PRESTO PLANS BLOG

In my experience, the last week of school can be a tricky time for students (and let’s face it – for teachers, too!). The last week brings up all kinds of “big” feelings – excitement for summer break, the sadness of saying goodbye, and everything in between! As the year winds down, I find many […]

In my opinion, short stories are the perfect teaching tool. In just a few pages, students can practice essential ELA skills, including analyzing complex plot elements, making connections, and examining new vocabulary words in context. If you’re looking for a short, intense short story to really hook your middle or high school students, you might […]

Happy Poetry Month! Do you find your students struggle with poetry writing assignments? You’re not alone! I notice that many middle and high school students find it challenging to tap into their creative side, especially when it comes to poetry composition. One trick I find useful is to take an outside-the-box approach to poetry writing […]

I’ve always thought Earth Day deserves a lot of attention in the classroom! April 22 is a time for students to reflect on the current state of the planet, and consider the actions – both big and small – that can have a significant impact on the planet. If you’re looking for a creative Earth […]

Happy Poetry Month! Have you found that poetry can be a really complex topic for some middle and high school students? If so, you’re not alone! I used to really struggle to make poetry relevant to teenage students, but I think I’ve found the secret ingredient … music! I find using music to teach poetry […]

At this time of year, you might be wondering how best to prepare students for standardized tests without sacrificing engagement, creativity, or fun in middle and high school ELA. Let’s face it – review activities have a reputation for being dry. Getting students ready for standardized tests can feel daunting, especially at an already busy and […]

Not sure where to start when it comes to teaching grammar in middle school? Don’t worry! I’ve been there. Figuring out how to teach grammar basics in ELA can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, with a bit of creativity and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can make grammar accessible (and maybe even […]