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! 

Download this episode.

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.

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

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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:

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Creating a Positive Classroom Climate for Middle Schoolers |

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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:

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Amazon Prime Day Teacher Picks: Tools and Fun Splurges

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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

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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

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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!