The end of year countdown is on! You feel like you should be winding down, but as every educator knows, this is crunch time. You are working harder than ever, yet your list keeps getting longer and longer. How to handle it? Read here for your end of year countdown with 1 week left of school. We will discuss: Finishing gradingGetting your room in orderEnd of year activitiesYour day 1 activities for back to schoolLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTYouTube:  Teach My Class with All in One Middle School - free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode: Collaborative End of Year Coloring PosterColor by Code ReflectionEnd of Year Choice Board -Thumbs Up to a Great YearBack to School Collaborative PosterColor Code Getting to Know YouFirst Day StationsGetting to Know You PrintablesFull list of end-of-year productsMy YouTube Channel – FREE lessons where I teach your class, plus First Chapter Fridays!One-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

It’s the end of the school year, and you are feeling frazzled. You are trying to get things done on your end-of-the-year teacher checklist, but it somehow just keeps getting longer and longer. The answer? A solid plan where you map out your end-of-the-year teacher checklist a month before school ends. Read here for your plan with 2 weeks left of school.We will discuss:Starting (or continuing) the grading processMissing work checklistNext year's bulletin board (it's easy...I promise!)Gifts and thank you notesLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTYouTube:  Teach My Class with All in One Middle School - free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Free planning calendarCollaborative End-of-Year Coloring PosterFull list of end-of-year productsMy YouTube Channel – FREE lessons where I teach your class, plus First Chapter Fridays!One-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

It’s the end of the school year, and teachers everywhere are feeling the pressure. You are tending to your end-of-year teacher checklist, but it seems to be growing rather than shrinking. The answer? A solid plan where you map out your end-of-year teacher tasks a month before school ends. Read here for your plan with 3 weeks left of school. We will discuss:Re-assessing your end-of-year calendarStarting report card commentsPlanning for end-of-year celebrationsGetting final assessments in orderLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTYouTube:  Teach My Class with All in One Middle School - free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Free planning calendarFull list of end-of-year productsPoetry ShareLanguage Arts Game ShowMy YouTube Channel – FREE lessons where I teach your class, plus First Chapter Fridays!One-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

It’s the end of the school year, and teachers everywhere are feeling the pressure. You are tending to your “to-do” list, but it seems to get exponentially bigger even while you are working hard. The answer? A solid plan where you map out your end-of-year teacher tasks a month before school ends. Listen here for your plan with 4 weeks left of school.We will discuss:Creating a calendarPlanning your grading checklistTalking to students who need improvementListing classroom areas to clean and organizePlanning for independent student work timeLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTYouTube:  Teach My Class with All in One Middle School - free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Free planning calendarFull list of end-of-year productsBlog post on this topic My YouTube Channel – FREE lessons where I teach your class, plus First Chapter Fridays!First Days of School StationsGetting to Know You Color by CodeOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop Course

April is National Poetry Month, but it doesn't have to be April to introduce your students to novels in verse. Novels in verse appeal to students because they tend to move quickly and are told in rhythmic, interesting ways. Introducing your students to quality novels in this genre is a great addition to your poetry unit, and in my opinion, a great end-of-year reading unit. We will discuss:The definition of a novel in verse5 novels in verse that are perfect for your middle school classesWhat makes them special and their poetic devicesIdeas for how to use in your classroomLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTYouTube:  Teach My Class with All in One Middle School - free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Out of the Dust Complete UnitOut of the Dust - Free First Chapter FridayThe One and Only Ivan - Free First Chapter FridayFree Poetry Analysis SheetFree Poetry Discussion QuestionsPoetry Activities for Middle SchoolOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

If you teach poetry in your middle school ELA class, you know it can be a struggle. Kids often go into your poetry lessons with the attitude that poems are not interesting, they are hard to write, and that it’s too difficult to understand poems.  It's therefore imperative to begin with poems that are engaging and will hook them right away.  I have 10 great suggestions for you in this podcast.We will discuss:General tips for using songs for poetry analysis10 motivating poems to use in your middle school classes, with poets from Kobe Bryant to Charles BukowskiA list of poetic devices used in each poemIdeas for activities for each poemLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTYouTube:  Teach My Class with All in One Middle School - free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Poetry Activities for Middle SchoolBlog post companion for this episodeFree Poetry Analysis SheetFree Poetry Discussion QuestionsOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

If you teach poetry in your middle school ELA class, you know it can be a struggle. Kids often go into your poetry lessons with the attitude that poems are not interesting, they are hard to write, and that it’s too difficult to understand poems. The answer? Start with songs for poetry analysis. Since I’ve never met a middle schooler who hasn’t obsessed over music, this is the easiest way to hook your kids and teach them some important poetic devices.We will discuss:General tips for using songs for poetry analysis10 familiar and motivating songs to use in your middle school classesA list of poetic devices that each song usesIdeas for activities for each song Let's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Poetry Activities for Middle School“Poetry Analysis for Middle School in 4 Easy Steps”Free Poetry Analysis SheetFree Poetry Discussion QuestionsMy YouTube Channel – FREE lessons where I teach your class, plus First Chapter Fridays!One-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

I might be in the minority, but I absolutely love teaching poetry. I especially love having kids write poems because I get to know my students on a deeper and more meaningful level. One of the steps to becoming a good poet is to be a good reader of poetry. However, many middle school kids don’t know where to start. Therefore, you need a good plan of action for poetry analysis. The key? Keep it simple. Read here for tips for poetry analysis in 4 easy steps.We will discuss:Starting with songsStarting with small stepsPoetry Analysis sheet to streamline the processDiscussionLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Poetry Activities for Middle SchoolFree Poetry Analysis SheetFree Poetry Discussion QuestionsMy YouTube Channel – FREE lessons where I teach your class, plus First Chapter Fridays!One-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

Teaching poetry...we either love it or hate it. I'm in the "love" category. Why? Poems are simply songs without the music...and middle schoolers love music. Once they understand that, and once we simplify the poetry writing process, they usually are in the "love" category as well. One way to simplify the process is by giving kids specific types of poems to write.We will discuss how to write:Found PoemsCalligramsMask PoemsInanimate Object PoemsColor PoemsLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:How to Write 5 Engaging Poems - Blog PostPoetry Choice BoardPoetry Activities for Middle SchoolFree Poetry Writing ActivityBlog Post on the 5 types of poems (with visuals)Blog post “How to Write Poetry in 5 Steps”.One-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons

Teaching poetry to middle schoolers might seem complicated, but there are so many ways to do this simply and effectively. I have found that my kids (and I) enjoy this unit more than any other unit.   And, I love to incorporate poetry throughout the year so that kids will understand it better and see how valuable it is. If you’re ready to get started, listen here to see how in 5 simple steps.We will discuss:Why Teach Poetry to Middle SchoolersUsing Poetic Devices and Figurative LanguageIncorporating Poetry Throughout the YearUnique and Fun Ways to Use Poetry in Your ClassroomPoetry as Both Reading and Writing UnitsSharing Poetry that Kids Have WrittenLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Poetry Activities for Middle SchoolFree “Examine a Poem” activityFree set of poetry discussion questionsOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons

When you think of centers, you typically think of little kids, glue, construction paper, and a big mess. As a former first-grade teacher, I can certainly tell you that this is the absolute truth! But centers are NOT just for elementary school. In fact, one of the best literacy center ideas for middle school is for teaching reading skills and strategies. We will discuss:Why use literacy centersDeciding on teaching skills/comprehension strategiesTeaching your mini-lesson to introduce the conceptBrainstorming literacy center ideaCreating literacy centers that relate to studentsRunning your centersLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Free Symbolism Flipbook Literacy CenterLiteracy Centers Available in my TPT StoreReading Mini-Lessons Available in my TPT StoreOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons

Your teacher performance assessment can feel dreadful. Maybe it’s planned, and maybe you know there is one more left. Either way, you’ll need a shift in mindset will get you to understand how to showcase your strengths to your administrator. Although teacher observations can be very stressful, these "no fail” tips will help you to impress your administrators and score high.We will discuss:Anticipatory SetsWhy LESS teaching is betterWhy centers work incredibly well for observationsClipboards (sounds crazy, but it works)Higher-level questioningClosureLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:One-on-One Coaching for Observations and LessonsReading CentersFree language arts anticipatory promptsFree Bloom’s Taxonomy questioning sheet

If you are a middle school language arts teacher, then you teach reading skills.  There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level.  This is the seventh and final episode in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers.  This episode focuses on how to teach theme.Teaching theme in literature is a skill you’ll want kids to have now and throughout their academic careers. Understanding these concepts gives kids a deeper understanding of characters and conflict. So we will be talking all things reading skills, specifically theme.We will discuss: Why teach theme in literatureGeneral tips on teaching reading skillsWhat to include in a lesson on themePractice with theme - activities for kidsLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeachersInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:February Resources in my TPT StoreTeaching Reading Mini-Lessons PodcastTheme Mini-LessonTheme CentersFree Sample Theme StatementsReading Workshop products available on TPTCoaching:  Help with lesson planning and teacher observationsTeaching Writing Workshop Course

If you are a middle school language arts teacher, then you teach reading skills.  There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level.  This is the sixth in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers.  This episode focuses on teaching point of view and perspective.Teaching point of view and perspective in literature is a skill you’ll want kids to have now and throughout their academic careers. Understanding these concepts gives kids a deeper understanding of characters and conflict. So we will be talking all things reading skills, specifically point of view and perspective.We will discuss: Why teach point of view and perspective in literatureGeneral tips on teaching reading skillsWhat to include in a lesson on point of view and perspectivePractice with point of view and persepctive - activities for kidsLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeachersInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Become an Email SubscriberJoin our Middle School Language Arts Facebook GroupTeaching Reading Mini-Lessons PodcastPoint of View and Perspective Mini-LessonPoint of View and Perspective CentersFree “It Says/I Say” ChartReading Workshop products available on TPTJoin our Middle School Language Arts Facebook GroupCoaching:  Help with lesson planning and teacher observationsTeaching Writing Workshop Course

If you are a middle school language arts teacher, then you teach reading skills.  There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level.  This is the fifth in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers.  This episode focuses on teaching dialogue and internal monologue.Teaching dialogue and internal monologue in literature is a skill you’ll want kids to have now and throughout their academic careers. Understanding these concepts gives kids a deeper understanding of stories. So we will be talking all things reading skills, specifically dialogue and internal monologue.We will discuss: Why teach dialogue and internal monologue in literatureGeneral tips on teaching reading skillsWhat to include in a lesson on dialogue and internal monologuePractice with dialogue and internal monologue - activities for kidsLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeachersInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Become an Email SubscriberJoin our Middle School Language Arts Facebook GroupTeaching Reading Mini-Lessons PodcastDialogue and Internal Monologue Mini-LessonDialogue and Internal Monologue CentersFREE Dialogue and Internal Monologue Flip BookReading Workshop products available on TPTCoaching:  Help with lesson planning and teacher observationsTeaching Writing Workshop Course

If you are a middle school language arts teacher, then you teach reading skills.  There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level.  This is the fourth in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers.  This episode focuses on teaching symbolism.Teaching symbolism in literature is a skill you’ll want kids to have now and throughout their academic careers. Understanding symbolism gives kids a deeper understanding of stories. So we will be talking all things reading skills, specifically symbolism.We will discuss: Why Teach Symbolism in LiteratureGeneral tips on teaching reading skillsWhat to include in a lesson on conflict in literaturePractice with conflict in literature - activities for kidsLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeachersInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Become an Email SubscriberJoin our Middle School Language Arts Facebook GroupTeaching Reading Mini-Lessons PodcastSymbolism Mini LessonSymbolism CentersFREE Teaching Symbolism Flip BookReading Workshop products available on TPTCoaching:  Help with lesson planning and teacher observationsTeaching Writing Workshop Course

If you are a middle school language arts teacher, teaching reading skills is a must.There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level.  This is the third in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers.  This episode focuses on teaching conflict in literature.  Understanding types of conflict and how characters respond to conflict will be a definite skill for kids to have in their reading arsenal for the rest of their academic careers. Listen here for tips on teaching reading skills, specifically conflict in literature, in middle school.We will discuss: Why Teach Conflict in LiteratureGeneral tips on teaching reading skillsWhat to include in a lesson on conflict in literaturePractice with conflict in literature - activities for kidsLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeachersInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Become an Email SubscriberJoin our Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group!Conflict in Literature Mini-LessonConflict in Literature CentersTeaching Reading Mini-Lessons PodcastFree literary terms and plot structure mini-lessonReading Workshop products available on TPTCoaching:  Help with lesson planning and teacher observationsTeaching Writing Workshop Course

If you are a middle school language arts teacher, then you teach reading skills.  There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level.  This is the second in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers.  This episode focuses on teaching character analysis.  Teaching a deep understanding about characters will be a definite skill for kids to have in their reading arsenal for the rest of their academic careers. Listen here for tips on teaching reading skills, specifically character analysis, in middle school.We will discuss: Why Teach Character AnalysisGeneral tips on teaching reading skillsIdeas for teaching character analysis in your classroomPractice with character analysis - activities for kidsLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeachersInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Become an Email SubscriberJoin our Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group!Character Analysis CentersTeaching Reading Mini-Lessons PodcastFree literary terms and plot structure mini-lessonReading Workshop products available on TPTMini lessons on character analysis:Character Traits Character IdentityPressures on CharacterLess Likable Traits of CharactersMinor CharactersCoaching:  Help with lesson planning and teacher observations

If you are a middle school language arts teacher, then you teach reading skills.  There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level.  This is the first in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers, and we will begin with teaching plot structure.  Teaching plot structure will be a definite skill for kids to have in their reading arsenal for the rest of their academic careers. Listen here for tips on teaching reading skills, specifically plot structure, in middle school.We will discuss: Why Teach PlotGeneral tips on teaching reading skillsPractice with plot structure - activities for kidsFree plot structure mini-lessonLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeachersInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Become an Email SubscriberJoin our Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group! Plot Structure CentersTeaching Reading Mini-Lessons PodcastFree literary terms and plot structure mini-lessonReading Workshop products available on TPTCoaching:  Help with lesson planning and teacher observationsTeaching Writing Workshop Course

It's December and you're a teacher. If these two things are true, I don't need to spend much time explaining why it is such a stressful time of year. You're busy at school and you're busy at home. The tasks never end. Instead of stressing, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine...no judgment), and listen for easy winter classroom ideas to not only survive December but crush it as well. We will discuss:The Key:  PlanningWinter Classroom ideasKeeping some of the activities on the fun sideHoliday MoviesHoliday PartiesHoliday GamesThe day back from winter breakLet's connect!Subscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeachersInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School - TPTEmail:  lindacasaro22@gmail.comLinks mentioned in this episode:Become an Email SubscriberJoin our Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group!Winter/December Products on TPTNew Year's JamboardNew Year's Color CodeNew Year's Flip BookFree December Planning TemplateFree Reading Response “It Says/I Say” ActivityHoliday KaraokeHoliday PlaylistRandom Letter GeneratorCoaching:  Help with lesson planning and teacher observationsTeaching Writing Workshop Course