can use a mix of magazine cutouts, printed images, drawings, and even their own photographs to create a visually rich representation of the text. They can layer these elements, incorporating text snippets, quotes, and reflections alongside the visuals. This approach is really good for engaging students who have a knack for design.

Why Assign A One-Pager Assignment in ELA?

One-pager assignments in ELA are quick, and they provide students with a variety of ways to express their understanding and creativity. They have a lot more fun with these than they do with essays, and if your students are anything like mine, they’re pretty checked out at the end of the year, so being able to express their analysis of a text in this way just seems to work.  

Tips for Implementing One-pager Assignments in ELA Effectively

I think it’s very important to provide clear guidelines and expectations. Give them specific instructions on what elements to include, such as key quotes, symbols, or themes, depending on the focus of the assignment.  However, while you want to give guidelines, it’s important to give students some flexibility in their one-pagers. Encourage them to be creative and explore different techniques that match their individual strengths and interests. I have found that some students prefer digital tools to create their one-pagers, using software like Canva or Google Slides, while others may prefer traditional pen and paper.  And I do find that students will be more motivated and engaged when they have the freedom to express themselves in ways that they enjoy and feel comfortable with.

It is also a good idea to provide students with examples of high-quality one-pagers. Show them exemplars from previous students or even create your own as a model. If you google one-pagers, you can find some really good examples.  This will help them understand the expectations and inspire them with ideas for their own creations.

Finally,  it’s important to provide students with an opportunity to share and discuss their one-pagers with their peers. This can be done through gallery walks or presentations. 

So I hope you  now have a clear understanding of how to incorporate a creative one-pager assignment in ELA for poems and short stories into your end-of-the-year curriculum.  And remember, this can be done throughout the year, so keep that in mind as you start thinking about next year. 

Download this episode.