Learning Curve

A Long Walk to Water Survival Project: Taking the Novel Into the Makerspace

2026-10-04T16:26:24.484-04:00

This is one of my favorite projects ever! Former students remember this project fondly. I did not develop this alone! My bestie and our school librarian, Debbie, came up with the original idea so students could work in our school's awesome makerspace. However, we have also completed it in the classroom with less hot glue (ha, and more tape!)

Some groups finish early. Others are still trying to hold their project together when it is almost time to present. If you have ever assigned a middle school group project, you probably know exactly what that looks like.

That is part of the process with the survival project I use alongside Linda Sue Park’s A Long Walk to Water. However, you could actually do this project with any survival-type novel. Students take a problem from the novel and develop a solution that could help a character. They have to return to the text, explain their thinking, and figure out how to represent their idea with the materials available.

From reading to designing

Students begin by identifying three survival problems from the novel. For each one, they record a chapter or page reference, explain how the problem affects a character, and brainstorm a possible solution.

Then each group chooses one idea to develop.

Before building, students sketch their design, label its parts, list materials, and decide who will do what. This planning stage gives me a chance to check their understanding and approve the idea before construction begins.

The connection to the novel matters. Students need to explain who their design would help, why it would help, and what limitations it would have.

How we use our school makerspace

We complete this project in our school makerspace, where students can use a 3D printer, tools, and glue guns under supervision. Having another adult present to help monitor equipment use makes the work easier to manage.

Access to equipment gives students more ways to develop their ideas, but teachers can also use just cardboard, tape, string, craft sticks, and clean containers. I often have students who will bring in old cloth or materials from home. A detailed, labeled drawing is another option when building time or supplies are limited.

Students test or review their designs, record what happens, and consider changes. Sometimes the first attempt reveals a problem they did not notice in the sketch. That gives them something useful to explain during their presentation.

What do early finishers do?

Early finishers complete an individual self-reflection while other groups continue working.

The reflection asks students to explain their solution, identify what they learned, describe their strongest contribution, and consider what they would change. It also gives each student a chance to discuss how the group worked together.

Students present in their groups, with every member explaining a part of the project. Groups waiting for their turn can continue final construction or finish their reflections. More elaborate projects may need additional work time.

I put the project into a teacher-ready packet

I recently organized this project into a printable and editable resource for The Analog Teacher on Teachers Pay Teachers.

The packet includes teacher and student directions, brainstorming and planning sheets, a testing and revision page, presentation guidance, a 12-point rubric, individual reflection, and a teacher sample-response guide. It comes with an editable PowerPoint and a README with printing and setup instructions.

You can find the A Long Walk to Water Survival Project in The Analog Teacher store, along with my other resources for the novel.

For listening support, I also have an A Long Walk to Water read-aloud playlist on my Miss Zeglin YouTube channel. Students can follow along in their own copies of the book.

This project gives students a reason to revisit the novel with a specific question: What could help this character—and how would it actually work?

Labels: A Long Walk to Water, Novel Study, Middle School ELA, Makerspace, Survival Project, Project-Based Learning, The Analog Teacher

I Thought My Owala Was Broken: An Honest Owala FreeSip Sway Review

2026-08-22T14:33:10.736-04:00

This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased this bottle myself, and this post is not sponsored.

I am an idiot.

For years, I scoffed at people carrying enormous, heavy water bottles everywhere they went. I watched people (and kids!) spend ridiculous amounts of money on them, drop them with a crash loud enough to make me fear the business office workers on the floor below us would fly up to my classroom to yell, leave them behind, and then buy another one.

I did not understand it.

It was a water bottle. I already owned water bottles. I mainly used disposable ones. Sure, they didn't stay that cold and sometimes imploded...but why would I need a special one?

Then my nieces became interested in getting new water bottles. I bought my younger niece an Owala for Christmas, and she loved it. She suggested that I get one too.

Naturally, I told her, “I don’t need one.”

Apparently, I did.

The Disposable Water Bottle Disaster

When I returned to school for our beginning-of-the-year inservice training, the water fountains were turned off. I ran out of water, and the disposable bottle I had brought with me was useless.

The next day, I tried to prepare by bringing more water. That didn’t go particularly well either. One bottle broke (I almost got my new laptop wet), the other leaked, and the water became warm much too quickly.

I was spending the entire day in training, moving around the building and trying to prepare two different classrooms. This year, I’ll teach seventh-grade English in one room during the morning and sixth-grade art in another room after lunch. Carrying several flimsy plastic bottles from room to room was clearly not a brilliant long-term plan. And again, I almost got my new laptop wet...

I finally reopened the Owala link my niece had sent me.

The Owala FreeSip Sway bottle in Black Cherry had several features that immediately appealed to me:

A large carrying handle
A built-in straw
An insulated stainless-steel body
A 30-ounce capacity
A shape that would fit in my car’s cupholder
A very nice dark red Black Cherry color

Fine. I ordered it.

They Sent Me a Broken One

The bottle arrived, and I loved the color. I washed it and prepared to use it for the first time.

Then I tried the straw.

Nothing happened.

I pulled at it. I yanked at it. I examined it from several different angles.

Obviously, they had sent me a defective bottle. The straw was broken.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to investigate because I had to leave for another inservice training. I filled the bottle and took it to school anyway.

During the training, I noticed that one of the younger teachers had an Owala too. I told her, “I really like it, but they sent me one with a broken straw.”

Several people laughed.

Then they showed me how to use it.

The straw was not broken. It was built into the bottle. You simply put your mouth over the smaller opening in the lid and sip.

Apparently, I needed a group of younger teachers to show me how to drink from a water bottle—like a koala.

In my defense, I had never seen a straw that didn’t stick out of the top.

Oh. This is why people love these bottles.

Once I stopped trying to pull out a straw that was never supposed to come out, I finally took a drink.

Whoa.

The FreeSip lid allows you to sip through the built-in straw while holding the bottle upright. You can also tilt the bottle and drink through the larger opening when you want a bigger drink.

That little straw really did make a difference.

I didn’t need to unscrew a cap, tip my head backward or worry about dumping water on myself. I could pick up the bottle, press the button, take a quick drink and close it again.

My water stayed cold throughout the school day. Even more surprisingly, I drank more water than I normally do.

A lot more. Where was my afternoon dehydration headache? Gone!

Why It Works for Me as a Teacher

Teachers don’t always have convenient opportunities to refill a glass or stand at a water fountain. We may be talking, helping students, answering questions, carrying materials, or moving between classrooms.

Sometimes, tiny inconveniences become reasons not to drink enough water.

The Owala FreeSip Sway removes most of those inconveniences.

The handle matters because I can carry it while moving between my English and art classrooms. The 30-ounce size holds enough water to be useful without becoming completely ridiculous. It fits in my car’s cupholder, and the insulated bottle keeps the water cold instead of turning it into unpleasant room-temperature sadness by lunchtime.

Most importantly, the built-in straw makes drinking water almost effortless.

That sounds like a very small thing. It is a small thing. But when a small improvement makes you use something more consistently, it stops being insignificant.

Is There Anything I Don’t Like?

This is still one of those heavy water bottles I mocked for years. Once it is filled with water, it has some weight to it.

It also costs considerably more than a disposable bottle or one of the basic plastic bottles I already owned. I am not going to pretend that anyone needs an expensive water bottle to survive.

You also have to wash the lid and straw properly. Any reusable bottle with a straw requires more attention than rinsing out a plain cup. I already have a lot of those little straw brushes, but I think this should come with its own.

Still, none of that has changed my opinion. I actually use this bottle, carry it with me, and drink from it throughout the day and night. I discovered that I can drink this IN BED and it doesn't spill. That makes it more valuable than the cheaper bottles sitting unused in my cupboards.

Was It Worth It?

Yes.

I was wrong. My niece was right.

The Owala FreeSip Sway 30-ounce bottle is practical, easy to carry, cupholder-friendly, and remarkably pleasant to drink from once someone explains that the straw is not broken.

My water stayed cold all day, and I drank more water than I normally ever do.

So yes, I have become one of those people carrying around a large stainless-steel water bottle.

I understand now.

Why didn’t I get one sooner? And do I need a second one for night????

The First Week of Middle School: Get Organized Before the Chaos Starts

2026-08-07T20:57:18.297-04:00

We go back to school next week. Even though I have done this probably over 25 times, I still get nervous. One thing that helps me is being prepared with a lot of activities.

I like to begin the year with routines that help me learn who my students are, communicate clearly with families, and get a quick sense of students’ writing skills—without creating a mountain of grading before the first Friday.

That is why I created my Editable First Days of School Packet for Middle School.

This 17-page resource includes the practical forms and activities I actually want ready at the beginning of the year:

A welcome letter and parent/guardian letter
Supply list and parent/guardian contact form
A two-page student inventory
Classroom expectations and agreement
A first-day reflection essay prompt and lined writing page
Teacher guides, first-week schedule ideas, printing tips, and organization suggestions

The packet is editable in PowerPoint, so teachers can change the wording, contact information, supply list, expectations, and activities to fit their own classroom. It also includes a print-ready PDF for anyone who would rather print it and move on with life.

One of my favorite pieces is the first-day reflection essay. It gives students a chance to write, while giving the teacher an early snapshot of writing strengths and needs. I use a simple +, =, and − sorting system rather than trying to grade every essay in detail during the first week. Then I save the essays in an END OF YEAR folder so students can revisit them later and see how far they have come. We often read them aloud the last week of school and have a laugh.

The packet also includes ideas for preparing a NEW STUDENT WELCOME folder, because middle school enrollment changes can be tough to keep up with.

You can find the resource here:

Editable First Days of School Packet for Middle School

Here’s to a more organized first week—at least on paper.

Labels: Back to School, Middle School, Teacher Resources, Classroom Management, Student Inventory, First Day of School, Teachers Pay Teachers

Why I Still Use a Paper Teacher Planner in a Digital School

2026-07-03T20:41:08.698-04:00

Although my school has an electronic grade system and "calendar", I still rely on a paper planner and grade book every day. I put calendar in quotes because mine rarely works correctly. To many people, it seems odd that I use my paper system so religiously.

That is not because I dislike technology. It is because technology does not always cooperate with the reality of teaching.

The internet connection in my classroom can be unreliable. Sometimes an online grade does not save correctly. Sometimes a page will not load when I need it. Sometimes I am sitting in a meeting, professional development session, parent conference, or presentation where opening several different programs would be slower than simply writing something down.

My paper planner is the place where everything comes together.

My Ironclad Rule for Email and Meetings

I have one nonnegotiable rule:

Every time I check my school email, I immediately record important dates and meetings in my paper planner.

I do not tell myself that I will remember later. I do not leave the email flagged and hope I notice it again. I write it down while the information is in front of me.

That includes:

faculty and department meetings
IEP, gifted, and 504 meetings
parent conferences
professional development
early-release days
in-service days
field trips
coverage (Ugh, we don't get paid extra for this)
schedule changes
testing dates
days with delays, cancellations, or remote instruction

Teaching schedules have too many moving parts to trust to memory alone.

Why I Still Keep a Paper Grade Book

My paper grade book has also saved me more than once.

When the internet is unreliable or an online grade does not record properly, I still have the original information written down. I can check scores, confirm missing work, and reconstruct what happened without guessing.

A paper grade book also gives me a quick view of the class without opening a device, waiting for a page to load, or clicking through multiple menus. I sometimes go around the room with my gradebook to check that student work is completed. At the start of the year, I do a quick writing assessment. I mark students +/=/- based on their writing level. I also like to mark standardized test scores and other data down in the roster format.

Digital grade books are useful, but I do not believe the backup system should exist only inside the system that may fail. I know others who have had their electronic grades wiped out and had no back-up.

One Place for the Whole School Week

A useful teacher planner should help teachers see the week quickly.

I prefer a horizontal Monday-through-Friday layout with enough room to record:

lessons and assignments
meetings
schedule changes
coverage duties
parent communication
grading reminders
materials I need to prepare
important student information

I also need flexibility. School schedules are not always predictable, and a planner should not assume that every week will follow the same perfect pattern.

There are testing days, assemblies, two-hour delays, field trips, early dismissals, in-service days, substitute assignments, weather interruptions, and sudden meetings that apparently reproduce when teachers are not looking.

A Planner Should Reduce Mental Load

The purpose of a planner is not to create one more elaborate system teachers have to maintain.

It should reduce the number of things a teacher is trying to hold in their head.

A good planner makes it easier to answer:

What do I need to teach today?
What must be prepared for tomorrow?
Which meetings are coming up?
What assignments need graded?
Which students need follow-up?
What changed in the schedule?
What absolutely cannot be forgotten?

The planner should make the week more visible, not more complicated.

Going Analog Does Not Mean Rejecting Technology

Using paper does not mean refusing to use digital tools.

I still use email, online grading systems, digital curriculum platforms, and classroom technology. The difference is that I do not rely on those systems as my only record.

My paper planner works beside the digital tools.

That combination gives me:

a reliable backup
a clearer weekly view
fewer forgotten dates
a place for handwritten notes
less dependence on Wi-Fi
one central system I can carry into any meeting

Going analog is not about pretending technology does not exist. It is about choosing the right tool for the job.

The Planner I Actually Wanted

I started designing a teacher planner based on what I genuinely use during the school year.

I wanted space for planning, meetings, grades, notes, schedule changes, and the endless small pieces of information teachers are expected to remember.

I did not want a planner filled with decorative pages that looked attractive but did not help during a real school week. I wanted something practical, flexible, and built for the way teachers actually work.

Link: https://amzn.to/3QFeU2d

A paper planner cannot eliminate the chaos of teaching. It can, however, keep you sane and organized.

Don't forget to get yourself some awesome and beautiful pens, stickers, and some pen holders!

Link: https://amzn.to/4bqIVK2

Link: https://amzn.to/4vmwOoM

Link: https://amzn.to/4aCsPgd

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me continue creating resources for teachers.

Labels: Going Analog, Teacher Planner, Teacher Organization, Classroom Management, Teaching Tips, Paper Planning

How I Teach A Long Walk to Water in Middle School ELA

2026-06-15T18:40:19.240-04:00

Teaching A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is one of those units that can be simple, powerful, and surprisingly effective with middle school students.

The chapters are short. The structure is interesting. The themes are strong. Students can talk about survival, family, water, war, leadership, responsibility, and hope without needing a giant, overcomplicated novel packet.

I have taught this book in a few different ways over the years, but this is the routine that works best for me in a real middle school classroom.

I keep the structure consistent, build background knowledge as needed, and give students repeated tools they can use throughout the book: gist statements, survival factors, vocabulary, discussion, journal writing, and short assessments.

Start with the Big Themes

Before we read, I like to start with an anticipation guide based on some of the major ideas in the novel.

Students respond to statements such as:

A leader is born, not made.
Water is our most precious resource.

There are no “right” answers yet. Students have to make a choice, explain their thinking, and listen to other people’s opinions.

I usually have students respond quietly first before we discuss. Middle school students need time to think before they are expected to talk, especially when the questions are abstract or personal.

This activity also gives us something useful to return to later. At the end of the novel, students can look back and decide if their opinions changed.

That part matters. It shows students that reading is not just about finishing chapters. A good book can shift how you think.

Build Background Knowledge Before Chapter 1

Before students can understand the novel, they need some context.

Many students come in with very limited geography knowledge. Some honestly think Africa is one country. That is not something to shame them for. It is just a starting point.

So before we begin the book, we slow down and establish a few basic ideas:

Africa is a continent.
Sudan is a country.
South Sudan was not an independent country in 1985.
The setting matters.
Geography affects survival.
Water access is not the same everywhere.
Conflict can force people to leave home.

I usually do a short PowerPoint on Sudan. I keep it practical and visual. Students need to know where the story is set, what the landscape is like, and why war, displacement, and access to water matter.

I usually include:

where Sudan is located
surrounding countries
the Nile River
climate and terrain
a simple explanation of the Second Sudanese Civil War
refugees and displacement
what “the bush” means in the context of the story

I do not turn this into a full history lecture. The goal is not to overwhelm students before they even meet the characters.

The goal is to give them enough background knowledge so the opening chapters make sense.

Use a Map Early, But Carefully

I also like using a map activity near the beginning of the unit.

The tricky part is that the map in the front of the book can be a spoiler. It shows Salva’s route before students understand why he is traveling.

So instead of explaining the whole route immediately, I use the map as an ongoing activity.

Students locate Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Nile River, and the Gilo River. Then, as the story unfolds, they add to Salva’s route step by step.

This works better than front-loading everything. Students are not just staring at a map they do not understand yet. They are using the map as the novel gives them more information.

The map also helps students think about practical survival questions:

How far is this journey?
What happens if you have to cross a river and cannot swim?
What would it feel like to walk through dry land or desert?

This is where the story becomes more concrete. Students can begin to see that survival is not just about being brave. It is also about water, distance, land, weather, borders, and luck.

Preview the Cover and Make Predictions

Before reading Chapter 1, we look closely at the book cover.

Students make predictions based on:

the title
the image
the colors
the setting clues
the mood
the phrase “a long walk”
the possible role of water

This is a quick activity, but it helps students slow down and notice details before jumping into the text.

I do not need a huge assignment here. A few thoughtful predictions are enough.

Introduce Linda Sue Park

I also introduce Linda Sue Park before we get too far into the book.

I show students a few of her other books, including A Single Shard, which won the Newbery Medal. I have read A Single Shard, and it is a good connection because students can see that Park often writes books connected to history, culture, identity, and perseverance.

I keep this part brief.

The goal is simply to remind students that A Long Walk to Water was written by an author with a larger body of work. It helps them see the book as part of a reading world, not just another school assignment.

I also introduce the genre of historical fiction without giving away too much too soon.

Read Chapter 1 Together

I like to read Chapter 1 together.

Sometimes I read it aloud myself. Sometimes I play my own YouTube video of me reading it. Either way, I want students to hear the tone and structure of the book before they start working more independently.

After Chapter 1, we stop and discuss:

Who are the two main characters?
Where is each character?
What do we notice about the time periods?
What problems are already being introduced?
What questions do we have?

This is also where we start talking about cattle culture and why cattle matter in Salva’s world.

Students need to understand that cattle are not just random animals in the background. They are connected to family, wealth, responsibility, culture, and survival.

Teach the Structure Early

One of the most important things students need to understand is the structure of the novel.

The book follows two main characters:

Salva in 1985 (black text)
Nya in 2008 (brown text)

Students need to notice that the novel moves back and forth between both storylines. If they miss that structure early, they can get confused quickly.

We talk about how both stories are connected by survival, water, family, and place, even though students do not yet know exactly how everything will come together.

This does not have to be complicated.

I usually keep returning to simple questions:

Are we with Salva or Nya?
What year is it?
What problem is this character facing?
What does this character need in order to survive?

That repeated structure helps.

Start the Vocabulary Packet

After students have some context, we begin the vocabulary packet.

This is where I use my vocabulary resource from Teachers Pay Teachers. I like having vocabulary structured because it gives students repeated practice without making me reinvent the routine every day.

For each section, students work with key words from the chapter. Depending on time, we may define words together, use context clues, write sentences, or discuss how the words connect to the story.

The important thing is that vocabulary does not become separate from the novel.

The words should help students understand the story.

Use a Repeated Reading Routine

Once we get into the book, the routine stays fairly consistent.

For each chapter or section, students usually work with:

Gist

What is the basic idea of this chapter?

Survival Factors

What helps the character survive?

Vocabulary

Which words matter for understanding this section?

Discussion

What is changing? What is getting harder? What choices are characters making?

Short Assessment or Checkpoint

What do students understand so far?

This routine helps because students know what to expect. They are not learning a brand-new activity every day. They are practicing the same reading skills with new parts of the novel.

That matters in middle school.

Novel units can get bloated fast. A consistent routine keeps the focus on reading, thinking, and understanding.

Add Coloring Sheets When Time Allows

This year, I used coloring sheets with the novel, and students loved them.

I do not use coloring as a replacement for reading or thinking. I use it as a calm, focused activity students can do while listening or after completing written work.

For some classes, this kind of activity helps students settle down and stay with the story. It also gives them something visual to connect with the setting, characters, and themes.

Middle school students still like to color.

The key is to make it purposeful, not filler.

Keep Connecting Back to Survival

One of the strongest lenses for this book is survival.

As we read, students track different survival factors, such as:

water
food
family
community
leadership
hope
knowledge
adaptability
physical endurance
courage
environment
help from others

This gives students a clear way to think about both Salva and Nya. It also prepares them for discussion, written responses, and the final assessment.

Survival is concrete enough for students to understand, but broad enough to lead into bigger themes.

That makes it a useful anchor for the whole unit.

Use Journal Writing

Journal writing works well with this novel because students need time to process the ideas.

Some prompts I like connect to survival, responsibility, and choice.

For example:

How would your life change if getting water took hours every day?
What responsibilities should children have in a family?
What makes someone a leader?

These prompts help students connect personally to the themes without pretending their lives are the same as the characters’ lives.

That distinction matters.

The goal is not to say, “You know exactly what this feels like.”

The goal is to help students build empathy, perspective, and understanding.

Use Assessments Throughout the Book

I use short assessments as we move through the novel.

These might include:

vocabulary checks
chapter comprehension questions
short constructed responses
gist statements
theme questions
character analysis
evidence-based responses

I would rather check understanding throughout the book than wait until the end and discover that students were lost six chapters ago.

Short checks also help me decide when to slow down, reread, or review.

Save the “Salva Is Real” Moment

One of the best parts of the unit is when students find out that Salva is a real person.

I do not lead with that immediately.

After we finish the novel, students learn more about the real Salva Dut and Water for South Sudan. I show videos from Salva’s real organization so students can see the connection between the novel and real life.

This is usually a strong moment because students realize the story is not just historical fiction floating somewhere in the abstract.

It connects to real people, real places, and real work still happening.

The TED Talk with Salva is also good material for this part of the unit.

Final Assessment

After finishing the book, students complete a final assessment.

Depending on the class and the year, this may focus on:

theme
character change
survival factors
comparing Salva and Nya
text evidence
short constructed responses
literary analysis

The goal is for students to show that they understand the novel, can explain major ideas, and can support their thinking with evidence from the text.

End with a Survival Project

If we have time, I like ending with a survival-based project.

One of the most memorable versions of this unit was when students built water filters and carried jugs of water for as long as their arms would allow them.

It was fun, but it was also meaningful.

Students could physically feel how hard it is to carry water. They could think about weight, distance, thirst, fatigue, and daily responsibility in a way that a worksheet alone cannot create.

A survival makerspace project can also work well.

Students can choose one survival factor from the book and design or build something that would help someone survive in the world of the novel.

Possible survival factors include:

finding water
carrying water
filtering water
protecting oneself from heat
staying together as a group
signaling for help
carrying supplies
creating shelter
organizing a community

Students have to explain what they made, which survival factor it connects to, and how it would help a character in the book.

That explanation piece is important. Otherwise, it can turn into craft time with weak academic connection.

Return to the Anticipation Guide

At the end of the unit, we return to the same theme statements from the beginning.

Students look at their original opinions and decide whether their thinking changed.

This is one of the easiest ways to show growth.

Students can see that their thinking developed over the course of the novel.

My Pre-Reading Packet for A Long Walk to Water

I also created a printable A Long Walk to Water pre-reading and journal packet for teachers who want these opening activities ready to use.

It includes:

anticipation guide
background knowledge activity
map activity for tracing Salva’s route
journal prompts
Linda Sue Park author and genre bonus page
journal writing rubric
teacher guides
answer keys

You can find it here:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Long-Walk-to-Water-Pre-Reading-Activities-Journal-Packet-16694181

Final Thoughts

My biggest advice for teaching A Long Walk to Water is this: do not overcomplicate it.

The book already has strong characters, high stakes, and important themes. Students need background knowledge, structure, discussion, and repeated practice with reading skills.

A simple routine works:

build context
read consistently
track gist
track survival factors
practice vocabulary
discuss major themes
assess along the way
connect the story to real life
return to the original theme questions

That is enough.

Students do not need a different activity every single day. They need a clear path through the book and enough support to understand why the story matters.

A Long Walk to Water Final Assessment for Middle School ELA

2026-05-25T14:46:26.061-04:00

If you teach A Long Walk to Water, you know the challenge: by the end of the novel, you need a way to check comprehension, vocabulary, and key themes without spending hours making a test from scratch.

I just finished creating a print-and-go final assessment for middle school ELA classrooms that covers the big ideas from the novel in one easy-to-use packet.

This resource includes:

Vocabulary multiple choice
Vocabulary in context
Reading comprehension questions
Sequencing events
Short answer response
Answer key included

I also created an adapted version for support learners with:

Fewer questions
Simplified answer choices
Scaffolded written response
One-page answer key

Perfect for:

End-of-book assessment
Novel study review
Independent practice
Small group support
Modified testing

As a middle school teacher, I know the end of a novel can get chaotic. Sometimes you just need a low-prep assessment that actually works.

You can check it out in my TpT store here.

The Analog Teacher
Real classroom resources for real teachers.

Labels:

A Long Walk to Water, middle school ELA, novel study, reading comprehension, vocabulary, final assessment, Linda Sue Park, TpT resources

Must-Haves for My Teacher Bag

2026-05-17T16:40:29.000-04:00

Lately, I’ve become slightly obsessed with tiny accessories that make everyday life easier, cozier, and less crazy. Not “productivity hacks” but colorful little things that quietly improve daily routines and make technology feel more personal instead of cold and corporate.

None of these is life-changing on its own, but together they make everyday life more organized and fun.

Colorful Phone Wristlets

https://amzn.to/4ujHnco

$9.99

Phone wristlets are suddenly everywhere because they solve a real problem: people are tired of constantly dropping, fumbling, and digging for their phones,. Colorful beaded wristlets also make tech feel more expressive and personal again, instead of purely functional.

I bought one at the mall on impulse and now use it constantly. It helps me hold my phone while carrying coffee, bags, papers, or random teacher supplies, and it somehow makes my phone feel less sterile and boring.

The beaded/coquette/Y2K aesthetic is especially popular right now, with brands and handmade sellers leaning heavily into colorful, nostalgic accessories. My niece ended up getting different styles that matched their phone cases, like the ones below.

https://amzn.to/4eMXElc

$7.99

Tiny Purse Essentials

https://amzn.to/4dNGnXX

$5.99

This category is deeply underrated.

I keep:

ibuprofen
allergy medicine
vitamins
lip balm

attached it directly inside my purse or lanyard because digging through a giant bag for tiny necessities is irritating.

https://amzn.to/4dpGdVu

$7.99

The lip balm holder clipped to a lanyard is especially useful for teachers, commuters, travelers, or anyone constantly on the move. Tiny accessories like this reduce friction in daily life more than people realize.

https://amzn.to/4tGA65m

$7.99

These are great to hook onto bags and purses. I just got a terrible cold/flu and will be keeping one of these on my lanyard!

Neat AirTag Accessories

https://amzn.to/4fqOGdt

$20

I avoided AirTags for a long time because they felt unnecessary.

Then I realized:

teacher bags get misplaced
keys disappear
luggage gets lost
purses migrate mysteriously around the house

Now I completely understand the appeal. I put them everywhere, from my (old) car to my wallet and on anything I can and do lose.

https://amzn.to/4uj4Fzd

$99

Cozy Reading Tech

https://amzn.to/4dtpGQb

$199
I recently bought my mom a Kindle Paperwhite for Mother's Day because of her vision issues, and she absolutely loves it. She hasn't been able to read for years, and now she is back to doing what she loves most. I had always assumed she could read on her iPad, but it is too heavy for her to hold. The Kindle is light, small, and even water-resistant! I would love to get one for myself to throw in the infamous bag.

https://amzn.to/4uYDqtI

$12.99

The lighting and adjustable text size made reading easier for her again, but honestly, the leather case made a huge difference too. It made the Kindle feel more like holding an actual book instead of just another screen. I was shocked at how nice it was for under $15.

That tactile feeling matters more than people think.

As someone who still loves physical books, I appreciate anything that makes digital reading feel warmer and more comfortable.

Tiny Teacher Bag Extras

https://amzn.to/4nArnjt

$9.99

The glow-in-the-dark AirPods case is completely unnecessary and yet somehow delightful. It also makes finding earbuds in the bottom of a dark bag dramatically easier.

I just broke another lanyard, so I'm using a retractable one now.

https://amzn.to/4wzodAP

$6.59

And honestly, lanyards, sanitizer holders, earbuds, and tiny clips become weirdly important when you spend all day carrying keys, ID cards, classroom supplies, chargers, and random survival items.

The Bag Itself

https://amzn.to/4ucGjXH

$79.99

I do have a weakness for oversized brown leather bags that can hold half my life inside them. I like this one because the wider strap makes it much more comfortable to carry, especially when it’s overloaded with books, papers, chargers, snacks, and whatever else accumulates throughout the week.

Technology is everywhere now, and sometimes it starts to feel disposable and exhausting. I think that’s why I love these tiny “cozy tech” accessories so much. They make everyday objects feel softer, more tactile, more colorful, and more human again.

Labels: teacher bag, teacher essentials, cozy tech, amazon finds, kindle paperwhite, teacher life, everyday carry, colorful accessories, reading life, classroom organization, practical accessories, analog teacher

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A Long Walk to Water Activities for Middle School ELA

2026-05-10T11:25:28.144-04:00

We are reading A Long Walk to Water again this year. It’s one of my favorite novels to teach because it is high-interest, accessible for a wide range of readers, and consistently keeps students engaged. Honestly, it’s nice to teach something that students rarely complain about. Like The Giver, the more I read, the more impressed I am.

I pulled together some of my older classroom materials and spent the weekend creating a full resource packet for the novel. It includes:

vocabulary activities
vocabulary assessments
gist statement practice
survival factor analysis
answer keys

for the entire book.

I briefly considered adding a cut-and-paste activity, but then I pictured glue dripping down desks, students arguing over supplies, and the fact that I somehow only have two pairs of scissors left in my classroom. So we stayed practical.

The resource is designed for middle school ELA teachers seeking structured, printable activities that are easy to use in a whole-class novel study.

Check out the resource here:

A Long Walk to Water Activities & Assessments on Teachers Pay Teachers

Tips for Success on Teachers Pay Teachers (That Actually Work)

2026-05-03T11:22:08.794-04:00

Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers sounds simple on the surface. Upload a resource, set a price, and wait for sales. Yay, $10,000 a month...

In reality, it does not work like that.

Most new sellers upload a few products, see little to no traction, and assume the platform is oversaturated. The truth is more specific than that. TPT rewards clarity, usefulness, and consistency over time. If your products solve real classroom problems, they can sell. If they don’t, they won’t.

Here are a few things that make a big difference.

1. Solve a Very Specific Problem

Broad products get ignored. Specific products get found.

“End of Year Activities” is a crowded space.
“Last 30 Days of School Survival Pack for Grades 6–8” is clearer.

Teachers are not browsing for fun. They are looking for something that works tomorrow in their classroom. The more specific your product is, the easier it is for someone to say, “That’s exactly what I need.”

2. Make It Easy to Use

If a teacher has to spend an hour figuring out your resource, they won’t buy from you again.

Your product should be:

Clearly labeled
Simple to follow
Ready to print or assign
Organized in a logical way

Think in terms of reducing friction. The easier it is to use, the more valuable it becomes.

It’s also important to be realistic about the process. Creating saleable worksheets takes more time than most people expect.

I tried using trendy, decorative fonts at first, and when I uploaded my products, they either disappeared or didn’t display correctly. I lost track of how many times I had to fix formatting, re-export files, and reupload products just to get them to look right.

That experience forced me to simplify. Clean, readable, consistent design matters more than “pretty.” If fonts don’t embed correctly or layouts shift, the product immediately looks unprofessional, even if the content itself is strong.

Simple and reliable works.

3. Your Preview Matters More Than You Think

Most buyers decide based on the preview alone.

If your preview is unclear, cluttered, or incomplete, the product will not sell. Show exactly what the teacher is getting. Use clean layouts, readable fonts, and real examples from the resource.

The goal is not to impress. The goal is to make it obvious.

4. Use Titles and Keywords That Match What Teachers Search

Your title is not just a name. It is how your product gets found.

Include:

Grade level
Subject
Specific use case

Example:
“Middle School ELA End of Year Activities | Last 30 Days of School Survival Pack”

It may feel long, but it works because it matches what people actually type into search.

5. Start Small and Build

You do not need dozens of products to start seeing progress.

You need a few strong ones that solve real problems.

Build from what already works in your classroom. If students respond well to something, that is a strong signal it can work for other teachers too.

A Real Example

I created a Last 30 Days of School Survival Pack because I needed it myself.

The end of the year is a different kind of teaching. Attention drops, structure gets harder to maintain, and long assignments stop working. I built something that addressed that exact problem with low-prep, structured activities that still keep students engaged.

That is the kind of thinking that leads to products people actually use.

If you want to see how I structured it, you can check it out here:
👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-analog-teacher

Final Thought

TPT success is not about uploading more.

It is about understanding what teachers need in real classrooms and building resources that meet that need clearly and consistently.

If you focus on that, growth comes over time. Designing the products takes more time at the start than I anticipated. However, as I get more into it, I'm noticing that I am creating faster. At first, there is a decent-sized "learning curve!" But isn't everything like that? I hope that everyone is having a great end of school year...Almost there!

Labels: teachers pay teachers, TPT tips, teaching resources, teacher business, classroom management, middle school ELA, teacher side hustle, education blog, teaching strategies, sell on teachers pay teachers

Last 30 Days of School

2026-05-02T12:04:27.938-04:00

There’s always a moment near the end of the year when everything shifts, and it happens fast.

Students start asking for free days. Work slows down. The structure that carried you all year suddenly feels harder to maintain.

For me, it happened right after testing. Literally, the very next class, my students started begging for a “free day.” I knew other classrooms were showing movies or doing game days, but that’s not how I run ELA. I told them plainly: we don’t have free days.

We pulled out our novel packets and started A Long Walk to Water. After a year of piloting new curriculum (not just one, multiple...), this was something familiar, something I knew worked. I wanted to finish strong.

And then, of course, administration walked in for an observation.

But the room was exactly what it should have been. Students were focused, participating, and on task. My objective and agenda were on the board. Everything was clear, structured, and moving forward.

When the administrator left, the students actually applauded.

I looked at them and said, “That’s why we don’t have free days in ELA.”

Since then, one student made a countdown poster, marking off each remaining day. It’s a strange mix of momentum and closure, because even in the hardest stretches, there are still those small moments: inside jokes, unexpected laughter, and the building of friendships.

That’s the reality of the last 30 days.

I wrote more about that shift, and how I approach it without letting everything fall apart:
👉 https://analogteacher.substack.com/p/the-last-30-days-of-school-are-a

And if you need something practical to get through this stretch, I created a Last 30 Days of School Survival Pack with structured, low-prep activities designed specifically for right now:
👉 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-analog-teacher

Labels: teaching, classroom management, end of school year, teacher burnout, student motivation, middle school ELA, teaching strategies, last 30 days of school, teacher life

Why I’m Refocusing on Teachers Pay Teachers

2026-04-26T13:09:26.207-04:00

I’ve spent a lot of time trying different online income paths—books, blogging, social media, affiliate links, branding ideas, and creative projects. There is nothing wrong with experimenting, but lately I’ve realized something important:

I may be overlooking the opportunity that makes the most sense for me right now.

That opportunity is Teachers Pay Teachers.

As a classroom teacher, I already understand what educators need. I know the stress of planning lessons after a long day. I know how valuable it is to find a ready-to-use resource that actually works. I know what students respond to and what teachers are too busy to create themselves. I must have thousands of documents and hundreds of already-made units saved. Now, organizing them into something sellable is another story.

That experience matters.

I have been selling some books on inattention and a lack of focus, but right now, I'm not sure any of us have the time to read educational books. We need solutions that will work today.

Instead of trying to build an audience from scratch in crowded spaces, Teachers Pay Teachers allows me to create products that solve real problems for real people. Teachers are actively searching for engaging lessons, printables, novel units, grammar practice, test prep, classroom management tools, and end-of-year activities.

That means the audience already exists.

I also realized that I enjoy creating resources on PowerPoint. I've been using Canva for a while, but I just find it too much. I like designing handouts, organizing ideas, building useful classroom tools, and making materials more engaging for students. That energy may be better spent creating products than endlessly chasing views and followers.

So my plan is to simplify.

I want to focus on creating practical, high-quality resources for middle school teachers, especially ELA materials, analog learning tools, reading activities, writing supports, and classroom survival resources.

Some ideas I’m excited about include:

End-of-year survival packs
Novel study units
Vocabulary and grammar activities
Screen-free classroom resources
Bell ringers and warm-ups
Test prep support materials
Creative literacy handouts

The truth is, sometimes we chase what looks exciting instead of what makes sense.

For me, Teachers Pay Teachers makes sense.

It aligns with my skills, my daily experience, and my desire to build something useful over time. Instead of trying to be everywhere, I’d rather focus on creating resources that genuinely help teachers and students.

Sometimes the smartest move is not starting something new.

It’s returning to what already fits.

Why Some Students Shut Down Instead of Trying

2026-04-25T19:23:18.751-04:00

Every teacher has seen it.

A student looks at an assignment, decides it is too hard, and gives up before really beginning. Sometimes it looks like apathy. Sometimes it looks like defiance. Sometimes it looks like distraction, joking around, or asking to use the bathroom at the exact moment work starts.

But often, it is something else.

It is avoidance.

Many students would rather protect themselves from feeling unsuccessful than risk trying and struggling in front of others. If they never attempt the work, they can tell themselves they “didn’t care anyway.” That feels safer than trying their best and falling short.

Why This Happens

Students today face a lot of pressure, but many also have low tolerance for discomfort. Struggle is often treated as failure rather than a normal part of learning.

So when work feels challenging, some students respond by:

Putting their head down
Asking to leave the room
Distracting classmates
Claiming the assignment is stupid
Doing nothing and waiting for help
Saying “I don’t get it” before reading directions

These behaviors can be frustrating, but they usually communicate something deeper.

A Personal Example

I used to play The Elder Scrolls Online. I was not a casual player. I was serious about it, and it was a big part of my life for years.

However, one day I met a monster I just could not beat. As a solo player, I knew there were some parts of the game that were off-limits to me. But when I could not beat this monster no matter what gear, upgrades, or strategy I tried, I quit the game.

That is what happens to many students too.

When people hit a challenge that feels impossible for too long, they often stop engaging altogether. It is easier to walk away than keep feeling defeated.

What Students Need Instead

Students need to learn that confusion is not failure.

They need repeated experiences where effort leads to progress. They need adults who stay calm, keep expectations clear, and refuse to let temporary frustration become identity.

That means saying things like:

Start with number one.
Try the first step.
Show me what you know.
It’s okay not to get it yet.
Struggling means your brain is working.

What Schools Sometimes Miss

We often focus on making work easier, shorter, or more entertaining. Sometimes support is necessary. But constantly removing challenge can accidentally teach students that discomfort should always be avoided.

Real confidence does not come from never struggling.

It comes from struggling and discovering you can handle it.

We have taught a lot of new material this year, from The Tempest to The Raven. Students have struggled, and I have repeatedly said, We can do hard things if we stick with it.

I believe not giving up, like I did with that monster, is the key.

Final Thought

Some students do not need lower expectations. They need help building tolerance for effort, uncertainty, and mistakes.

The goal is not to make every task easy.

The goal is to help students become stronger when it is hard.

Labels: education, teaching, classroom management, student motivation, growth mindset, student behavior, middle school, teacher life, resilience, perseverance, learning struggles, school culture, academic success, teacher reflections, classroom strategies, student mindset, public education, ELA, teacher blog, motivation

Amazon Classroom Reset Tools Teachers Actually Use

2026-04-22T18:48:18.820-04:00

When students are overstimulated, frustrated, restless, or mentally checked out, small environmental changes and hands-on tools can help bring the room back to calm and focus. These are classroom reset tools teachers can use for transitions, brain breaks, quiet work time, reward time, or after lunch energy crashes.

1. LED Lights for Calm Transitions

Soft lighting can completely change the mood of a classroom. Many teachers use LED strip lights during silent reading, independent work, journaling, or calm-down time.

Govee RGBICW LED Strip Light

Color-changing LED strip with Wi-Fi control, customizable lighting.

Monster Multi-Color Flow LED Light Strip

$38.48•Long, sound-reactive multi-color flow light strip for dynamic effects.

Why it helps:

reduces harsh overhead-light feeling
signals a different mode of learning
makes quiet work feel intentional

2. Stress Balls for Quiet Regulation

Sometimes students need movement in their hands so their brains can settle. Quiet squeeze tools can help certain students regulate without disrupting class.

Sports Stress Balls Set

$20.99•Set of 24 sports-themed stress balls for stress relief.

Rainbow Stress Balls

$13.99•Colorful rainbow stress balls, ideal for party favors.

Best for:

testing nerves
transitions
students who need sensory input

3. Music for Focus Time

Soft instrumental music, nature sounds, or lo-fi playlists can help many classes settle quickly during work time.

Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker

$49.99•Compact smart speaker with Alexa, ideal for small spaces.

Amazon Echo Dot Max Smart Speaker

$99.99•Powerful sound and smart features, great for larger rooms.

Try using:

instrumental piano
rain sounds
classical music
low-volume focus playlists on Amazon Music

4. Small Analog Toys for Brain Breaks

Not every reset needs a screen. Quick hands-on tools can help students regulate and re-enter learning.

Classic Etch A Sketch

$14.60 Etch A Sketch Mini (5"x5")

Why teachers like them:

nostalgic and fun
quiet creativity
no batteries
low-prep reward option

5. NeeDoh and Sensory Favorites

Students love tactile sensory items right now, and they can be useful when used with boundaries.

NeeDoh Teeny Fuzz Ball Pack

$8.99•Small, soft fuzz balls for sensory play.

Use for:

calm corners
earned reward bins
short regulation breaks

6. Art Reset Activities

When energy is chaotic, creative work can regulate better than another warning.

Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pre-sharpened, Adult Coloring, 12 Count

Cats in Cairo: Adult Coloring Book: Catacombs Art Studio

Ideas:

5-minute coloring reset
draw your mood
doodle while listening to read alouds
finish early reward station

Final Thought

A classroom reset does not need to be complicated. Sometimes a change in lighting, a quiet tool, calming music, or a short creative task is enough to help students return to focus.

What reset tools work best in your classroom?

Amazon Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.

Favorite Classroom Items Teachers Actually Use (With Amazon Picks)

2026-04-18T12:09:00.003-04:00

If you’re building a classroom that runs smoother, stays creative, and wastes less time, the right supplies matter. These are practical classroom favorites that help with routines, rewards, crafts, and daily survival. I chose items teachers actually use—not gimmicks.

1. Auto Pencil Sharpener That Pulls in the Pencil

The classroom game changer. These newer sharpeners auto-feed the pencil, sharpen fast, and stop automatically.

Top picks:

*https://amzn.to/4cxpyPs

*https://amzn.to/4tn8ToX

Great for reducing broken pencils, lines at the sharpener, and wasted time.

2. White Out Essentials

Keep a mix of:

Students and teachers both use it constantly during writing tasks and grading. I keep a close eye on anyone who borrows any of these products. I recently caught girls painting their nails with the liquid white out!

3. Teacher Coloring Book / Calm Station

Quiet creativity still works. Add one of my classroom coloring books for downtime, reward time, or stress relief.

*https://amzn.to/4mzFg0R

Use it for:

Indoor recess
Calm corner
Reward minutes
Early finisher station

4. Acrylic Marker Sets

*https://amzn.to/4mF9uzG

Perfect for anchor charts, posters, student projects, and labels. These are the most popular items I have in my class. Students who complain about doing anything are now begging to color with these. It is a great way to get them to complete their regular work and then have some free time.

Better than regular markers because they show up brighter and work on more surfaces. I recommend students place scrap paper or cardboard under their desks to protect the desks below. The color does wipe off easily, but we have new desks, and I am trying to teach good art habits!

5. Bedazzling Kit for Downtime

Students love decorating folders, bookmarks, notebooks, cans, containers, cell phone cases, and craft projects.

https://amzn.to/4vEBBmF

Use only during structured reward time. Lock these up, as this is a very popular item that kids are going crazy for. I also mark the TOP of the plastic container so no one opens it upside down.

6. E7000 Craft Glue for Diamond Painting / Repairs

Excellent for rhinestones, diamond painting, and broken craft items.

https://amzn.to/4tpxucE

Teacher-controlled supply only. I really like these smaller tubes, but they get used up and "borrowed" very quickly.

7. Wireless Glue Gun

No cord tangles. Easier movement around the room. Great for bulletin boards and quick fixes.

https://amzn.to/4tuAx3h

Big thanks to my bestie who told me about this product!!! Kids had so much fun gluing googly eyes and pipe cleaners onto rocks to make "rock friends." I don't know why I had rocks in my room, but they came in handy.

8. Embroidery Floss for Bracelets

Still one of the best reward bin supplies. A student asked for this, and as an embroiderer, I was skeptical that they would use this. Boy, was I wrong. So many students are teaching each other to make friendship bracelets and other simple crafts.

https://amzn.to/485wIZU

Cheap, creative, social, and keeps hands busy. I do give them a piece of tape or a clipboard to secure their floss to a surface to work more easily.

9. Googly Eyes

The most powerful low-cost craft supply in America. I do like to get the eyes with the sticky backs. However, sometimes we do need a heavier glue or ...the magnificent new cordless glue gun. (See above.)

https://amzn.to/48UeGKa

Instantly improves any student project.

10. Pipe Cleaners + Tissue Paper

https://amzn.to/4czMFsH

Endless uses:

Flowers
Puppets
Models
Seasonal crafts
STEM builds

This is my easy go-to craft project. I also use a hole puncher on the flower part:

https://amzn.to/4vDylIe

11. Visible Classroom Scissor Set

One of the smartest organization tools: a classroom scissor caddy where you can instantly see what’s missing. This is one of those tricks I learned as an art teacher: at a glance systems where you can see what is missing. (This is also ideal for Sharpies!)

https://amzn.to/3QjCqBd

Look for:

Safety scissors
Color handles
Slots or numbered holders
Easy cleanup checks

Why This Matters

Good classroom tools reduce friction. Less waiting. Less chaos. More productive students.

The best classroom purchases are often small things that solve annoying daily problems.

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Labels

classroom supplies, teacher favorites, amazon affiliate, middle school teacher, classroom organization, teacher blog, art supplies, classroom crafts, teacher amazon finds, school supplies

How to Survive a Classroom With No AC (Real Tips for Teachers in the Heat)

2026-04-15T19:46:00.002-04:00

If your classroom feels like a sauna by 10:00 AM, you’re not alone. Many school buildings simply weren’t designed to handle rising temperatures, and when the AC fails (or doesn’t exist), you’re left trying to teach in conditions that make focus nearly impossible.

This isn’t about being dramatic—heat affects behavior, attention, and your own ability to function. So instead of pretending it’s a normal day, here are realistic strategies (and a few tools) that actually help.

1. Prioritize Air Movement (Not Just Cooling)

Even if the air is hot, moving air makes a huge difference.

Look for:

High-velocity fans
Oscillating tower fans
Clip-on desk fans

Good options:

Tip: Don’t just point fans randomly. Aim one out the door to push hot air out and angle others to create airflow across the room.

2. Create a DIY Cooling Station

You don’t need real AC to get some relief.

Try this:

Place a frozen water bottle or ice pack in front of a fan
Use a damp or frozen cloth on your neck or wrists
Keep a small “cool zone” at your desk

Helpful items:

These won’t cool the whole room—but they can cool you, which matters more. I can't survive without these.

I have tried various swamp-type coolers and haven't found them all that helpful. I have a few neck fans, but they aren't great for me either. My cool towel and ice packs are must haves for me.

3. Hydration Is Non-Negotiable

When you’re teaching in the heat, you’re essentially doing light physical labor all day. It got so humid yesterday afternoon while I was planning that my co-worker basically encouraged me to "evacuate" to another room. I did, but still had a pounding headache. I drank a huge cup of Trioral rehydration powder, which really helped me not drop dead!

What helps:

Large insulated water bottles
Ice water (not just cool water)
Electrolyte packets for long days

Recommended:

4. Block Heat Before It Builds

Once your room heats up, it’s hard to recover.

Do this early:

Close blinds during peak sun hours
Turn off unnecessary lights
Limit projector and device use

Optional add-on:

NICETOWN Blackout Curtains

5. Adjust Your Teaching (Yes, Really)

At 85–90°, your normal lesson plan won’t work the same way.

Shift to:

Independent reading or writing
Partner discussions (seated)
Paper-based work instead of devices

You’re not lowering expectations—you’re adapting to conditions. We used to actually evacuate our classroom and go sit in our auditorium when it became unbearable. Well, that isn't going to cut it, since there is no air in that area. Other times, we've actually gone to the cafeteria or library, but yep...No air there either!

6. Build a Simple “Cooling Kit”

Keep this in your classroom so you’re not scrambling:

Frozen water bottles
Cooling towels or washcloths
Ice packs
Backup fan

Having everything in one place saves time and keeps you functional. I took some of my cooling towels home, and now I can't find them. Luckily, I have some back-ups!

I also do not wear makeup these days, as it just melts off my face. I wear cotton and the lightest fabrics I can with little jewelry.

7. Protect Your Equipment

If you’ve ever had a fan broken by a student, you already know:

Set a clear boundary:

“These are teacher-use only.”

Place fans where students can’t easily grab or bump them, and don’t let them adjust settings. I bought a nice tower fan last year to beat the heat. A student moved it from the floor to a desk, and yes...it got knocked off and immediately broke. That was $50 down the drain. Accidents happen, but now I put up signs that say "Do not move fan" or "Adults only."

Kids will still try to touch them and move them, but I try to keep an eye on them. I also have an old box fan, and students shove markers and items in it. Why? I honestly don't know.

Final Thought

If your classroom is consistently hitting extreme temperatures, this is bigger than comfort—it’s about safety and learning conditions. Until buildings catch up, teachers are left improvising.

The goal on these days isn’t perfection—it’s:

staying regulated
keeping students calm
getting through the day without burnout

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through the links above, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that are practical for real classroom use.

Labels:

classroom management, teacher tips, hot classroom, no air conditioning, teacher survival, classroom setup, amazon affiliate, middle school teaching, teacher life, back to school, classroom organization

The Pens I Actually Use in My Classroom (and Why They Work)

2026-04-14T18:44:00.002-04:00

If you’ve ever walked into a classroom and thought, why are these kids so distracted, part of the answer is what’s in their hands.

Cheap pencils. Dead pens. Highlighters that smear everything.

It matters more than people think.

Over the years, I’ve slowly built a set of go-to pens and highlighters that actually help students focus, organize their thinking, and want to do the work. These are the ones I keep coming back to—and yes, I buy them on Amazon because I need them fast and in bulk.

1. Sharpie Clear View Highlighters

These are one of those small upgrades that make a big difference. I love these so much!

The clear tip lets students see exactly what they’re highlighting, which sounds minor—but it cuts down on sloppy work immediately.

Why I use them:

Better accuracy for struggling readers
Less over-highlighting (you know the neon-yellow pages…)
Great for close reading and annotation

2. Amazon Basics Felt Tip Marker Pens (Flair Style)

These are basically your budget version of Paper Mate Flair Pens—and honestly, they hold up. Weirdly, I like the way these write better than Flairs!

Why I use them:

Smooth writing (no scratchy nonsense)
Great for color-coding notes
Students like using them → more engagement

When kids have color, they organize better. Period.

3. Gel Highlighters

These are underrated. I found one on my floor a while back and started using it. I immediately ordered my own set.

They look like crayons, but they glide smoothly and don’t bleed through paper—which is huge when you’re working with books or thinner worksheets.

Why I use them:

No bleed-through (game changer for novels)
Soft colors = less visual overwhelm
Perfect for layered annotation

4. Highlighter Tape

This is one of my favorite teacher hacks.

Instead of writing in books (or ruining texts), students can highlight with removable tape.

Why I use it:

No permanent marks in books
Great for shared/classroom texts
Forces intentional highlighting (you can’t just scribble everywhere)
Just make sure they don't spend time wrapping the tape around their arms!

5. Other Pens Worth Having

If you’re building a classroom set, I’d also add:

Pilot G2 Gel Pens – smooth, reliable, great for longer writing
Mr. Pen Aesthetic Highlighters – softer tones for less visual overload
Zebra Mildliner Highlighters – dual-tip, great for headings + details

Why This Matters

This isn’t about “cute supplies.”

It’s about reducing friction.

When the tools work:

Students write more
They organize their thinking better
They stay focused longer

When the tools are junk:

They stop trying
They rush
They disengage

You can’t fix attention overnight—but you can control the environment.

And sometimes, it starts with a pen and a really cool highlighter!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my classroom and content at no extra cost to you.

👉 Want all my classroom supply picks in one place?

Check my full list here: https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

Labels: Classroom Supplies That Actually Work, Classroom Supplies, Teaching Tools, Middle School Teaching, Pens, Highlighters, Amazon Finds, Classroom Organization

Chromebooks Are Making This Worse (And No One Wants to Say It)

2026-04-12T15:46:00.008-04:00

When we break out the Chromebooks in my 7th grade classroom, I give clear directions, and still within minutes:

some were staring at blank screens
others were clicking through tabs without really reading anything
two were having tech issues
one was playing a game
one was checking grades for another class

This isn’t unusual. It’s the pattern. The lack of focus is getting worse.

And at some point, we have to say it:

Chromebooks are making this worse.

I’m Not Anti-Tech

We use technology when it makes sense.

State testing is online and rapidly approaching. Final drafts are typed. Research is an important skill for middle school students to learn.

But in the day-to-day reality of a middle school classroom, something isn’t working the way we pretend it is.

The Reality No One Talks About

Students now have their own Chromebooks—or at least, they’re supposed to.

Several have lost them. Some are broken. Others are waiting for the tech office to repair them or issue loaners. So for those students, I still need paper copies.

The rest can complete the assignment on Teams—when the internet is working and Teams actually loads. (Oh, but only after the latest 20-minute update!)

For sub plans, I’ve learned to prepare both:

paper copies
a backup assignment on Teams

And even then, it often falls apart.

Substitutes don’t always feel comfortable managing both systems at once. The result is predictable: paperwork gets rushed or skipped, and students move to their devices, where it becomes much harder to monitor what they’re actually doing.

At that point, the lesson isn’t really the lesson anymore.

What’s Actually Happening

After dealing with this every day, a few patterns are hard to ignore:

1. Attention Is Fragmented

Even when students are trying, the screen invites distraction. Tabs, shortcuts, and constant switching make it harder to stay with one task long enough to think deeply.

2. Accountability Drops

With paper, you can see thinking immediately—annotations, effort, mistakes. On a screen, it’s much easier for work to look “complete” without much actual thinking behind it.

3. Skill Gaps Get Hidden

Copying, pasting, and AI tools can mask whether a student actually understands the text. It creates the illusion of progress without the foundation.

4. It Slows Everything Down

Logins, updates, dead batteries (no charging cords!), missing devices—small issues that add up and quietly eat instructional time.

What I Started Doing Instead

I didn’t completely eliminate technology. I just stopped relying on it for everything.

Here’s the shift:

Read on paper so students can annotate and track their thinking
Write on paper first to slow the process down and make thinking visible
Use devices intentionally, not automatically

It’s not complicated, but it helps students stay on track.

Students focus longer. It’s easier to see who understands and who doesn’t. Conversations improve because students actually have something to say.

A Simple Rule That Works

When in doubt:

Read on paper
Think on paper
Then type, if needed

It’s not flashy, but it works.

Final Thought

Technology isn’t the enemy.

But pretending it has no downsides doesn’t help anyone—especially students who are already struggling to focus, read, and think deeply. I feel like every day we hear about more "helpful tech programs and tools" that don't actually help. I feel like I am shouting into the wind and no one is listening because they are all on their phones...(Not judging! After all, I am using a laptop to write this, but after I shut the computer, I am going to do some diamond painting!)

Sometimes the simplest tools are the ones that bring the most clarity back into the classroom.

This is the kind of classroom I’m trying to get back to.

Continue Here

If you’re trying to bring more focus back into your classroom, I break this down step-by-step in my Going Analog books:

https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Labels: chromebooks, student attention, distracted students, middle school ela, classroom management, going analog, student focus, digital distraction, teaching strategies

Students Can’t Analyze What They Don’t Understand: Nonfiction Questions That Work

2026-04-08T20:55:00.008-04:00

Teaching nonfiction can feel repetitive if you’re always using the same questions. This set works with any nonfiction text—articles, textbooks, biographies, or informational passages—and helps students move beyond surface-level answers.

I try to provide students with paper copies of any text so they can annotate the article with a pencil and highlighters. Online, students can make notes on paper or use online text tools, if available.

Use these as:

bell ringers
discussion prompts
written responses
small group work

📖 Before Reading (Preview & Predict)

What do you notice first (title, headings, images)?
What do you think this text will be about?
What do you already know about this topic?
What questions do you have before reading?
Are there any images or pictures that can increase your comprehension?

🔍 During Reading (Active Thinking)

What is the main idea of this section?
What important details support the main idea?
What words or phrases are confusing?
What is something new you learned?
What is the author trying to explain or teach?

🧠 After Reading (Comprehension & Analysis)

What is the main idea of the entire text?
What are 3–5 key details that support it?
What is the author’s purpose? (inform, explain, persuade)
What is the most important part of the text? Why?
What surprised you the most?

🧾 Evidence-Based Questions (Quote Sandwich Ready)

What does the text say about ______?
Find a quote that shows ______. Explain what it means.
How does the author support the idea that ______?
Which detail best proves ______? Why?

🎯 Skill-Based Activities

1. Main Idea Challenge
Write the main idea in ONE sentence (no more than 15 words).

2. 3-2-1 Response

3 things you learned
2 interesting facts
1 question you still have

3. Headline It
Write a newspaper headline for the text.

4. Teach It
Explain the text to a partner in 30 seconds.

5. Vocabulary Hunt
Find 3 important words and define them in your own words.

✍️ Quick Writing Prompts

The most important idea in this text is…
One thing I didn’t understand at first but now get is…
This text connects to the real world because…
I agree/disagree with this text because…

💡 Teacher Tip

Start simple. Don’t assign all of these at once.

Pick:

2–3 during reading
2 after reading

Consistency matters more than quantity.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my classroom and content at no extra cost to you.

👉 Want all my classroom supply picks in one place?

Check my full list here: https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

Labels: nonfiction reading, nonfiction questions, informational text, middle school ela, reading comprehension, no prep, text evidence, main idea, ela activities, teaching resources

My Students Couldn’t Answer Basic Questions. Here’s What I Use Now

2026-04-07T12:57:00.009-04:00

After years in the classroom, I’ve learned this:

You don’t need 47 different worksheets for every story.

You need one solid set of questions and a few flexible activities that actually make students think.

Here’s what I use with any short story.

If students don’t understand the story, they cannot analyze it. That sounds like common sense, but it’s one of the most common mistakes I see. We rush into “higher-level thinking” before students have a basic understanding of what actually happened on the page.

✏️ Comprehension Questions (Basic Understanding)

Use these to make sure students actually read… or at least can’t fake it convincingly.

Who are the main characters in the story?
Where and when does the story take place?
What is the main conflict?
What happens at the beginning, middle, and end?
How is the conflict resolved?

🔍 Deeper Thinking Questions

Now we push past “I skimmed it and survived.”

Why does the main character make the choices they do?
What motivates the antagonist (or opposing force)?
What is the theme or message of the story?
How does the setting affect the events?
What is one important symbol, and what does it represent?

💬 Text Evidence Questions

Because opinions without evidence are just loud guessing.

Find one quote that shows the main conflict.
Find a quote that reveals something about a character.
What line best represents the theme? Explain why.
How does the author use dialogue or description to build tension?

🎭 Creative Activities

For when you want engagement without chaos.

1. Alternate Ending

Rewrite the ending of the story.

Must stay true to the characters
Must make logical sense

2. Character Diary Entry

Write a diary entry from a character’s point of view after a major event.

3. Scene Rewrite

Rewrite one scene from another character’s perspective.

4. Modern Day Version

Retell the story in today’s world (phones included, unfortunately).

🧠 Quick Writing Prompts

Perfect for bell ringers or exit tickets.

What would you have done differently than the main character?
Was the ending fair or justified? Explain.
What lesson should the character have learned?

🧩 Simple Discussion Starters

If the room goes silent and stares at you like you just assigned taxes:

Who was right in this story?
Who was wrong?
Did anyone deserve what happened?

📌 Teacher Tip

Don’t use all of these at once unless you enjoy grading until your soul leaves your body.

Pick:

3–5 comprehension
2–3 deeper questions
1 activity

That’s it. That’s the system.

🚀 Why This Works

Works for any short story
Easy to reuse all year
Builds from basic → deeper thinking
Doesn’t rely on tech (your Wi-Fi can go ahead and collapse again)

If you’re anything like me, you’ll use this tomorrow, tweak it slightly, and then pretend it was always part of your master plan.

Which, honestly, is how most good teaching happens.

Try This

If you’re trying to bring more focus back into your classroom, I break this down step-by-step in my Going Analog books:
https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Labels: short story questions, reading comprehension, middle school ela, classroom management, student engagement, text evidence, literary analysis, teaching strategies, going analog

Teacher Desk Setup That Keeps Me Organized (and Sane During the School Year)

2026-04-06T14:33:00.002-04:00

After 20+ years in the classroom, I’ve stopped chasing “perfect organization.”

I just need systems that:

save time
reduce chaos
and prevent me from snapping at 7:42 AM

Here’s what I actually use every day.

1. Teacher Toolkit Organizer

This is one of those multi-compartment tool organizers… except I turned it into a classroom survival kit. I've had tons of people ask how I made this.

Inside mine:

pens
sticky notes
paper clips
band-Aids (because...middle school)
random “why do I have this” items

👉 Why it works:
Everything is visible. No digging. No wasted time. Here is a blog post of how I made mine here.

https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/725748894006876707/1777956503760598356

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4sgcbZu

2. Folder Organizer + Color-Coded System

I use:

a vertical folder organizer
color-coded plastic folders (see below)

👉 Why it works:
At a glance, I know exactly where everything is. No piles. No guessing.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/41Rr35U

3. Color File Bins / File Holders

I use:

color-coded plastic folders

Example system:

Red → To Grade
Green → Graded
Blue → Copies / Handouts

However, I prefer to do:

-Red-Period 1

-Orange-Period 3

-Yellow-Period 4

-Green-Period 6

-Blue-WIN reading

-Purple-Homeroom/student council papers

These hold:

class sets
extra copies
ongoing projects

👉 Why it works:
Prevents the “paper avalanche” that slowly takes over your desk. If something is important, I tell students to "put it in the correct folder on my desk." I don't touch the papers, so I don't stash them somewhere and lose them.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4tzOsVu

4. Label Maker (Yes, More Than One)

I have… multiple. Because apparently one wasn’t enough.

Use it for:

folders
bins
drawers
staplers
anything students will touch and immediately destroy

👉 Why it works:
If it’s labeled, students can’t pretend they don’t know where it goes. I put my name and room number on everything, even scissors and class sets of books. I like this Dymo because I can get white labels, clear labels, and even MAGNETIC labels. It is easier to use than some other label makers I have tried.

I also have the old Dymo punch that is fun and looks cool.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/3PPwShG

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/3OouNJ2

5. Desk Calendar

I need to SEE my day.

I use it for:

deadlines
meetings
random reminders I will absolutely forget otherwise

👉 Why it works:
Digital calendars are great… until you ignore them. I don't buy an expensive calendar as this simple one works find. I will spill coffee on it. Also, students will 100% write random notes on it.

Accept this as part of the system.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4m5xueT

6. Keurig (Critical Infrastructure)

This is not optional. I also bring in K-cups. I like the mini because it doesn't take up too much desk space and isn't too loud.

👉 Why it works:
Because caffeine = lifesaver.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4bUww1J

7. Desk Lamp

Classroom lighting is… questionable.

👉 Why it works:

reduces eye strain
has USB ports for phone charging, etc.
creates a calmer workspace

View on Amazon
https://amzn.to/4maR7lM

Closing Section

None of this is complicated.

It just works.

If your desk feels out of control, don’t overhaul everything.
Pick one system and start there.

That’s usually enough to make your entire day easier.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my classroom and content at no extra cost to you.
👉 Want all my classroom supply picks in one place?
Check my full list here: https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

Labels: teaching, classroom, going analog, Amazon favorites

I Went Back to Mostly Paper. My Classroom Got Calmer

2026-04-01T17:45:00.006-04:00

After 20 years in the classroom, I’ve tried just about everything.

Apps. Platforms. Chromebooks. Programs that promised to “increase engagement” and somehow made everything feel louder, faster, and harder to manage.

At some point, I realized something simple:

My students weren’t lazy. They were bombarded with technology. It was stealing their attention and making our classrooms a battleground.

They were overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed.

So I started going back to mostly paper.

Not perfectly. Not all the time.
But intentionally.

Here’s what I actually use now.

1. Paper (yes… just paper notebooks)

This was the biggest shift.

We start working on paper:

drafts
notes
annotations
quick writes

It slows students down just enough to think.

And honestly? I can see everything at a glance instead of staring at 25 tabs pretending to load. I order these through my yearly budget or do a grant so each student can have one.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4m5xueT

2. Pens that make writing feel better

This sounds ridiculous until you try it.

I use a variety of fun pens, and students notice immediately. I have glittery ink, scented ink, and every kind of marker on the market. Writing feels smoother, slower, more intentional.

It changes the pace of the room in a way regular pens don’t. I will occasionally let students use them, but mostly I write with them! This shows kids that writing can be fun. (I also love the smell!)

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4cjdiTw

3. Document camera (my sanity tool)

I use a document camera almost every day.

modeling writing
annotating texts
showing examples in real time

Everything stays visible without putting kids back on devices. I got my "Elmo" years ago in 2008 when we got new textbooks. You do need a projector to show the images. I cannot function without it!

Students can also quickly share their work with the class. Just don't let them mess around with the camera so they can see themselves on the screen too often!

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/3O09Vrs

4. Fun paper students actually want to use

Not all paper is equal.

I’ve started mixing in:

pastel-lined paper
slightly nicer notebooks
anything that feels a little different from standard worksheets

Students treat it differently. They slow down. They care more. I use this more for creative writing and fun projects.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/41cLeLo

5. Color-Coded Class Folders

I didn’t expect this to matter as much as it does, but I color-code everything. For example, my first period is red. I have shelf space in the back of the room to store these. They are labeled by class. I have students write their names and class periods on the bottom, right-hand corner in case I need to pull a folder from the stack.

Colored folders:

easy for me to slip in work for the absent or send the folder home
keep students organized
keep students engaged longer

It’s not magic. But it helps.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4c65X8R

🧠 6. Fidgets and Squishy Toys

Yes, these were just banned at my school. However, I do have a dedicated bin in my closet. On certain days, we will break out the box, and everyone can take one to play with. The rule is if they throw, toss, or rip these apart, the bin goes back into the closet.

Every class has a personality:

some classes can handle "fun"
some cannot
these can be an incentive or prize

When students know what to expect, everything gets calmer.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4m4k82B

7. My “Ready to Copy” tech book

I’m not anti-tech. I just don’t think it should run everything.

I use my Ready to Copy tech book when:

I need structured digital work
I want something quick and reliable
I don’t feel like reinventing the wheel at 6:30 in the morning

I wrote about topics that my students are obsessed with: YouTube, their giant metal water bottles, and gaming.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/3QeaoH3

Final Thought

I still use technology. I mean, I am here writing this on a laptop on the couch as I watch an old horror movie. My phone is by my side and my Alexa device is always at the ready.

But when everything is fast, loud, and constant… students stop thinking.

Going analog isn’t about going backward.

It’s about creating space for attention again.

🔗 If you saw my TikTok…

This is exactly what I was talking about. We need a sense of balance in the classroom.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my classroom and content at no extra cost to you.
👉 Want all my classroom supply picks in one place?
Check my full list here: https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

Labels: teaching, classroom, going analog, Amazon favorites

What I Actually Use When I Sit Down to Journal

2026-03-29T13:53:00.004-04:00

When I do sit down to journal, I tend to reach for the same few things every time.

Nothing complicated, just what makes it easier for me to stay inspired and get my ideas down for posterity. I always imagine someone in the future finding my journals, so I try to include a little bit of what’s happening in the world, not just what’s happening in my life.

1. A lined leather journal

This is the one thing I don’t skimp on.

If I’m going to sit down and write, I want something that feels solid and worth coming back to. I love the key clasp on this one. It makes it feel a little ancient and mysterious.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4cdOVGQ

2. A disposable fountain pen (blue ink)

This is one of my favorite things ever.

I’ve tried multiple fountain pens, and I either don’t like how they write or I lose them. This pack is affordable, but feels like much more.

They write smoothly and slow me down just enough to actually think, instead of rushing through everything.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4bZ8LVf

3. A few dark academia-style stickers

Not a whole aesthetic project, just enough to make the pages feel like mine.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/411Q0v5

4. A lap desk with a light

So I can sit wherever I want without contorting into strange positions.

I didn’t just get one of these, I ordered three so my nieces could use them for crafting (and eating ramen, obviously). This one has a mini light, fan, drawer, and cup holder, which makes it surprisingly useful.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4m3VrUa

5. A shawl (cashmere, if I can find it)

I probably have more shawls and scarves than any normal person should have, but they’re perfect for when you’re cold, then hot, then cold again.

If you know, you know.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4tdMTfB

6. Candles (For When I Need a Reset)

Not every time, just when I need to shift my mood a little.

I like the ones with crystals or a bit of intention behind them. I’ve tried making my own, and let’s just say… I’ll stick to buying them.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/3PySoHn

7. A bathtub tray (occasionally)

Sometimes I’ll write in the bathtub with one of those wooden trays across it.

This one folds up, which makes it easier to store when I’m not pretending I live in a spa.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4bVYUzo

8. Herbal tea

After coffee in the morning, I drink this tea all day.

I go through enough of it that I put it on subscription, which feels slightly excessive but also completely necessary.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4bUHseu

I’ve been journaling since 4th grade, and this is my little routine.
Sometimes I go weeks without writing, and then I’ll write every day for a week. It just depends on what’s going on and whether I’m willing to slow down enough to do it.

When I do, I’m never sorry.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my classroom and content at no extra cost to you.

👉 Want all my classroom supply picks in one place?

Check my full list here: https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

Labels: journaling, self-care, dark academia, Amazon favorites

Art Supplies I Actually Use (and Would Fight Someone Over)

2026-03-28T09:52:00.005-04:00

You don’t need a studio full of aesthetic supplies to make great art.

You need a handful of tools that actually work, don’t fall apart, and don’t make you want to quit halfway through.

After years of teaching, making, and trying way too many “recommended” supplies, these are the ones I actually use. Every day.

If someone tried to take these from me, I would not handle it well.

1. Paper Cutter (with perforation blade)

This thing saves ridiculous amounts of time. Clean cuts, straight lines, and the perforation option is weirdly addictive.

Why I love it:

No more jagged or wonky edges! I actually bought two of these because I am afraid I will lose one.

Makes you look more organized than you are
Perforation = instant “professional” feel
Straight and wavy cutting
Fold creaser

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/481ayYt

2. Bone Folder

If you’re folding paper without one of these, you’re basically guessing. I have several of these because they are easy to bury under layers of paper.

Why I love it:

Crisp folds every time
Makes junk journaling and bookbinding actually enjoyable
Weirdly satisfying to use
Inexpensive

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/41yer3u

3. Light Table

One of those things you don’t think you need… until you use it once. This is my must-have tool for diamond painting. I have several light tables and I will never diamond paint without them again. Just try it!

Why I love it:

Perfect for tracing and layering
Saves time (and sanity)
Makes detailed work way easier
Can see much better when diamond painting

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4bFoBFq

4. Diamond Art Wax Pen (with wax inside)

Technically not for everything… but somehow I use it for everything. The wax just seems stickier and grabs better. I like the grip and the ease of use.

Why I love it:

Picks up tiny pieces like magic
Great for detail work
Refillable
I like the tool on the end to straighten rows

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4108RGV

5. Sharpies (the good ones)

Not all markers are created equal. These just work. A friend recently shared "another" brand of permanent markers. I used them for a few minutes, and they started to run out. I've been using some of the same Sharpies for YEARS. Guard these with your life because they will get "borrowed" by others!

Why I love them:

Reliable, bold lines
No nonsense
Survive classroom chaos AND art projects

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/40ZeRzK

6. Good Sketchbook / Notebook

Bad paper will ruin your mood faster than anything. I will pay more for a heavier paper that I can cut, glue things to, and use heavier markers on without bleeding. This is expensive, but I often write in them and then collage over the text later. These make me feel like Leonardo da Vinci.

Why I love it:

Handles ink, pencil, and collage materials
Doesn’t bleed through immediately
Feels like going back in time

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/47YiKbY

7. Neck Light (wearable)

This looks ridiculous. I do not care. Sometimes I even wear it around the house. Light, bright, and easy to charge.

Why I love it:

Hands-free lighting
Perfect for detail work
Saves your eyes at night

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4d9P6E9

8. Strong Table Light

Lighting is the difference between “this is fine” and “why does this look terrible.” I stuck this on the side table by where I sit on the couch and now cannot live with it.

Why I love it:

Clear visibility
Less eye strain
Makes everything easier
Adjustable
Slider of brightness

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4s3K9jY

9. Apron

You will spill something. Accept it. I wear this when oil painting or doing heavier crafting. The pockets are the best part, but I also like a heavier fabric.

Why I love it:

Protects clothes
Has pockets (critical)
Makes you feel like you know what you’re doing

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4sFyLft

10. Disposable Gloves

For when things get… questionable. Every time I don't wear gloves, I regret it! They are cheap and can be tossed out. I also try to wear them when cleaning.

Why I love them:

Keeps hands clean
Essential for messy projects
Saves time on cleanup

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/3O25Jrb

11. Art Board (work surface)

This is your mobile workspace. I have multiple boards as I use one under the light table while diamond painting on the couch. I used these for watercolor, sketching, and sometimes oil painting.

Why I love it:

Work anywhere
Keeps projects stable
Protects your table

View on Amazon:

https://amzn.to/4dfImEW

Final Note

If you’re picking up any of these, I’ve linked the exact ones I use; copy and paste the link or click the picture. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps support what I’m doing here.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my classroom and content at no extra cost to you.

👉 Want all my classroom supply picks in one place?

Check my full list here: https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

Labels: art supplies, art tools, creative life, amazon favorites, artist essentials, supplies i use, dark academia

Common Classroom Items I Actually Love (and Use Every Day)

2026-03-27T20:27:00.005-04:00

After 20+ years in the classroom, I’ve stopped chasing every new thing that shows up in teacher ads. However, it's no secret that I buy a lot.

These are just a fraction of my favorite things! They make the day smoother, keep me organized, and help me get through long, loud days without losing my mind.

Everything below is what I actually use. Copy and paste links into Amazon or click on the image to see the exact products!

1. My Voice Amplifier (The Thing Everyone Asks About)

This is the one that students and other teachers always ask me about.

It saves my voice, especially on louder days, and I don’t have to keep repeating directions. I just clip it on, and it does the work for me.

We are currently doing a Poe murder mystery with several classes in a large space at once. I just got over a cold and cannot holler over them.

If you teach middle school, you already know… this is not optional.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4lRgmte

2. My Grade Book (Yes, I Still Use Paper)

I still keep a paper grade book.

It’s faster to glance at, easier to update on the spot, and I always know exactly where students stand without clicking through multiple screens. I like having all my grades in one place.

Also… it never crashes.

I have a rainbow chalkboard theme in my classroom, so this ties into that perfectly.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/3NvNVEN

📋 3. My Clipboard (I Use This Constantly)

I always have a clipboard with me.

It makes it easy to walk around the room, take quick notes, and check student work without being stuck at my desk. It keeps everything in one place while I’m moving.

I should really say clipboards because I bought 36. I use them for everything. I love the retractable loop on the back because I can hang them on the bulletin board or wall. I also let students use them if they’re working in the hallway or sitting on the floor.

I can’t live without multiple clipboards.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4lZ3qlg

🗂 4. My Planner (Where Everything Actually Lives)

This is where I keep my day together.

I use it for daily plans, reminders, and all the little things I will absolutely forget otherwise.

I have a rule: if I open an email with a meeting, assembly, or anything that needs to be done, I immediately write it in my planner. No exceptions.

I’ve tried digital planners, but I always come back to paper. It just works better for how I think. I used to use an Erin Condren planner, but it was too heavy to carry around.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/3NLSavW

🖊 5. Flair Type Pens (Yes, I’m That Teacher)

There’s a reason these have a following.

They don’t bleed through paper, the colors are clean, and they make grading feel slightly less painful. I use different colors for different types of feedback, and students actually notice.

I am such a geek that I keep one on my lanyard. Always.

I actually like these Amazon ones better than the official Flair brand, and they’re cheaper for a 24-pack.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4lXArOO

🧻 6. Correction Tape (My Non-Negotiable)

This is one of those things I refuse to run out of.

I usually try to hide these from students because they will absolutely use them all. I don’t blame them, but this is one supply I don’t share.

It’s quick, clean, and leaves no mess. I keep one at my desk and one in my bag because I will misplace one at the worst possible moment.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/411k4qN

7. Silicon Pen Holder(Because I Will Lose My Pen Otherwise)

I love these pen holders.

I don’t have time to constantly search for my Flair pens, so I keep one on me all day. They’re cheap, easy to share with coworkers, and yes… I keep the rainbow theme going.

View on Amazon

https://amzn.to/4bQccgR

Closing

Most classroom tools come and go, but these are the ones I keep coming back to.

They’re reliable, practical, and they make the day run just a little smoother.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my classroom and content at no extra cost to you.
👉 Want all my classroom supply picks in one place?
Check my full list here: https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

Labels: classroom tools, teaching, going analog, classroom management, teacher favorites, amazon favorites, real classroom

How I Record Stories for My Students (Without Losing My Mind)

2026-03-25T15:43:00.004-04:00

How I Record Stories for My Students (Without Losing My Mind)

Recording stories for students sounds simple.

It’s not.

Somewhere between “just hit record” and actually producing something usable, you realize you need the right tool, decent audio, readable text, and enough patience to not quit halfway through because your software suddenly wants to charge you extra for something basic.

After a lot of trial and error (and some irritation), I finally found a system that works—and more importantly, one I can actually sustain.

Step 1: Keep the setup simple

I use ScreenPal (formerly Screencast-O-Matic).

The reason is simple: it lets me record my screen and my voice at the same time without jumping through hoops. I can pull up the text of a poem or story, hit record, and start reading. Right now, I’m using the free version. It doesn’t create backups, so I save videos to my desktop and upload them to YouTube right away.

No complicated editing. No separate audio tracks. No unnecessary steps.

The simpler the setup, the more likely you are to actually use it.

Step 2: Put the text on the screen

Students need to see the words.

I used to paste text into Google Slides and format it with large, readable font, sometimes breaking it into chunks across multiple slides so it didn’t feel overwhelming. Now, I usually just pull up the poem or story online. Occasionally, I’ve purchased an e-book or used my Kindle Unlimited account to access a clean version.

When possible, I highlight or pause between lines to help students follow along. It’s a small adjustment, but it makes a noticeable difference.

Step 3: Focus on clear, steady reading

This isn’t a performance.

I’m not trying to turn it into a dramatic production. I read clearly, slow down when needed, and add just enough expression so it doesn’t sound flat.

The goal is comprehension, not entertainment.

I do mess up sometimes. When that happens, I either keep going or re-record a section if it’s really off. Small mistakes rarely matter as much as we think they do.

Step 4: Keep videos short

Attention spans are what they are right now.

If a text is long, I break it into parts rather than forcing students through one long video. Shorter recordings are easier for them to finish—and easier for me to create.

Step 5: Don’t over-edit

This one took me a while to accept.

Not every recording needs to be perfect. If I stumble over a word, I keep going. If there’s a small pause, it stays. If I make a bigger mistake, I’ll fix it—but editing everything is time-consuming, and most students won’t notice the small things anyway.

If I wait for perfection, I won’t post anything.

The basics

Start a YouTube channel. It’s free, and you can always change the name later.
Use what you have. I started with a plug-and-play headset, then upgraded to a $50 microphone.
If you want video, a basic webcam is enough. I sometimes add a small picture-in-picture view, but not always.

What I’ve learned

Recording stories has become one of the most useful things I’ve done for my classroom.

My students generally dislike AI-generated voices and tend not to use them. A real voice matters.

With recordings, students can:

Re-listen at their own pace
Follow along with the text
Catch details they missed the first time
Listen when they forget their books or materials

It’s also changed how I think about reading instruction. I’m more aware of pacing, clarity, and emphasis.

And, strangely, other teachers have started asking me to record stories for them. It’s still a little surreal to walk down the hallway and hear my own voice coming from another classroom—even if I still don’t love the sound of it. I have also recorded simple PowerPoint presentations and other class activities for absent students.

If you’re thinking about trying this…

Start simple.

You don’t need expensive equipment or complicated software. You just need a clear voice, readable text, and a system you won’t avoid using.

That’s it.

Everything else is extra.

If you find yourself spending more time setting things up than actually recording, it’s probably time to simplify.

Because the goal isn’t to create perfect videos.

It’s to help students actually hear—and understand—the text.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my classroom and content at no extra cost to you.

👉 Want all my classroom supply picks in one place?

Check my full list here: https://linktr.ee/misszeglin

Labels: teaching, read aloud, recording lessons, classroom tech, going analog, teacher tips, video lessons, online teaching