Category: Free Resources
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Nonfiction Close Reading: Putting the Pieces Together in the Third Read
Turning Close Reading Into Strong Analytical Writing Throughout this series, I have shared the nonfiction close reading process that I developed through years of working with my students and refining strategies that helped them better understand nonfiction texts. During the first read, students focus on understanding what the article is…
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2 Nonfiction Reading Tools That Help Students Dig Deeper Into The Text During the Second Read
In the previous post in this nonfiction reading comprehension series, I shared how the first read helps students grasp the core idea of a nonfiction text. This step is essential for students to gain an understanding of the text before they begin analyzing it. Once my students understood the basic…
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The First Read Strategy That Improves Nonfiction Reading Comprehension and Builds Stronger Readers
Several years ago, I began noticing a pattern in my classroom when we worked with nonfiction reading comprehension skills and texts. My students were capable readers. However, when it came to informational articles, many struggled to truly understand what they were reading. They would skim the passage, hunt for answers,…
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Why So Many Students Struggle With Nonfiction Reading Comprehension (And 3 Effective Steps ELA Teachers Can Use)
Middle school and high school ELA teachers report that students struggle with nonfiction reading comprehension due to a lack of explicit instruction in reading strategies. Implementing a structured three-step close reading process enhances comprehension by guiding students from basic understanding to deeper analysis. This method fosters strong reading habits applicable…
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Back to School Survival Guide: 5 Proven Tips for Middle School ELA Teachers
In the whirlwind of back to school season, middle school ELA teachers can ensure success and maintain sanity with five essential tips. Establish a well-organized routine, set clear expectations, build positive relationships, create an inviting environment, and foster a growth mindset from the start. These strategies will set the stage…
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5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in the ELA Classroom
Integrating Environmental Awareness into Secondary Curriculum As Earth Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to infuse our curriculum with themes of environmental awareness, sustainability, and activism. Established in 1970, Earth Day has since grown into a global movement. It unites people around the world who are committed to protecting our…
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Writing Strategies Series #3: PEEL Writing Organizer
I’m excited to spotlight the PEEL Writing Strategy as my go-to pre-writing tool. Discover more about this game-changing pre-writing strategy!
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3 Student Self-Reflection Activities: Save Your Sanity Before Winter Break
Ah, the countdown begins! Those weeks after Thanksgiving but before Winter Break? It’s like time hits the slow-motion button for students itching for freedom and teachers hoping for a fast-forward. The struggle is real—students daydreaming of endless days off, while teachers juggle to keep everyone focused without losing their sanity…
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Writing Strategies Series #2: Analyzing Strong, Medium, and Weak Writing Samples
The blog post discusses a strategy for teaching students to analyze writing samples and identify strong writing characteristics. The author offers a three-step activity involving grouping students into pairs or small groups, demonstrating the process by analyzing a sample, and encouraging students to do the same. Post-analysis activities include student…
