Blog - Jan's File Cabinet

5 Websites with Free Reading Passages and Question Sets

High-quality reading passages and question sets can serve as vital tools to improve reading comprehension, expose students to various topics and text types, and help

How to Handle Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom

Manage challenging behaviors in your intermediate or middle school classroom with strategies that create a positive learning environment for all students.

How to Build Your Classroom Library on the Cheap

A well-stocked classroom library can be a treasure trove for students, but budgets can be tight. Fear not! There are ways for teachers to get free and

How to Help Your Students Succeed with Independent Reading

Independent reading involves skills that our intermediate and middle-level students may or may not have when they come to us. As language arts teachers, it is our

10 Easy Back-to-School Activities for the Middle School ELA Classroom

These back-to-school activities for the ELA classroom will help get your school year off to an engaging start while making your life so much easier!

How to Increase Engagement While Analyzing a Text

For some students, analyzing a text can be as exciting as watching paint dry. So why not get them actively engaged with what they’re reading and spice it up a bit?

With all of today’s distractions, being able to calm the classroom can be challenging. It is important, however, that we create a peaceful and conducive learning

You can simplify essay grading using these tried-and-true methods. Stop using your personal time and get your weekends back! Analyzing writing can provide

6 Ways to Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset

How we communicate with our intermediate and middle school students on a daily basis can have a significant impact on their ability to develop a growth mindset.

Upper intermediate and middle school students can enhance their reading comprehension by focusing on six areas of word knowledge. It’s a simple fact…

Teaching students poetry writing doesn’t have to be complicated. With three easy steps and a no-prep resource, you’ll be ready in no time! Roses are

Teaching Students How to Rock Email Etiquette

Teaching middle school students proper email etiquette will prepare them for long-term personal, academic, and professional success. We’ve all been there.

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