Looking for simple tools that make a big difference in your classroom? These six everyday essentials—from a sticky note seating chart to a Redcat microphone—help keep my secondary ELA class running smoothly. Practical, affordable (well, mostly!), and teacher-tested. Grab ideas you can start using tomorrow to simplify your routine!
Category Archives: community building
Meaningful Classroom Decor for Secondary ELA
Let’s be honest—secondary students can sniff out a “fluff” poster from across the room. That’s why meaningful, content-rich decor matters. In an ELA classroom, wall space shouldn’t just be pretty—it should spark thinking, support learning, and build classroom culture. Here are some of my favorite go-to resources for decorating with intention: Reasons to Read BulletinContinue reading “Meaningful Classroom Decor for Secondary ELA”
Five ELA Activities for Early Finishers
It’s the reality in most secondary ELA classrooms with heterogenous populations that you’re going to have some students finish their assignments earlier than others. What do you usually have these students do?? Most ELA teachers will say, “I just have them read,” but if you want to kick it up a notch with some ideasContinue reading “Five ELA Activities for Early Finishers”
Review Games for Multiple Choice Questions for Secondary ELA
Engaging middle school students in review activities can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with the challenge of preparing them for THE BIG STATE TEST 😬 Fortunately, there’s a powerful tool in every teacher’s arsenal: multiple-choice review games. These games not only make reviewing content more enjoyable but also encourage critical thinkingContinue reading “Review Games for Multiple Choice Questions for Secondary ELA”
White Elephant Book Exchange In Your Classroom
Why do a white elephant book exchange in my classroom? Doing a white elephant book exchange is a fun holiday and community building activity for students! If you’ve never done it before, it can be amazing to get students in the holiday spirit while refreshing their home libraries. Every student who brings a book, getsContinue reading “White Elephant Book Exchange In Your Classroom”
©Exceptional ELA 