5 back to school Activities for middle school ELA
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Oct 16, 2023 Summer days are slowly coming to a close. It is time to start thinking of some stellar back to school activities for middle school to…
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6 things Every ELA TEACHER SHOULD DO
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Feb 20, 2024 Welcome to the start of a new school year! This is an exciting time where we have the chance to create a thriving classroom environment…
Blog · Elementary · English · Novel Studies · Novel Studies
Because of Winn Dixie Novel Study Ideas
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 19, 2023 Kate DiCamillo’s novel, “Because of Winn-Dixie,” is a heartwarming story about the power of friendship and seeing beyond appearances. This beautiful tale explores themes of…
Blog · Elementary · English · Middle School · Novel Studies · Novel Studies
7 Strategies for teaching paired passages
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 19, 2023 Teaching with paired passages Paired passages are a newer addition to my teacher toolbox, and I have absolutely loved using them with my learners. These…
Blog · Elementary · English · Middle School · Novel Studies · Novel Studies
How to find paired passages
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 19, 2023 When it comes to non-fiction paired passages, it is essential to dedicate some time to discover subjects or themes that genuinely captivate your students’ attention….
Blog · Elementary · English · Middle School · Novel Studies · Novel Studies
Using Non-Fiction Paired Passages to Enhance Novel Studies
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 21, 2023 Using non-Fiction Paired Passages Non-fiction paired passages, also known as paired texts, connect two texts in a meaningful way. With the introduction of the Common…