10 TOOLS

10 Best ELA Tools for Middle School

Middle school is the perfect time to ignite students' passion for reading and writing. These hand-picked ELA apps, games, and websites do just that, building on foundational elementary skills with readings that focus on compelling topics and writing opportunities that challenge students' thinking. Many of these tools also feature great support, offering students feedback on their grammar and writing while also offering teachers ways to personalize assignments (including picking the perfect text) and to grade and assess writing more easily. Finally, a couple of tools on the list encourage students to flex their creative skills and express their style through digital creation and online, peer-to-peer communities.

826 Digital

Popular after-school program shares its resources with teachers

Bottom Line: This is a worth-bookmarking resource thanks to relatable writing lessons and motivating examples of actual student writing.

Grades: 1–12
Price:
Free

Newsela

Great stories, just-right leveled reading; now mostly by subscription

Bottom Line: While pricey, Newsela has ascended into an all-in-one destination for leveled, non-fiction reading.

Grades: 2–12
Price:
Free, Paid

CommonLit

Feature-rich literacy resource offers superb support for readers

Bottom Line: Access a hefty collection of reliable, ready-to-print, leveled passages that allow you to tailor lessons, assign online reading, and track progress.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free

StoriumEdu

Collaborative writing game inspires purposeful storytelling

Bottom Line: With some planning and customization, this unique card game can motivate thoughtful and sustained creative writing in your classroom.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free to try

ThinkCERCA

Structured literacy program inspires deep analysis, thoughtful writing

Bottom Line: This is an expertly scaffolded and pedagogically sound resource for developing critical reading and writing skills.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Paid

Writable

Stellar program scaffolds the writing process with peer review and feedback

Bottom Line: This is an intelligently structured tool for teaching writing and review that focuses on process as much as product.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free to try

Actively Learn

Empowering reader invites students to read with purpose

Bottom Line: Far beyond the average e-reader, this tool helps students connect with texts and each other while giving teachers useful insight into student thinking.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free, Paid

NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

Wildly engaging contest turns students into novelists in 30 days

Bottom Line: A thoughtful adaptation of the famous and fun grown-up novel writing contest, NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is brimming with advice and encouragement as well as classroom support.

Grades: 4–12
Price:
Free

Grammarly

Helpful tips support the writing process, build confidence

Bottom Line: A flexible tool that -- with teacher guidance -- students can use for both quick fixes and more in-depth writing improvement.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free, Paid

StudySync

Superb ELA resource features engaging activities, stellar support

Bottom Line: An exceptional, ever-growing resource for helping your students become close readers, careful writers, and critical thinkers.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free to try

More Picks for You

  • Websites for Reading, Literacy, and Math Games

  • Resources for Close Reading and Literary Analysis Lessons

  • Digital Tools for School Libraries and Media Centers