Most teachers are familiar with multiple choice test-taking strategies, but when it comes to writing, it feels like we’re kind of on our own. Some schools use acronyms such as RACE or PIE, but those formulas aren’t always an exact fit for the state rubric. So how do we offer students a winning method when considering test prep ideas for writing? In Part One of this blog post, I presented…
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Middle School Writing
10 Ways to Make Essay Writing Less Stressful (and more successful)
There’s something about the word “essay” that instantly turns the smiles of middle school students into expressions of dread. Of course, we can’t avoid it when the time comes for teaching the essay. But there are some strategies we can use to show our students it’s not as difficult or taxing as they might think. Struggling writers can gain confidence and produce successful writing in a supportive environment with lots…
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My Best ELA Substitute Plans
Sick days . . . they’re inevitable! Those days when you wake up and it hits you . . . I can’t go in! There’s nothing worse than the stress and confusion of digging up lessons for the sub when you’re feeling awful. That’s why, for me, preparing for sick days in advance is a must. I LOVE the feeling of knowing I have “stand alone” ELA substitute plans all set…
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