As you strive to find more ways to make ELA fun for middle school students, consider using animal references to enrich your classroom!
Animals are often a fan favorite. These wonderful creatures frequently attract attention at events like state fairs, petting zoos, carnivals, and, of course, city zoos and parks.
Given that animals are a high-interest topic for many people, not just kids, why not use animal references to enhance your classroom?
Incorporating animals into your middle school ELA classroom isn’t all that complicated. By selecting some engaging texts, utilizing animal-related resources, and creating opportunities for students to discuss and work on projects related to animals, you can provide numerous chances for them to learn about animals while practicing their ELA skills.
Let’s explore some practical ways to use animal references to enrich your classroom.
Making Middle School ELA Fun with Animal References
Animal-Themed Texts
As with most ELA activities, the easiest place to start is by choosing the right books for your classroom library. While students can also research on their Chromebooks or computers, sometimes a good old-fashioned book with pictures is a great starting point.
Reference resources like National Geographic and other nature-related periodicals offer students a chance to practice their reading while learning about topics they enjoy.
Additionally, consider having books on hand where animals play a primary role in the narrative or plot. There are many books with main or important animal characters, so consult your librarian or media specialist to find the best options for your students.
Animal-Themed Resources
Another way to incorporate animal-related topics into your ELA classroom is by using animal-themed resources. For example, a Zoo-Themed Paired Passage can be utilized in various ways, bringing a topic that students are genuinely interested in into your curriculum.
One of the benefits of Zoo-Themed Paired Passages is their versatility. You can use them to work on reading comprehension and fluency, as a basis for a Socratic seminar, or as a starting point for a research project. With this one resource investment focused on a high-interest topic like animals, you can engage in multiple enjoyable activities.
If students are particularly interested in specific animals, you can search Teachers Pay Teachers for resources related to those animals. Spending a little extra time and money on these resources can save you a lot of effort in the long run and show students that you are willing to integrate their interests into the classroom.
Animal-Themed Projects
Finally, let’s discuss animal-themed projects. The middle school ELA classroom is an excellent environment for students to create projects based on their high-interest topics. Don’t hesitate to develop some animal-themed projects.
These projects can take various forms. For example:
- Students can create graphic novels featuring animal-themed characters they have developed, working on plot and characterization. This also allows students with an interest in art to incorporate their skills or collaborate with others who share that interest.
- Students can research the current state of their favorite animals, exploring whether the animals are endangered or have unique characteristics. This can deepen their interest and inspire them to use their passion for animals to make a positive impact.
- Students can also reach out to local zoos to create documents or social media posts for the zoo, contributing to their marketing efforts. Communicating effectively and building support through writing is a valuable skill that aligns with the modern ELA curriculum.
Hopefully, these animal-themed ideas will find their way into your classroom. Take the time early in the semester to learn about your students’ interests and get creative with incorporating them into your projects, whether you’re adapting existing ones or developing new ones.
Even if your flexibility is limited when using animal references in ELA, using animal-themed resources like the Zoo-Themed Paired Passages can demonstrate your commitment to your students’ interests without adding significant hassle to your planning.
Happy planning!