Staring at a blank page has always been the writer’s greatest enemy. Whether you are a 6th grader trying to write a persuasive essay or a high school senior drafting a college application, the hardest part of writing is often just starting. In the past, we were told to wait for inspiration or write what we know. But in 2026, the most successful writers have a secret weapon. They know how to incorporate AI into their writing routine without losing their own voice. Developing

The high school English classroom has experienced a seismic shift. In 2026, we have moved past the ban or allow debate that dominated earlier years. With over 70% of high school students now using AI writing assistants for schoolwork, the challenge for ELA teachers is no longer about keeping technology out. It’s about bringing it in as a tool for deeper thinking and writing. Integrating AI writing assistants in high school isn't about automating the essay. It’s about using

The AI Panic of a few years ago has officially left the building. In 2026, middle school teachers are no longer asking if they should use AI in the classroom, but how to use it in the classroom. During the middle school years, students move away from learning to read and into the writing to argue phase of secondary education. However, this is also where many students hit a wall. Students have a hard time organizing a five-paragraph essay while also managing grammar, synta

If you’ve ever taught a reading comprehension skill in September only to have students forget it by October, you’re not alone. As teachers, especially those working with English language learners, we know that mastery doesn’t come from a single lesson. It grows through consistent, repeated exposure. That’s where spiral review becomes a game-changer. Today, I’m breaking down why spiral review works best for reading comprehension and exactly how to use spiral review in readin

A Practical Guide to Step-by-Step Reading to Writing Instruction When teachers talk about literacy instruction, reading and writing often get separated into different lessons, different blocks, and different skill sets. But the truth is this: students learn best when reading and writing work together . For many learners, especially EAL/ELL students, the jump from understanding a text to writing about it is enormous. They can answer comprehension questions orally, but when as

The winter months are tough, aren't they? Post-holiday fatigue sets in, the days are short, and student engagement can feel like trying to pull a wool sweater over a grumpy cat. As ELA and EAL teachers, we face a big challenge: how do we keep the academic rigor high—pushing for deep comprehension and evidence-based writing—when student energy is running on fumes? The answer isn’t more flashy activities; it’s creating a weekly reading to writing cycle . Unstructured ELA tim