Interactive Notebooks are making a comeback in classrooms. For years, classrooms moved toward more technology, more digital assignments, and more screen-based learning. Now, many teachers are looking for ways to bring students back to paper, pencils, and hands-on learning. Interactive notebooks offer a way to make that shift without sacrificing the engagement and organization that teachers loved about digital tools. Going back to paper doesn’t have to mean going back to boring worksheets, endless note-taking, or students copying information from the board.

This is where interactive notebooks can make a difference.

What are Interactive Notebooks?

Interactive notebooks give students a dedicated space to record what they’re learning, interact with new concepts, practice important skills, and create a resource they can return to throughout the school year. Instead of completing an activity and immediately forgetting about it, students build a personalized collection of learning that grows right along with them.

They can write, sketch, annotate, organize ideas, and practice. Most importantly, they can actively engage with what they are learning without needing another screen in front of them.

For teachers who are looking to incorporate more paper-based learning into their classrooms, interactive notebooks can offer the best of both worlds: the organization and engagement we want for students, combined with the simplicity of a notebook and a pencil.

This is a nice addition to the classroom, and it does not mean you have to abandon all tech. It’s just a great way to balance the classroom.

Why Do Interactive Notebooks Work Well in the Classroom?

1.They reduce passive screen time. Students physically write, annotate, sketch, and interact with concepts.

2. They create a year-long reference tool. Students can flip back to plot, conflict, characterization, theme, tone, mood, and literary devices whenever they need them.

3.They make note-taking more purposeful. Your Learn It → Write It → See It → Visualize It → Try It → Remember It system is perfect here.

4. They support active learning. Students aren’t simply copying definitions. They’re applying the skill, analyzing examples, and using text evidence.

5. They work with any text. This is a major selling point for your resource. Teachers can teach the concept once and then return to the notebook while reading short stories, novels, or independent reading books.

6. They provide a break from technology without feeling old-fashioned. The doodles, interactive elements, quick practice, and visual organization make paper engaging.

7. They help students build independence. Instead of asking, “What’s dramatic irony again?” students know exactly where to find it.

Benefits to Using These Notebooks in Your Classroom

1. Writing by hand encourages deeper processing.

One of the most well-known findings in educational research is that handwriting encourages students to process information rather than simply copy it.

Researchers Mueller and Oppenheimer found that students taking handwritten notes tended to process ideas more deeply because they summarized and rephrased information rather than transcribing it word for word. This led to stronger conceptual understanding in many learning situations.

How this relates to interactive notebooks:

Interactive notebooks require students to:

• summarize
• paraphrase
• organize ideas
• write explanations

rather than simply filling in blanks on a computer.

2. Interactive notebooks promote active learning.

Students aren’t passive recipients of information. They are constantly:

• drawing
• writing
• highlighting
• categorizing
• connecting ideas
• reflecting

Educational organizations note that interactive notebooks help students classify, synthesize, and reflect on learning instead of using traditional linear note-taking.

3. They encourage generative note-taking.

Good interactive notebooks don’t ask students to copy. They ask students to:

• explain
• connect
• predict
• infer
• apply

Generative note-taking, where students reorganize and interpret information, has consistently been associated with stronger learning than verbatim copying.

Why I’m Bringing Interactive Notebooks Back

After teaching middle school ELA for more than two decades, I’ve learned that students don’t need more worksheets. They don’t need more random activities, and certainly don’t need to spend half the class cutting and gluing tiny pieces of paper. They need a learning system.

That’s exactly why I decided to create a new collection of interactive notebooks. I wanted something that would bring students back to paper without bringing back the busywork that often gave interactive notebooks a bad reputation.

Instead of spending twenty minutes cutting out foldables, students spend that time thinking.

Instead of creating pages that are used once and forgotten, students build a notebook they return to all year long.

Every page is designed to teach a skill, provide guided practice, and then help students immediately apply what they’ve learned to authentic reading. The result is a notebook that becomes less of a craft project and more of a learning tool.

My Six-Step Learning Process

Every notebook page follows the same six-step process. Once students learn the routine, they know exactly what to expect each time they open their notebooks.

Learn It

Students begin with an essential question, academic vocabulary, and a simple explanation of the skill they’ll be learning. Before students can analyze literature, they need a clear understanding of the concept.

Write It

Students complete guided notes that focus on the most important information.The notes are concise, purposeful, and designed to eliminate unnecessary copying while still encouraging students to process new learning.

See It

Before students work independently, they examine a teacher-model example. Seeing the thinking process modeled builds confidence and gives students a clear picture of what success looks like.

Visualize It

Students create a simple sketch, symbol, or doodle that represents the concept. Research suggests that combining words with visuals can strengthen memory by giving students multiple ways to recall information.

Try It

Students immediately practice the new skill using a short passage or example. Learning doesn’t stop with definitions. Students begin applying the concept while it’s still fresh.

Apply It to Your Reading

This is the piece I believe is often missing from traditional interactive notebooks. Each lesson includes a companion page that students can use with any novel, short story, article, or independent reading book.Instead of practicing the skill one time and moving on, students continue applying it throughout the year.

Whether they’re identifying characterization in The Outsiders, analyzing conflict in Thank You, Ma’am, or collecting evidence for theme in their independent reading book, students return to the same notebook strategy again and again. That’s where real learning happens.

You Can These Worksheets Too…

I added all of these Literary Devices Worksheets to my store, as I had SO many requests, and you can have them too! Click any of the images below, and it will bring you to the product.

Technology will always have a place in our classrooms, and I still believe it can be a powerful too. Some learning experiences are simply better on paper. It we want students to think deeply, interact with text, and create lasting reference tools they actually use, interactive notebooks may be exactly what our classroom need right now.

If you have any questions about my Interactive Notebooks, just send me an email at kim@englishohmy.com.

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Are you looking for the best way to start your ELA school year with excitement, engagement, and ease? These 5 first week activities for middle school will help you build classroom community, boost student participation, and introduce essential reading and writing skills right away.

Skip the boring syllabus-only week and start strong with these creative and purposeful activities your middle school students will love.

Day 1: Solve the Mystery of Your New Teacher

Make your first day unforgettable with The Mystery of Your New Teacher activity. Instead of the usual “About Me” presentation, let your students become detectives! They’ll use clues from a case file to infer fun facts about you, like your favorite snack, hobbies, or even a surprising talent.

This activity encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and makes the first day of school fun and interactive. It’s the perfect way to break the ice and get students curious and talking. It also breaks the normal routine of the first day syllabus and expectations.

Why it works:

• Builds relationships
• Encourages inferencing
• Engages students from the start

Day 2: Create Back-to-School One-Pagers

One-pagers are a creative and low-pressure way to get to know your students during the first week. With this Back to School One-Pager activity, students answer fun prompts and visually express their personalities, interests, and goals.

Ask students to include:

• A favorite book or genre
• A quote that inspires them
• Goals for ELA this year
• A drawing that represents them

These are perfect for classroom displays and give you quick insights into your students’ identities and learning styles.

Why it works:

• Combines creativity with self-expression
• Easy to display for classroom community and Back to School Night
• Great insight for differentiated instruction

Day 3: Back to School Growth Mindset Stations

Help students start the year with confidence and purpose through Growth Mindset ELA Stations. These stations reinforce the idea that effort and persistence matter more than perfection—an essential message for middle schoolers.

Each station focuses on a different skill or mindset, such as:

• Setting academic goals
• Reflecting on past challenges
• Sorting growth vs. fixed mindset statements
• Creating motivational bookmarks or affirmations

Why it works:

• Establishes a positive classroom culture
• Builds independence and responsibility
• Promotes student self-awareness

Day 4: Solve the Back-to-School ELA Mystery: Who Kidnapped the Principal?

Bring in some academic fun with this exciting Back to School ELA Mystery: Who Kidnapped the Principal? Students will read passages, identify figurative language, analyze motives, and use text evidence to eliminate suspects.

It’s more than a mystery; it’s a standards-based review in disguise!

Why it works:

• Engages students in ELA skills right away
• Encourages close reading and inference
• Turns learning into an adventure

Day 5: Complete a Student Interest and Learning Survey

Wrap up the week with a valuable tool for relationship building and differentiation: the Student Interest and Learning Survey. This survey asks students about their reading preferences, writing strengths, class goals, and more.

Example questions to include:

• What’s a book or story you loved (or hated)?
• Do you prefer group work, independent work, or a mix?
• What’s something a teacher has done that helped you learn better?

Why it works:

• Helps you understand how students learn best
• Builds student-teacher trust
• Guides instruction for the rest of the year

Other Back to School Blog Posts You May Like…

Back-to-School Activities for Middle School

Decorating the Middle School Classroom

Classroom Management in Middle School

These first week ELA activities for middle school help create a welcoming, engaging, and purposeful start to your year. From building classroom community to introducing academic routines, every day of the first week sets the stage for success.

Each activity is designed to be:

• No-prep or low-prep
• Print-and-go or digital
• Meaningful and standards-aligned

Ready to start your year with confidence and connection? Try these first week ELA activities in your middle school classroom—you won’t be disappointed!

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Let’s be honest: by the time May or June rolls around, the classroom vibe is… interesting. Right about now, you’re looking for exciting end-of-year activities to keep your students engaged. Students are half-packed for summer, your to-do list could wrap around the school, and the energy? Let’s just say it’s somewhere between chaotic and caffeine-fueled. Here’s the good news: you can keep students engaged, learning, and (dare we say) smiling with some creative, end-of-year ELA activities.

ELA Activities for the End of the Year

1.The Last Line Writing Challenge

Give students the final line of a story, and let them build the rest. Whether it’s mysterious (“And then, everything went dark”) or sentimental (“She finally understood what home meant”), this activity lets students flex their creative writing muscles while sneaking in plot structure and figurative language. Bonus: display their stories in a “Gallery of Goodbyes” wall.

2. Book Tastings: Summer Edition

Transform your room into a café, beach shack, or even a Camp Read-a-Lot. Set up stations with popular middle grade or YA books and let students “taste” the first few pages. Have them rate the books and create a summer reading wishlist. This is a great way to build buy-in for summer reading without assigning a novel. The best part? Your students now have the book they need to read over the summer (A two-for-one deal)!

3. ELA Mystery Games

Students love to solve riddles, decode clues, and read between the lines to crack a classroom mystery. Whether it’s “Who Stole the Plant Truck?” or “Who Stole the Basketball Uniforms?”, these games reinforce key reading skills like inference, theme, and main idea, reading comprehension, grammar, literary terms, and feel like play.

4. Literary Lip Sync Battle

Assign students a favorite character or author and let them lip sync or dramatically perform a monologue, poem, or key scene. This is perfect for theater-loving students and helps with tone, expression, and public speaking confidence. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen someone channel Shakespeare while wearing sunglasses.

5. The Great End of the Year One-Pager Project

First, give students a blank sheet and challenge them to summarize their favorite book, poem, or short story from the year using doodles, quotes, symbols, and key takeaways. This One-Pager Activity includes everything you need to help students reflect on their academic and personal growth through a guided one-pager assignment. With multiple one-pager templates, teacher instructions, student-friendly prompts, and a bright bulletin board title (“A Sun-Sational Year”), this is a must-have for your end-of-year classroom celebrations! It’s part art project, part ELA review—and perfect for hallway displays.

6. Literary Analysis Scavenger Hunt

Hide figurative language examples around the room, in a text, take it outside, and give students a checklist: simile, metaphor, hyperbole, pun, onomatopoeia… They hunt, they decode, and they compete. (And maybe even sweat a little—yes, learning can happen outside!)

FREE End of the Year ELA Digital Word Search

Have your students search for common terms they learned throughout the year, like personification, simile, metaphor, and other common ELA terms. This word search is on a digital platform, and it is an engaging activity to help contain the end-of-year energy!

Grab it HERE!

End-of-year doesn’t have to mean end-of-engagement. These activities keep skills sharp while celebrating everything you and your students have accomplished. YOU made it through, and that deserves a standing ovation, an iced coffee, and maybe a summer nap.

Now go forth and finish strong; you’ve got this!

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It’s that time of year again. Test Prep season! ELA Teachers are prepping for state testing—cue the highlighters, the pacing guides, the acronyms (RACE, anyone?), and the collective groan of “Test Prep Season.” Reviewing for state tests doesn’t have to mean endless packets and practice questions that drain the joy out of your classroom. In fact, with a little creativity, you can review the standards, the skills, and keep your students smiling.

Here are fun, brain-boosting activities to help your students review ELA skills without the monotony of drill-and-kill:

“Trashketball” with a Test Prep Twist

I love Trashketball, and I play this with my students all the time to review vocabulary. Divide your class into teams. Ask standards-based review questions—academic vocabulary, multiple choice, short answer, or grammar corrections. If a team gets it right, they earn a shot at the trashcan with a crumpled piece of paper. Different distances earn different point values. Suddenly, reviewing test terms becomes a slam dunk.

Check out these Academic Vocabulary Posters and References Worksheets for your students and classroom:

Escape Rooms

Students love escape rooms because they are fun, exciting, and competitive. The bonus? Teachers can disguise the learning with a fun activity. Turn your classroom into a test prep-themed escape room! Build puzzles around key skills like main idea, theme, text structure, grammar, and writing prompts. Each correct answer leads them closer to “breaking free” or “breaking out”. Escape rooms build collaboration, critical thinking, and confidence.

No time to build your own? Check out this Test Prep Digital Escape Room aligned with your standards. This NO PREP activity has your students solving clues on text structures, figurative language, literary devices, words in context, reading comprehension, main idea, author’s purpose, and other skills to improve their knowledge in ELA test-taking.

Test Prep Review Relay Races

Set up stations around the room, each with a different type of ELA task (inferencing, poetry analysis, text evidence, etc.). Students rotate in teams, racing the clock to complete the tasks. Add in silly challenges like “answer this while wearing giant sunglasses” for extra fun. Making activities entertaining means getting students out of their seats!

Sticky Note Showdown

Give each student a stack of sticky notes. Pose a review question, and they write their answer (or evidence) on the note and slap it on the board. Then read through and discuss the strong ones, misconceptions, and clever responses. It’s anonymous, low-stakes, and highly interactive. You can also have your students walk around the room, voting for the most insightful and interesting sticky note!

Scavenger Hunts

Want to sneak in high-impact reading practice without the groans? Try a nonfiction or poetry scavenger hunt! Provide short texts or poems around the room, and give students a list of specific skills to “hunt” for—like figurative language, text structure, tone, or main idea. These hunts are perfect for practicing those often-tricky standards that show up on state tests, especially when students need to compare across genres. By actively searching and annotating, they’re doing the same cognitive work required on the test—but in a way that feels more like a game than a grind. Plus, it gets them up, moving, and talking about texts—triple win!

Let’s be real. State testing isn’t going anywhere, but your review sessions can be meaningful and memorable. The key is to sneak in rigorous practice under the disguise of play, movement, and choice. When students are engaged, they’re more likely to retain the strategies and skills that count.

Happy test taking season!

The post How to Make ELA Test Prep Fun and Engaging appeared first on English, Oh My!.

Black History Month is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and stories of Black individuals throughout history. As English Language Arts (ELA) educators, we can create meaningful and engaging learning experiences that inspire students to explore Black voices, literature, and culture. Here are some exciting ELA activities to bring Black History Month to life in your classroom.

1. Dive into Literature by Black Authors

First, introduce students to influential Black authors such as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Jacqueline Woodson. Select age-appropriate poetry, short stories, or excerpts from novels to analyze themes of resilience, identity, and social justice.

Activity Idea:

• Conduct a “Poetry Analysis Gallery Walk,” where students read and analyze poems, annotating literary devices and discussing their impact.
• Host a “Read Aloud & Reflect” session to encourage thoughtful discussions on character development and cultural themes.

Recommended Books:

• “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson
• “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
• “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly (Young Readers Edition)

2. Black History Month Writing Prompts

Encourage students to reflect on key figures and events through writing activities. Creative and analytical writing helps students connect personally with historical moments.

Activity Idea:

• Use prompts such as:
  • “If I could interview one Black historical figure, who would it be and why?”
  • “How has the Civil Rights Movement shaped our world today?”
  • “What does Black excellence mean to you?”

Tip: Create a classroom writing wall to showcase student reflections and celebrate their voices.

3. Black History Month Bulletin Board

Make learning visible by designing an interactive bulletin board featuring influential Black figures in literature, music, activism, science, and the arts.

Ideas for this Activity:

• Set up a “Who Am I?” section where students match achievements to key historical figures.
• Have students create biographical pennants summarizing an inspiring person’s contributions.

Check out my Black History Month Bulletin Board:

Why You’ll Love This Bulletin Board Set:

✔ Encourages Inclusivity: Promote cultural awareness and inspire students to embrace diversity and representation in your classroom.

✔ Versatile Display Options: Perfect for Black History Month, but also ideal for year-round decor in ELA, social studies, and history classrooms.

✔ Classroom Engagement: Use the posters as teaching tools to highlight the achievements and contributions of Black leaders across history.

✔ Easy to Assemble: Simply print, cut, and arrange to create an engaging and motivational display that aligns with culturally responsive teaching practices.

4. Reading Comprehension Activities with Historical Passages & Pennants

Enhance reading skills while exploring key moments in Black history through engaging passages and comprehension questions. In addition, have your students take their new knowledge and create beautiful pennants for your classroom. Check out this Black History Leaders Reading Passages & Snapshot Pennants.

5. Black History Month Speech Analysis

Analyzing famous speeches by Black leaders can help students explore rhetorical strategies and persuasive techniques.

Activity Idea:

• Assign speeches such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” or Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?”
• Break students into groups to identify rhetorical devices like ethos, pathos, and logos.

More Black History Month Activities & Websites:

• Black History Month Activities

• 13 Fun Black History Month Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

• 12 Black History Month Activities to Engage Students

By incorporating these engaging Black History Month ELA activities, you can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture in your classroom. Whether through literature, writing, or interactive displays, these activities empower students to honor the legacy and achievements of Black individuals.

Looking for ready-made Black History Month classroom resources? Browse our collection of posters, reading passages, pennants, and bulletin board kits to make your lessons even more impactful.

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Winter is the perfect time to make learning feel like a cozy, snow-filled adventure! Snow days and chilly mornings can spark creativity and excitement in your classroom when paired with the right lessons. Whether students are imagining their perfect snow day, crafting snowman-shaped poetry, or analyzing text threads from Frosty himself, the season offers endless inspiration for engaging ELA activities.

Fun snow day activities like designing “dream snow forts” or writing group stories about winter adventures can complement these lessons and encourage collaboration. Pairing these with interactive reading passages, comprehension games, and creative writing prompts helps keep middle schoolers engaged and learning.

1. For Goodness Flake! It’s a Snow Day!”

When I first introduce the topic of snowflakes to my students, I can’t help but share my own fascination with how something so small can be so complex and beautiful. I just love a snow day, and the beautiful, little flakes are so intriguing! This lesson blends science and storytelling, drawing students in with the wonder of how snowflakes form and why their intricate six-sided shapes are so unique. I love seeing their curiosity come to life as they learn that no two snowflakes are truly identical, and the fun facts about snowflakes makes the article that more interesting.

Key Features:

• Informative article about snowflake formation and unique snowflake facts.
• Multiple-choice questions to test reading comprehension.
• A creative writing prompt where students describe why snowflakes are fascinating.

Why Students Love It: They enjoy discovering fun facts, like how some snowflakes can be as large as a coin, and sharing their favorite snowflake shapes.

Why Teachers Love It: The activity reinforces key middle school ELA standards, with comprehension questions that encourage critical thinking and a writing prompt to strengthen descriptive writing skills.

Classroom Tip: Create a “Snowflake Wonder Wall” where students can post their writing responses and draw their own unique snowflakes. You can even print out snowflake templates, and have your students write their constructive response on them.  The snowflakes will add a winter wonderland to your classroom! 

2. Color-by-Number Winter Reading Passage with Multiple Choice Questions

When I introduced this color-by-number activity, I knew it would be a hit. There’s something magical about combining learning with a fun reveal—my students can’t wait to see the colorful picture form as they answer comprehension questions correctly. It’s a fantastic way to keep them engaged, especially during winter months when focus can waver. This fun ELA winter activity will do the trick!

Key Features:

• Snowman Poetry: Students write winter-themed poems in a snowman template.

• Winter Reading Passage: A compelling short story that challenges reading comprehension.

• Frosty’s Text Messages: Students analyze Frosty’s fun text conversations to practice tone, mood, and purpose.

• Creative Writing Prompt: Students craft their perfect snow day story using descriptive writing.

Why Students Love It: It feels like a game! They love seeing the winter image come to life as they answer correctly.

Why Teachers Love It: The activity is self-paced and great for both independent work and small group stations.

Classroom Tip: Use this activity as a low-pressure assessment or in a winter-themed literacy center.

3. Winter Digital Activities: Snow Poetry, Frosty’s Texts, and More!

I always look forward to incorporating this digital activities into my lessons—it’s like opening a winter-themed treasure chest of creative learning. My students love how they can express themselves through snowman-shaped poems and decode Frosty’s playful text messages. It’s especially rewarding to see their confidence grow as they tackle reading passages and experiment with descriptive writing.

Key Features:

• Snowman Poetry: Students write winter-themed poems in a snowman template.

  
  

• Winter Reading Passage: A compelling short story that challenges reading comprehension.

  
  

• Frosty’s Text Messages: Students analyze Frosty’s fun text conversations to practice tone, mood, and purpose.

  
  

• Creative Writing Prompt: Students craft their perfect snow day story using descriptive writing.

  
  

Why Students Love It: They enjoy the digital format and the chance to create unique, seasonal-themed work.

Why Teachers Love It: These activities blend creativity with ELA skill-building, and they’re perfect for in-person or virtual classrooms.

Classroom Tip: Host a “Winter Literacy Showcase” or “Snowman Poetry Gallery Walk”.  Have your students “present” the Google Slide of their Snowman poetry, and have the students walk around the room reading each other’s creations.

Looking for Winter Templates? Check these out!

Snowflake Templates

Free Winter Paper

These winter-themed ELA activities will add seasonal joy to your classroom while supporting academic growth. Whether your students are debating snow day policies, composing snowman poetry, or revealing hidden winter scenes, they’ll stay engaged and excited to learn.

Grab this eBook to help your students write short answer responses and paragraphs!

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Creating effective reading routines early in the school year is crucial for setting the tone for academic success in a middle school English Language Arts classroom. A consistent reading habit not only improves literacy skills but also fosters a lifelong love for reading. However, many teachers struggle with the steps to make a consistent reading routine happen. Here are practical steps to help you build an effective reading routine for your middle school students.

Step 1: Set Clear Reading Goals

Setting achievable reading goals is the first step in establishing a reading routine. For middle school students, start by setting both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals might include finishing a book within two weeks or reading a specific number of pages each day, while long-term goals could involve completing a series or reaching a certain number of books by the end of the semester.

Encourage your students to set personal reading goals tailored to their interests and reading levels. This personalization helps motivate them and gives them a sense of ownership over their reading journey. Having a daily reading tracker or bookmark can help with these goals. As your students read, they can track their reading for the day or week. Grab this FREE Reading Tracker for your students!

Step 2: Create a Cozy Reading Environment to Create a Reading Routine

Designing a comfortable reading space in the classroom can significantly impact students’ willingness to read. Consider arranging seating to create cozy nooks or using bean bags and cushions for a relaxed atmosphere. Proper lighting is also essential—natural light is ideal, but adjustable lamps can work well too.

Involve students in setting up the reading area. When they contribute to the design, they feel more connected to the space and are more likely to use it.

Step 3: Incorporate Daily Reading Time

Daily reading practice is vital for developing strong reading habits. Schedule a specific time each day for independent reading. Because some of the middle school classes are on tight time periods, the first 10 minutes of each period is a perfect way to get students to settle down. Stick to this schedule consistently to make reading a regular part of the routine. During this time, allow students to choose their own books to foster a sense of autonomy and cater to their interests.

Step 4: Use Reading Logs and Journals

Reading logs, journals, and reading bookmarks are excellent tools for tracking progress and reflections. Provide students with templates to record the books they read, their thoughts, and any new vocabulary they encounter.

These logs not only help students keep track of their reading but also allow you to monitor their progress and provide feedback. Encourage students to reflect on their reading experiences in their journals to deepen their understanding and engagement with the text.

Step 5: Introduce a Variety of Genres

Exposing students to a wide range of genres is crucial for expanding their reading horizons. Introduce them to genres such as fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

Create book displays or reading lists featuring different genres, and encourage students to explore new ones. This variety can spark interest and help students discover new favorite types of books.

Step 6: Implement Book Talks and Discussions

Organizing book talks in the classroom can generate excitement about reading. Schedule regular sessions where students can share their thoughts on books they’ve read.

Guide these discussions with open-ended questions and encourage respectful dialogue. Suggested questions might include: “What did you like most about the book?” or “How did the main character change throughout the story?”

Here is an extensive list of book talk questions from Scholastic.

Step 7: Leverage Technology

Incorporating technology can enhance the reading experience. Use e-readers and reading apps to provide access to a wide range of books. Online resources like book recommendation sites and reading challenge platforms can also be valuable.

Teach students how to use these tools to find books and track their reading progress. Technology can make reading more accessible and engaging for digital-savvy students.

Step 8: Encourage Family Involvement

Family involvement is key to reinforcing reading habits. Suggest at-home reading activities, such as family reading nights or reading aloud together.

Communicate with parents about their children’s reading goals and progress. Provide tips for supporting reading at home, such as setting aside a daily reading time or visiting the local library together. Here is a great website that can give you some ideas for your parents to encourage family involvement in their child’s reading.

Step 9: Celebrate Reading Achievements

Recognizing and celebrating reading achievements can motivate students to continue their reading journey. Consider setting up a system for tracking and rewarding progress, such as a reading chart or certificates.

Organize reading challenges or competitions to add an element of fun and excitement. Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, can boost students’ confidence and enthusiasm for reading.

You can also create a book bulletin board like the one here on the right. Have your students fill out a book template, and add their books a shelf on your bulletin board. In addition, you can create a reading challenge for the class in a similar fashion.

Building a successful reading routine in middle school ELA involves setting clear goals, creating a comfortable environment, incorporating daily reading time, using reading logs, introducing various genres, implementing book talks, leveraging technology, encouraging family involvement, and celebrating achievements. Start implementing these tips today to foster a love for reading in your students.

We’d love to hear your experiences and additional tips for building reading routines. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Using Interactive Notebooks in Your Classroom
• 10 Reasons to Use a New Year’s One-Pager Project in Your Middle School Classroom
• No Prep Thanksgiving ELA Activities
• 5 First Week Activities for Middle School
• 6 Exciting End of the Year ELA Activities

The post How to Create Reading Routines in Middle School appeared first on English, Oh My!.

It’s that time of year again! I bet many of you are considering classroom decorating ideas for the new school year. Decorating a middle school classroom can be both fun and challenging. It’s an opportunity to create an engaging and inspiring environment that fosters learning and creativity. Whether you’re a new teacher or looking for fresh ideas, here’s a guide to help you decorate your classroom effectively.

1. Engaging Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards are a fantastic way to decorate your classroom while providing educational content and promoting student engagement. Engaging bulletin boards play a vital role in a classroom for several reasons:

1. Enhancing Learning: Bulletin boards can serve as interactive learning tools. They can display educational content, such as vocabulary words, math problems, historical timelines, and scientific concepts, making information visually accessible and easier to retain.
2. Providing Visual Stimulation: A visually appealing classroom can stimulate students’ interest and curiosity. Bright colors, interesting graphics, and dynamic displays can create a vibrant learning atmosphere that can enhance mood and motivation.
3. Celebrating Achievements: Bulletin boards can showcase student achievements and highlight their work. This recognition can boost self-esteem, motivate students to perform well, and create a positive classroom culture where achievements are celebrated.

Here are a few bulletin board ideas to get you started in decorating you classroom:

A. Punny Titles and Craftivities:

• “Taco ‘Bout a Great Year!”: Start the year with a bulletin board featuring taco-themed crafts. Have students create their own taco toppings, writing their goals or fun facts about themselves on each piece.
• “We’re ‘Soup’er Readers!”: Display a large pot of soup and have students add “ingredients” (book titles they’ve read) throughout the year.
• “Bee Your Best!”: Use bee-themed decorations to encourage positive behavior and highlight student achievements.

B. Interactive Boards:

“Math Mystery”: Change weekly math problems or riddles to keep students engaged. Offer small rewards for correct answers.

“Caught Being Kind”: Dedicate a space for recognizing acts of kindness. Students can add notes when they catch someone doing something kind.

C. Seasonal and Thematic Boards:

Spring Garden: Flowers with students’ goals for the remainder of the school year.

Autumn Leaves: Create a tree and let students add colorful leaves with things they’re thankful for.

Winter Wonderland: A snowy scene where students can add snowflakes with their favorite winter activities or holiday traditions.

2. Functional Classroom Decorating Ideas: Enhancing Classroom Practicality

Decorations in a classroom can do more than beautify the space; they can also serve practical purposes that enhance the functionality and efficiency of the learning environment. Here are some ways to incorporate functional decorations into your classroom:

1. Word Walls

Purpose: Enhance Vocabulary Learning

• Design: Create a colorful and organized word wall to display new vocabulary words. Use vibrant borders and clear labels for different parts of speech or subject areas.
• Implementation: Add new words regularly, and encourage students to refer to the word wall during writing and reading activities.

2. Learning Centers

Purpose: Facilitate Independent Learning

• Design: Decorate and organize specific areas for different activities such as reading, writing, math, and science. Use signs, posters, and themed decorations to designate each center.
• Implementation: Equip each center with the necessary materials and instructions. Rotate activities regularly to keep students engaged.

3. Student Work Displays

Purpose: Motivate and Recognize Students

Implementation: Change the displays frequently to showcase different students’ work and celebrate their achievements.

Design: Dedicate a wall or a section of the room to display student work. Use colorful frames, borders, and labels to highlight individual pieces.

3. Organizational Tools

Purpose: Maintain Classroom Order and Efficiency

• Color-Coded Supplies:
  • Design: Use color-coded bins, folders, and labels to organize supplies and materials. Assign different colors for different subjects or groups.
  • Implementation: Teach students the system so they can easily find and return materials.
• Daily Schedule Board:
  • Design: Display the daily schedule in a prominent place. Use a large, easy-to-read format with magnets or Velcro for easy changes.
  • Implementation: Review the schedule with students at the beginning of each day to set expectations and keep the class on track.
• Classroom Jobs Chart:
  • Design: Create a chart for classroom jobs, using themed decorations or a creative design that fits your classroom’s overall theme.
  • Implementation: Rotate jobs weekly or monthly to give all students a chance to participate and learn responsibility.

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Other Classroom Decorating Ideas!

Classroom Decoration Ideas – Hilary Statum

Pinterest Decorating Ideas for Middle School

Incorporating functional decorations into your classroom not only makes the space more aesthetically pleasing but also enhances its practicality. These decorations can streamline the organization, support learning, and create a positive and engaging environment for students. By combining creativity with functionality, you can create a classroom that is both beautiful and efficient.

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Are you looking to enhance your ELA teaching and classroom? Middle school English Language Arts teachers have a unique opportunity to teach with AI and ChatGPT to enhance their teaching methods. They can also enrich the learning experience for their students. In this blog post, we’ll explore how ELA teachers can utilize AI, particularly ChatGPT, for their personal growth and in the classroom.

Using AI & ChatGPT for Personal Teacher Growth

Before teaching with AI and ChatGPT in your classroom, ELA teachers can benefit from using AI tools for their professional development and productivity. Here are some ways AI can aid teachers personally:

a. Language Enhancement: AI-powered grammar and style checkers can help teachers improve their writing. Also, ensure a teacher’s communication is clear and error-free. Sometimes, teachers have to write a very important email to a parent. They want to get it just right. AI can provide valuable suggestions for sentence structure, vocabulary, and conciseness. For example, ask ChatGPT to correct and proofread your writing.

Try the prompt in ChatGPT, “Write a friendly email to a parent regarding their child’s amazing progress in English class.”

b. Content Research: AI-driven research tools can save time and effort by quickly curating relevant articles, essays, and resources for lesson planning or personal reading.

c. Professional Learning Networks: AI can assist in connecting ELA teachers with like-minded educators through social platforms and forums, fostering collaboration, idea-sharing, and continuous growth.

d. Time Management:  This is my favorite part of AI. Programs like ChatGPT can help teachers streamline administrative tasks, such as scheduling, reminders, and organizing lesson plans, freeing up more time for instructional planning and student engagement.

Try the prompt, “Act as a lesson plan writer.  Write a lesson plan for a creative, exciting activity for figurative language. Be sure to include the Common Core Standards that apply to this lesson.”

Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the ELA Classroom

ELA teachers can use ChatGPT with their students in various creative and engaging ways to enhance their learning experience. Here are some practical ideas on how to incorporate AI & ChatGPT into the ELA classroom:

1. Writing Support and Feedback:

• Encourage students to use ChatGPT as a tool for writing improvement. They can input their essays, stories, or poetry into ChatGPT to receive instant feedback on grammar, sentence structure, and style. ChatGPT can provide suggestions to help students refine their writing skills.

2. Creative Writing Prompts:

• Have students interact with ChatGPT to generate unique creative writing prompts. This can inspire their imagination and encourage them to explore different writing styles and genres. Students can choose a prompt from ChatGPT and write a short story, poem, or essay based on the provided idea.

3. Virtual Class Discussions:

• Introduce ChatGPT as a “virtual participant” in class discussions or debates. Students can present their arguments or viewpoints, and ChatGPT can provide counterarguments or alternative perspectives. This practice will help students hone their critical thinking and persuasive skills.

4. Character and Dialogue Development:

• Use ChatGPT to help students develop realistic and well-rounded characters for their creative writing assignments. Students can have interactive conversations with ChatGPT, simulating dialogue between characters in their stories.

5. Writing Workshops:

• Organize virtual writing workshops where students can collaborate with ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas and outline their writing projects. ChatGPT can provide instant responses and suggestions, making the writing process more interactive and engaging.

Other AI Tools to Enhance Your ELA Classroom

1. MagicSchool AI

2. ConkerAI

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February is a month that brings with it a feeling of celebration for many people. Are you looking for ideas on how to celebrate Black History Month in the classroom? After all, it marks the start of the new year, Valentine’s Day, and a time to remember and celebrate the achievements of African Americans during Black History Month. In schools across the country, teachers are using this month as an opportunity to discuss and explore the history of African Americans and their contributions to our society. So how can educators make sure they’re teaching Black History Month in an effective and meaningful way? Let’s find out!

The Importance of Contextualization

Contextualization is key when it comes to teaching and celebrating Black History Month in the classroom. We know that African American history goes back centuries before slavery – so why do we only focus on that period of time? It’s important to include stories from all different times in history, including those from pre-colonial Africa, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern-day events. When you contextualize your lessons, you give students a better understanding of where people have come from and where they are going.

Engaging Black History Month Activities

It’s no secret that students learn best when they’re engaged. That’s why it’s important for teachers to get creative with their lesson plans for Black History Month! There are lots of ways you can engage your students without having them memorize facts or dates. For example, you could have them create timeline posters showing important moments in African American history or have them write original speeches from famous civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, or Sojourner Truth. These activities allow students to explore ideas in a fun and meaningful way while still learning about black history.

In addition, you can also celebrate Black History Month in the classroom by introducing compassion and empathy lessons. Teaching empathy, compassion, and tolerance in the classroom is so important for laying the foundation for our students’ future. It exposes them to different personalities and cultures, providing them the opportunity to learn about black history month or to understand cultural differences at a much deeper level. Educating our children on these concepts isn’t just important during black history month or other special events—it should be woven into curriculum as early as possible. That way they learn not only facts, topics and subjects but also how to interact with others compassionately and respectfully. It’s our job to teach them how to be mindful of one another while working together on tasks that foster patience, respect and tolerance—essential skills needed in today’s society!

Here are some empathy, compassion, and tolerance activities your students will enjoy and love-

Teaching Empathy & Compassion

Black History Month Article & Reading Comprehension

Encourage Discussion

Finally, don’t forget to encourage discussion among your students! This is a great opportunity for them to ask questions about what they’re learning and share their own personal experiences related to black history – something that can be difficult but incredibly rewarding if done correctly. Encouraging discussion also gives students an opportunity to find common ground with one another while deepening their understanding of the material being taught.

Other Resources for Black History Month

• 5 Black History Month Activities for Middle School
• Breaking Down Stereotypes & Prejudices -Social Justice Lesson

Black History Month is an important time for us all – not just African Americans – because it allows us to take a step back and reflect on our shared past while also looking ahead towards a brighter future together. As educators, we have a responsibility to teach black history effectively by providing context for our lessons; engaging our students; and encouraging open dialogue among student peers so that everyone can gain new insights into the long-standing struggles faced by African Americans throughout our nation’s history. With these tips in mind, let’s use this month as an opportunity to empower each other through education and work together towards creating a more inclusive society for all!

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Classroom rewards are normally an important piece of the classroom. Teachers give incentives and rewards in classrooms more often than we realize. It may be a gold star on a worksheet or 10 extra points on a quiz. Regardless of what shape it takes, the purpose is always the same—to motivate students to achieve. But does this method actually work?

The research is somewhat inconclusive on whether or not extrinsic motivations like rewards are effective in the long run. There are some studies that suggest they are helpful in the short term. For example, one study found that students who received small awards for completing their work spent more time on task and had a higher rate of task completion than those who were not given any awards.

It’s also important to keep in mind that not all students respond to rewards in the same way. Some students may be more motivated by tangible rewards like candy or toys. However, others may prefer intangible rewards like extra free time or privileges. As a result, it’s important to experiment with different types of rewards to see what works best for your students. Below are some ideas to help you start on the right path!

Classroom Rewards Students Love!

When it comes to rewards, there is no one-size-fits-all solution; different rewards work better for different students. Some students may respond better to tangible rewards such as candy or stickers while others may prefer intangible rewards such as praise or recognition from their peers. Whatever reward you choose, make sure that it is meaningful and relevant to your students.

Praise & Reinforcement-Praise and Positive Reinforcement

Sometimes all it takes to make a student feel special is a few words of praise. Instead of using extrinsic motivation like candy or prizes, try focusing on intrinsic motivation by giving your students compliments or simply telling them how proud you are of their hard work. This type of positive reinforcement can go a long way towards motivating your students to continue working hard. Leave your students little sticky notes of encouragement or motivation on their desk. You can also make pre-made notes to send home with your students.

Virtual Rewards
If you’re looking for something that will really excite your students, why not try virtual rewards? Virtual rewards could take many forms, such as extra time on their favorite computer game or an extra hour on their tablet. This type of reward encourages students to engage with technology, but also provides an outlet for them to use it responsibly. By rewarding them with something they enjoy doing anyway, you can be sure that your reward will be appreciated!

Fun and Games
Games can be an excellent way to reward your students in the classroom. Whether they’re playing board games or a collaborative class game, games are a great way to engage your class while also teaching them important lessons about teamwork and cooperation. Plus, when everyone is having fun together it makes learning more enjoyable!

Exciting, Tangible Awards

One of my all-time favorite incentives that truly works in my classroom (and the kids go crazy for) are my prize jars. I choose 5-6 inexpensive prizes like stickers, candy, ice cream, 5 free points on a quiz, and erasers. These are prizes that are not going to break the bank. Throughout the week, I hand the students tickets for answering questions correctly, homework, quiz grades, behavior, and any other reason I think a students deserves a ticket. At the end of class, my students can choose which jar to put their tickets in, and every Friday, I choose a winner. Of course, you are probably are wondering how I handle the different classes? I bought five different colored rolls of tickets! This is how I can quickly can pick tickets for each class.

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There is no one magic solution when it comes to finding effective classroom incentives, but experimenting with different types of rewards is a good place to start. Ultimately, the goal is to find something that motivates your students to achieve their academic goals—whether it’s a tangible reward like candy or an intangible reward like extra free time. Whatever you decide, make sure to give rewards consistently and fairly so that your students know that their hard work is paying off.

The post Why Rewards Work in the Classroom (and how to give them effectively) appeared first on English, Oh My!.

Are you looking for the best ways to teach argument writing? As a middle school ELA teacher, you know that teaching argument writing can be challenging. You want your students to be able to write cogent, well-reasoned arguments, right?  However, you also know that getting them to that point can be a challenge. Never fear! These tips will help you teach your students to write arguments that are sure to win any debate.

The Best Argument Writing Strategies

1. Start with the basics.

First, before you can expect your students to write persuasive arguments, they need to understand the basics of what an argument is and what it isn’t. To do this, spend some time going over what an argument is—a claim backed by evidence—and what it isn’t—a opinion or belief. Also, you might want to spend some time discussing fallacies, or common mistakes people make in arguments. By starting with the basics, you’ll set your students up for success.

2. Emphasize structure.

Next, the structure of an argument is just as important as the substance. After all, even the most well-reasoned argument will fall flat if it’s not organized in a way that is easy for the reader to follow. Therefore, when you’re teaching your students how to write arguments, be sure to emphasize the importance of creating a clear and concise structure that will help their readers understand and follow their reasoning.

3. Help them find evidence.

Third, one of the most challenging parts of writing an argument is finding evidence to support your claims. Specifically, this can be especially difficult for young writers who might not be accustomed to conducting research. To help your students out, provide them with some resources—like a list of reputable sources or a library of reliable evidence—that they can use when they’re looking for support for their claims. By doing this, you’ll make it easier for them to find the evidence they need and write convincing arguments.

4. Encourage revision.

Lastly, once your students have written their first draft, it’s important to encourage them to revise and edit their work. This is where they’ll really be able to hone their arguments and make sure they’re saying what they want to say in the most effective way possible. Remind them that revision takes time and effort, but that it will ultimately result in a stronger, more convincing piece of writing.

Resources for Argument Writing

Websites to Help with Argument Writing

A Step-by-Step Plan to Teaching Augmentative Writing

5 Tips and Tricks for Teaching the Argumentative Essay

Overall, argument writing can be a challenge for both teachers and students, but it doesn’t have to be! By starting with the basics, emphasizing structure, helping students find evidence, and encouraging revision, you can help your students write arguments that are sure to win any debate—and get good grades too!

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