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.
Great stories, just-right leveled reading; now mostly by subscription
Bottom Line: Up-to-date, high-interest articles will meet students right at their level, and help teachers bolster students' nonfiction reading skills.
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.
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.
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.
