The Reading and Writing Nook
Hands-On Reading & Writing Resources
recent posts
- 5 Picture Books That Work for Middle School Goal Setting (Plus Ready-to-Use Activities)
- How to Teach Main Idea and Supporting Details in a Hands-On Way
- Why I Always Make Time for Poetry (Even When It Feels Impossible)
- Teaching Symbolism with KPOP Demon Hunters
- Three FREE Hispanic Heritage Month Read Aloud Activities for Middle School
About Us
Welcome! I’m Sonam, a passionate middle grades educator who believes learning sticks best when students are up, moving, and engaged. Over the years, I’ve taught middle school English Language Arts in both the U.S. and abroad, primarily in independent schools, and I’ve seen firsthand how hands-on, movement-based instruction can transform a classroom.
As a former board member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), I’ve been fortunate to help shape the broader conversation around literacy education. With a B.S. in Education from The University of Texas at Austin and an M.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, I now use my background and expertise to design creative, standards-aligned resources that bring energy, clarity, and joy into ELA classrooms everywhere.
Category: Uncategorized
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1. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds Theme: Starting before you feel ready This book is a perfect reminder that growth begins with action, not confidence. Classroom Activity Idea Journal Prompt: What is one thing you could begin even if you don’t feel ready yet?What would your “dot” be? 2. Last Stop on Market Street…
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Main idea can feel like one of those skills students should “just know,” but the truth is that many of them don’t. They try to guess the main idea before they really understand what the text is about, and the whole skill starts to feel confusing and frustrating. Instead, students should move from sorting details…
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Poetry is one of those things that’s easy to push aside when the year gets busy. Between essays, grammar, and test prep, it never feels like there’s enough time to fit it in. But every time I bring poetry back into the classroom, I remember why it’s worth it. Poetry brings out a level of…
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K-POP: Demon Hunters isn’t just an action movie with catchy songs. The film is filled with references to Korean folklore, art, and tradition. These symbols add layers of meaning that make it a great resource for the classroom. Here are the most important ones to highlight for students. CLICK HERE for a FREE Symbolism Analysis…
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Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate diverse voices and stories in the classroom. One powerful way to honor this month is by choosing meaningful read alouds that highlight Hispanic culture, identity, and experiences. Not only do these stories help students connect to different perspectives, but they also spark important conversations about family,…
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The first weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind with new routines, new names, new energy. That’s exactly why I love starting each class with a simple, consistent ELA warm-up activity. Bell ringers give students a clear routine while giving you a few precious minutes to take attendance, greet students, and breathe. But here’s…
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Here are five of my favorite read alouds and hands-on activities that get students thinking, writing, and connecting. You can grab all of these FREE with student instructions HERE. 1. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig This gentle story follows Brian, who feels invisible until a classmate helps him feel included. The illustrations cleverly show…
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CLICK HERE to get all the materials for this activity for FREE. I find it so much easier to teach when I used my students’ names. Think about it: “You did a fantastic job using strong verbs!” or “Please sit down.” vs. “You did a fantastic job using strong verbs, Sonam.” “Sonam. Please sit down.”…
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CLICK HERE for FREE Google Slides for this activity. If you’re searching for an easy, zero-prep back-to-school icebreaker for middle school, skip the awkward “fun fact” prompt. Instead, try this twist that always gets laughs and builds connection fast. The Boring Fact Icebreaker Here’s how it works:Ask each student to share the most boring fact…
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