Start your school year with laughter, connection, and classroom community! In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, we’re sharing engaging icebreakers that are perfect for Day 1 in your ELA classroom. From team-building challenges to creative communication games, you’ll find activities that help students bond—and make your first day fun and memorable. Plus, don’t miss our giveaway! Go take a look at our newest product - ELA Core Club and use the discount code to save today!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Freebie + Giveaway: bit.ly/ELAFreeWeek

• Discount Code: ELAInsiders (good through Sept 8)

Want to start the school year strong with a classroom full of motivated, respectful, and engaged middle schoolers? In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers, we dive into one of the most important (yet often overlooked) ingredients for classroom success: classroom climate.

You’ll walk away with ideas you can use right away to create a space your students will love walking into—and that you’ll love teaching in.

Don’t forget to grab your free week of ELA lessons to kick off the year with confidence! Get entered into the ELA Core Club giveaway when you download. Link below.

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

• TikTok Teacher: Misty Brock, and us ~ ELA Core Plans!

• Freebie + Giveaway: bit.ly/ELAFreeWeek

• Discount Code: ELAInsiders (good through Sept 8)

Prime Day is here, and we’re sharing some of our favorite classroom tools, organizational must-haves, and a few fun teacher splurges that make the school year smoother. In this episode, we’re walking you through our top Amazon picks—things we use (and love!) in our middle school ELA classrooms to stay calm, collected, and ready to teach.

From color-coded folders and dry erase boards to our dream ice maker and a pencil dispenser that actually works, we’re talking practical meets fun—and we’ve got a full wish list you can browse!

PLUS: Don’t forget—every teacher who downloads a free week of plans from the ELA Core Club is automatically entered to win a complete Core Club for their grade level (6th, 7th, or 8th). One-time purchase, lifetime calm.

Links from the Episode:

• Our Amazon Prime Day Wish List
  
  

• Free Week + Giveaway Entry: bit.ly/elafreeweek
  
  

• 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!

In this episode, we’re talking about the three systems every middle school ELA teacher should have in place before school starts — systems that save time, reduce stress, and actually work all year long!

Plus, we’ll show you how to grab everything we mention (and then some!) inside the ELA Core Club — and how to get started with our free First Week ELA Launch Kit!

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.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I’m spending my summer—and it’s not just about relaxing! From reading a powerful book to exploring creative outlets, I’m discovering some exciting ways to bring new ideas into my world, and I want to share how you can do this too! Plus, I’ve got a special offer for those of you looking to make a move this summer. Tune in to hear how you can start building something incredible and why now is the perfect time to take action.

Links mentioned in the show:
ChatGPT Quick Course

Ready to secure your 25% discount on our upcoming resource for new middle school ELA teachers?
Fill out the form below to be one of the first 25 teachers to get this exclusive offer. Don’t miss out!

Click here to sign up for your discount!

2 End-of-Year ELA Activities Your Students Will Actually Enjoy

It’s May, the end of the school year, and we all know what that means – restless students, tired teachers, and a countdown to summer break. But before you toss your gradebook in the air and head for the beach, I’ve got two creative, low-prep ELA activities that will keep your students engaged and laughing through the final days of school.

In this episode, I’ll share:
✅ The Year in Review Skit Challenge – a high-energy, creative way to wrap up the year and review characters, themes, and conflicts.
✅ Plotline Pictionary – a fast-paced, student-generated game that’s perfect for reinforcing key scenes and literary elements.

Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek at how I’m using ChatGPT to survive these last days of school – and how you can too.

So if you’re ready to keep your students learning (and keep your sanity intact) through the last days of the year, this episode is for you.

Links Mentioned in the Show:
🎯 Freebie – Your First 10 Minutes with ChatGPT (Teacher Edition)
🎯 AI for Teachers Course – Learn to use ChatGPT to save hours every week

Happy teaching, and thanks for listening!

Are you unknowingly teaching to just a few students while the rest fade into the background? In this solo episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers, Shannon dives into two hidden classroom challenges—fisheye syndrome and the classic case of hogs and logs.

In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, Shannon shares effective strategies for keeping middle school students engaged and motivated during the end-of-year slump, especially in April and May. With state testing approaching, it can be challenging to maintain focus, but Shannon offers practical tips to help. Listen for fresh ideas on how to keep your students energized, on task, and ready to finish the school year strong.