by Secondary Sara The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have a secret that more teachers need to steal. (Stay with me on this one...) If you want to be an Eagle Scout, then you need to earn certain merit badges. If you want to earn a merit badge, then you have to view the list of requirements for that merit badge (a checklist of action steps). If you've completed a requirement, then the Scoutmaster initials and dates each checklist item in your personal book to confirm that you did finish it. In my personal experiences with Scouting, I've seen how motivating those lists of requirements can be. Yes, there are external motivators (with the reward being the merit badge and the respective ranks it can help you acquire), but there's also something very compelling about a to-do list with that blank spot next to it, waiting to be checked off. I've been thinking a lot about this setup in the last five years, especially as a teacher, watching the students in my classrooms change. In a world filled with instant gratification and frequent feedback (i.e. social media comments/likes), many of my students are responding well to short-term goals, faster teacher affirmation, and small rewards on a longer trail of learning. I've been gradually experimenting with ways I can do the following: Give students feedback faster (instead of waiting on me to return a grade) Motivate all students to take more action steps (even those who hate "work") Praise students for doing the right thing Promote positive, proactive behaviors While I realize that most teachers are wary of overdoing rewards, stickers, prizes, or the "everyone gets a trophy" philosophy, that's not what I'm going for, either. Many older students just want recognition or feedback, and most of the ideas shown below don't have a carrot at the end. Below is a list of some of the tools and techniques I've been using in my middle school ELA classroom. These ideas are easily adaptable so that you can make them work best for you! 1. Stamp Sheets and Checklists Stamps are my NEW BEST FRIEND. My favorite tool is a simple Bingo dauber to stamp students' reading passports (see below). The stamp sheet you see here is a non-graded tool that I use alongside the Accelerated Reader program that my district requires; in other words, it's a motivational tool for independent reading so that I can reward students for positive reading behaviors, like meeting a goal or pacing their reading wisely. My second favorite tool is Crayola's emoji stamp markers, especially if the circles being stamped are smaller (see photo). What you see here is this year's (new) way that I'm tracking student points that are earned in our Grammar House Cup game. (See this blog post to learn more about that game.) Stamping these sheets has been the most effective way I've found to track student action steps. Get BOTH stamp sheets you see above FOR FREE at this link! (The templates also come with descriptors for what the grammar circles mean.) 2. Smaller reading deadlines Some students aren't ready to just "read to page 100 by Monday" and need to learn how to read a little every night. These pacing bookmarks have been epic for teaching students better reading habits! 3. Certificates and Superlatives In addition to whatever comments you may write on a rubric or assignment, you might want students to feel more pride in their work. One option is to use these certificates for public speaking, essays, or creative writing, which could be quietly stapled to student work or even celebrated more publicly in class. 4. Units in a Game Board format This is a super-customizable route that isn't as hard as it may seem. If your unit has a linear list of action steps, you might like framing it more visually in a game board! (Learn more in this blog post, OR download my game board templates here.) 5. Setting a Timer This could just be me and my students, but lately I've found that setting an actual timer works better than just telling students to get started, or even telling them that they only have a certain number of minutes. If you want increased focus, use a timer that they can see or hear. 6. Short Term Challenges If you want to try a 24-hour challenge, 1-week challenge, or even a 30-Day challenge, the pressure of a deadline can motivate some students to not procrastinate and to get started sooner. One example is this editable 30-Day Challenge for ELA. 7. Authentic Audiences for Writing Bringing in external "judges" from the community was one of the best things I did during my student teaching in high school. Get more ideas in this blog post, co-written with Nouvelle ELA, 6 Guest Speakers to Invite to Your English Class. 8. Positive Peer Pressure There's a specific literature unit I do each year in which we complete Chapter Study Guides and let students verbally quiz each other. It's a great way to find out who did (or didn't) read while still controlling the situation to prevent shaming. If students know this is coming, needing to be "on the ball" in front of their peers is a huge motivator! 9. Being in the Here and Now I suspect that most English teachers are already making strong real-world connections in their classrooms, but some students may still be too deep in the "here and now" to be motivated by grades, a future grade level, or college. Little ways to connect the topic to their present selves can sometimes help. One example is this FREE "Which Punctuation Mark Are You?" quiz. 10. Using Videos Whether you use a quick video to hook students into a lesson, employ the Flipped Classroom model, or let students make videos themselves, I've found that anything involving a video is more likely to get completed than other tasks or forms of homework. You might also like... Blog post by Tracee Orman, Encourage Creativity in Your Classroom Blog post by Room 213, Collaborative Poetry with "Where I'm From" poems Do you have ideas or questions? Tell me in the comments!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This guide will help you teach swimming lessons to teenage and adult beginners. It is intended to help new swim instructors teach well to a different type of stud…

Have you ever used songs to teach English vocabulary? Check out this post for top tips and sign up for a free La La Land lyrics lesson plan

Keep your teenage students motivated and engaged in their lessons by making your lessons more social and building better musicians.

Hello fellow ELA teachers! The coffee shop gals would like to discuss what we, as teachers, wish our students knew. Whether it's about personal matters or academic matters, teachers know a lot about life. Check out what these English Language Arts teachers have to say: My students, I wish you knew how to cite, write, read, and speak, and these are the things I hope to teach you. Cite your sources when you support a claim (and for goodness sake, Google is NOT a source!). Write your name on your paper and write in your journal every day. When you are thirty (fifty, sixty), you won't remember that awesome joke your 9th grade BFF told. Read the chapter I assigned, and then read read read for fun - hide under your covers with a flashlight and read your favorite novel until 2 AM. Speak up in class, and take a few deep breaths before you give a speech. Stretch your fingers and do some yoga for the brain. Speak out for those who need your voice and stretch your legs in marches for those who need your strength. Be brave, be kind, and be wise. This, I hope you learn. -Nouvelle ELA My students, I wish you knew that everything is not always as it seems and that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side. While it may look as if your friends or other students have it easy or all put together, that is not always the case. In a world filled with smokescreens and social media highlight reels, you might not ever truly know what people are going through, and for that reason, it is essential to always be kind and to treat one another with dignity and respect, whether you think they deserve it or not. Years after you graduate, you won’t ever regret taking the high road, though while in high school it might be one of the most difficult paths to take. -The Daring English Teacher I wish that you knew how much you hurt yourself when you let internet sites do the thinking for you. When I ask you to read or analyze a book, I want to know what YOU think. I want to know because what you think matters, but also because you give yourself such a gift when you stretch your brain and let yourself dig just a little deeper to figure something out. It's a gift that you can use forever. I'd much rather you come to class with a less than amazing answer that you came up with yourself, than one that you got from someone else. Trust yourself. Build your skills. And read the book!!! -Room 213 Students, I wish I could prove that detail and preparation matter. The reason we take time for proofreading, revision, practice, and rereading are all because the world will hold you to a high bar in life; I want you to be ready to succeed no matter what a boss, leader, or opposing viewpoint asks of you. These reasons are why you need to PREPARE for a speech, and not just wing it; why you need to reread your writing before pushing submit; why you need to take the time to research before giving an opinion; and why the "little" things like grammar, formatting, and design all stack up. Don't be afraid to be great, and don't avoid the habits that create greatness. -Secondary Sara To my students (past and future): There are so many things I wish you knew. 1. I wish you knew how much I truly, deeply care about each and every one of you and that I would do anything to ensure that you succeed at life in school and after graduation. 2. Perseverance, courage, and hard work PAY OFF! Literally. If you want to live a life free of worries, you need to focus on your future and dedicate time and effort in school right now. 3. I wish you knew that, as a teacher, I know and understand how challenging middle and high school can be. My door is always open and you can use my classroom as a safe haven at any time. 4. Lastly, I wish you knew why I became a teacher in the first place-- to change lives. I didn't become a teacher to bore you with grammar skills. I became a educator because my high school ELA teacher changed my life, and I want to have that same impact on you. Love, The SuperHERO Teacher Students, I wish you knew that you can still find the joy and passion for reading and writing that you had as a child before the practice became a requirement with instructions and restrictions. I want you to explore different texts to find ones that incite joy, curiosity, reflection, and connection. I wish you knew that becoming a reader often only requires finding the book that reflects your experience, makes a personal connection, or relates to your passion and urges you to find others like it. I wish you knew you could write without fear of judgement. When you put your pen to paper (or hands to your keyboard), I wish that you did so without hesitation as a means of expressing yourself, delving deeper into a topic, or creating your own world. -Presto Plans Students, I wish you knew that school is a stepping stone for life. Take advantage of the opportunities given to you: sports, school groups, volunteer opportunities, etc. Now is the time to get involved and try something new! These skills are not only great for you to learn, but also for your resume! Your teachers are helping to prepare you for life outside of school, so show up on time, bring your supplies, be respectful and do your best. These simple rules are expectations in a work environment, so take the positive feedback to heart that your teachers have been giving you! -The Classroom Sparrow I want my students to know - that please and thank you are worth their weight in gold, it's more fun to think outside the box, and that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you take the time to learn from them. To question, to wonder, to delve deeper.. To be proud of themselves, their struggles, and their accomplishments. I want them to know they're beautiful, no matter what the media says and that they deserved to be loved for who they are. Lastly, I want them to know that I care about them beyond their time in my classroom... and that they can come to me for help for anything. -Addie Williams When my students step into my classroom, I want them to know, really know, that education is a gift; that there truly is power in it, and that if they embrace all that there is to offer in their learning, they will be better poised to enter the global world in which they are living. Moreover, when it comes to learning English, I want them to know that no matter which field of study they wish to pursue, no matter which career they hope to embark on, the work we are doing in our course will serve them well. Whether it be the public speaking which prepares them for everything from a wedding speech to a job interview, or the writing which equips them to write both that cover letter and an academic report - I am trying to prepare them to be eloquent, critical thinkers who can express themselves fluently. - Stacey Lloyd What do YOU wish your students knew? Comment below!

In a teaching tailspin? These four research-based principles of instruction will help you focus on what really moves the needle.

Enjoy this complimentary sample of my Generic Lessons and Worksheets for Any Fictional Text. This is a quick critique that works with any work of fiction. Full Version of Generic Lessons for ANY Fictional TextELA Teacher's Toolkit for ANY Work of Fiction.Engaging, flexible, and requires no-prep (exc...

FREE rewards that teachers can give their students that will not cost any money, while at the same time, promoting a fun and interactive classroom atmosphere.

pumpkin-notes [Click this link to download] This summer I made some material to use for holidays and this is one of them. I learned a few new techniques in Photoshop and I wanted to try them out, so I drew a new pumpkin and you can see the results. I hope that you can use […]

Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals can help keep you motivated and get you closer to reaching your goal!

Read Growth Mindset Kit for Tweens & Teens by Big Life Journal on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Start here!

Set of 5 books - Grammar Minutes by Scolastic.

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I was packing up my three SLP offices this spring and boxing items in order of importance. Things I use all the time were well-labeled and grouped together so I can unpack that first in

Self-talk is the inner voice that goes on inside our heads throughout our waking hours. Positive self-talk is when we talk to ourselves in a reassuring, kind, and more optimistic way. It's the difference from saying to yourself: "I'm an idiot, I can't believe I failed this math test" or "I'm disappo

If you find a child, student, or client thinking negative thoughts often, you can help increase their sense of self-worth using this handout. It’s a therapeutic resource that teaches different coping skills, such as healthy habits, using positive statements and developing character traits. Whether a child experiences low self-esteem in particular situations or in all situations, encourage them to practice the skills on this handout. Parents, teachers, social workers, and mental health professionals can use this in individual or group settings. *This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed. Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of self-esteem worksheets and handouts.

Students work in pairs. Both students get similar pictures, but with 6 very tiny differences between them. They have to find all the differences without looking at each other's picture, only by asking questions from each other. Bless up, Kisdobos - ESL worksheets

This self-respect unit is a crucial element for strengthening the core curriculum and ensuring our students have a healthy level of self-respect and assertiveness to maintain high standards in their lives. Sadly, this characteristic is become more and more rare - we need to teach our students the right way, now while they are young! Product includes: • 18 slides of self-respect PowerPoint - fully structured so no prior experience is required to deliver it. The text is also editable for you to modify as needed! • 9 pages of self-respect Printables - graphic organizers go perfectly with the PowerPoint if you want your students to record their thoughts as you discuss. There is also a fun bonus homework included! They are in a PowerPoint format so they can easily be converted to Google Slides for paperless activities if preferred. • 24 unique discussion cards to develop speaking and listening skills. Your students will learn: • how to define self-respect • how to analyse their own and others' self-respect • where they might need to demonstrate self-respect • signs of high self-respect • signs of low self-respect • what can affect self-respect • self-awareness of their own self-respect • actionable steps to build self-respect In order to ensure these important skills can be integrated into our busy timetables, this resource has been designed to make it as easy to deliver as possible! It includes a structured PowerPoint that guides the class through discussions about self-respect and effective skills on how to be assertive and raise their standards. No prior knowledge or experience from you is required! On top of this, the PowerPoint text is editable so you can modify the content to suit your students’ needs, should you wish. Also included are bonus graphic organizers which are supplementary to the PowerPoint: they work as a helpful tool for students to record their thoughts in an aesthetically pleasing way that can then be used for bulletin board displays etc. You will also find a set of discussion task cards to spark conversation and thoughts on self-respect: these can be printed off for each group of students, or they can be used in whole class discussion – it is up to you! So help build your students' self-respect and encourage them to be all that you know they can be! Great for Character Education, Social Skills, Life skills and PSHCE (Physical, Social, Health, Citizenship Education) lessons. ************************************************************************* Check out these other great related products! • Courage: Character Education • Empathy: Character Education • Resilience: Character Education • Self-Esteem: Character Education • Cyber Bullying Awareness • Positive Attitude Task Cards and Posters • Bullying clip art • 101 inspirational and motivational classroom decoration posters • Social media exit tickets ************************************************************************* Useful Tips! • Receive free TPT credits to use on future purchases by going to your 'My Purchases' page in your account. Simply click the 'provide feedback' button and you will be taken to a page where you can rate and comment on the product. Each time you give me feedback, you earn 'feedback credits' that you can put towards future TpT purchases to reduce their costs! I do really value your feedback and I always look forward to reading what you think about my products! If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can email me at [email protected] • Be the first to know when I upload new products, discounts and freebies by clicking on the green star next to my store logo to become a follower! ************************************************************************ Where else you can find me: Read my Blog Listen to my Podcast Follow me on Pinterest Check out my Instagram Find me on Facebook *************************************************************************** ★★★ Download exclusive freebies: ★★★ Join my newsletter and get access to a library of exclusive freebies as a bonus!

This experiential activity helps kids and teens learn about making decisions and coping with the outcomes of those decisions.

This term I have found myself back in the classroom teaching A Level Sociology. It is the subject I love to teach and the topics it covers have never been

Place a check mark under how often you think you should complete each of the hygiene tasks on the list! Spanish Version Included with Download (pg. 2)!  Coloque una marca debajo de la frecuencia con la que cree que debe completar cada una de las tareas de higiene en la lista! ***This download is a fillable worksheet which allows the option to type or click directly into the document using an electronic device. A PDF Reader (Adobe, Foxit, etc.) is required in order to use fillable features. Worksheet can be saved on the device or sent electronically without the need to print. Learn more about fillable worksheets here! Worksheet can also be printed for in-person use with clients.

Monologues for teens are hard to find, but here's a list of free monologues that are so good, they practically act themselves!

Use this list of free resources to use as social emotional learning activities to help you work with kids and young adults. As a special educator for 10 years, I can say without a doubt that we need more social emotional learning supports for kids and young adults. Some of my best days in the classr

Rudyard Kipling said, “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” That’s a fact! I know it because I have been a word...

Fun and engaging ESL activities, games and worksheets in printable PDF format with full teacher's notes and answers for English teachers to use in class.

Thanks to the wonders of neuroplasticity, adolescents are primed to improve their performance in school—and beyond. Here’s how to help.

Learn about what it means to wear the armor of God through these fun visuals as well as the scriptures and music!

Idioms Anchor chart This is a fun packet that will help your students learn and discover idioms. This resource includes 20 idiom printable worksheets and a PowerPoint that will help your students learn and understand the meaning of idioms. On each worksheet, students must explain and illustrate one idiom. Let your students choose which idiom they prefer. This can be done by printing two copies of each idiom. (20 X 2 = 40) Students will have a lot of fun discovering idioms with this packet. They can illustrate their idiom in a funny way. Then, they can guess what it means and write a definition. They can share their answer and picture with their classmates. The PowerPoint can be shown at the end of the activity to help students discover the real meaning of each idiom. Fun! Fun! Fun! Idioms: Can’t judge a book by its cover Piece of cake Sit on the fence The ball is in your court Break the ice Think on your feet Go bananas Sink or swim Let the cat out of the bag Eats like a bird An apple a day keeps the doctor away It’s raining cats and dogs Heart of gold In hot water Saved by the bell On top of the world When pigs fly Butterflies in my stomach See eye to eye All ears A few more idioms...

If books are a uniquely portable magic, then podcasts are the wizard in your pocket. When you find interesting podcasts for teens that they want to listen to, you will open up a whole new world of literacy for secondary students. Did you know that podcast listeners are 29% more likely to have a household ... Read More about Why You Should Be Using Podcasts in Secondary ELA