Middle School ELA Resources for Teachers
Many students struggle to find the main idea and write a strong response. Find the skill they need, then teach it in clear steps.
What grade do you teach?
Not sure what your students need? Take the free diagnostic | Know the problem? Pick a guide
What teachers say
“Many of my students struggle with text responses, along with finding the main idea and identifying vocabulary in context, and this product helped immensely.”
Joan M., 6th grade teacher
“Great resource I love using this for small groups”
A’kasha J., 6th grade teacher
“If you’re looking for a way to help your students practice identifying key details and main ideas and making inferences using textual evidence, this is the resource for you!”
Virginia O., 6th grade teacher
Not sure? Start with the free diagnostic.
Does the problem come from inference, evidence, summary, or vocabulary? This quick snapshot shows you, so you can teach the right skill first.
✓ 12 questions and 2 passages
✓ 4 skills: inference, text evidence, summarizing, vocabulary
✓ Answer key and scoring guide
✓ For 6th grade. Free.
See the difference one skill makes
Read this: “Jaylen stared at the empty seat beside him. He packed his lunch back into the bag, untouched.” How does Jaylen feel?
Before
“Jaylen is sad.”
This is a guess. It has no clue and no proof.
After
“Jaylen feels lonely. He stares at the empty seat, and he does not eat. These clues show he wished a friend was there.”
It names the clue, explains it, and proves the answer.
The inferencing guide teaches this in four steps.
See how to teach it →Know the problem? Pick your fix.
Free guides for grades 6–8. Each one shows the first teaching move.
Students copy the first quote that fits
Text evidence: find, match, and prove with F.M.P.
Common Core: RL.6.1–RL.8.1, RI.6.1–RI.8.1, W.6.9–W.8.9
Open the text evidence guide →Students follow RACE but still write short answers
Short response writing with the TREES™ method.
Common Core: W.6.1–W.8.2, W.6.9–W.8.9
Explore the TREES™ method →Students read the words but miss what is implied
Inferencing: make four thinking steps visible.
Common Core: RL.6.1–RL.8.1, RI.6.1–RI.8.1
Open the inferencing guide →More guides
Character development | Evaluating arguments | P.R.O.V.E. Method™ | Commas
Common Core. Same high bar.
Every guide and diagnostic is built on the Common Core State Standards for grades 6–8. You see the standard on each guide, so lessons stay on grade level.
ADHD supports in every lesson
One step at a time. Short chunks, not walls of text.
Clear models. Students see the thinking first.
Simple organizers. A visual frame holds the ideas.
Short practice. Small wins build focus.
Checklists and choice. Students know what done looks like.
Know your grade? Find your hub.
Each grade hub has reading, writing, and grammar resources for your grade. Or shop everything at once.
Made by a teacher who has been there
Hi, I’m Debra. I have a Bachelor’s in English and over 15 years of teaching, from 4th grade to college. I’m a top 6% seller on Teachers Pay Teachers. I was the kiddo who did not like reading. I make lessons that keep the bar high and give every kiddo a way in.
Questions teachers ask
Is the diagnostic really free?
Yes. It is free to download. It is made for 6th grade. The teaching guides work for grades 6, 7, and 8.
What else is free?
There is a free Main Idea notebook for each grade: RI.6.2 for 6th, RI.7.2 for 7th, and RI.8.2 for 8th. Each one is ADHD-friendly and low ink.
What does the diagnostic cover?
It has 12 questions and 2 passages. It checks four skills: inference, text evidence, summarizing, and vocabulary. An answer key and scoring guide are included.
Are these lessons Common Core?
Yes. Everything is built on the Common Core State Standards for grades 6–8. Each guide lists the standards it covers.
Will this work for students with ADHD?
Yes. Lessons use short steps, clear models, and simple organizers. These help students who lose focus, and the rest of the class too. The standards and the bar stay the same.
Where should I start?
Pick your grade and get the free Main Idea notebook. If you are not sure what your students need, take the free diagnostic. If you know the problem, open the guide for it.
You do not have to fix everything today.
Find one skill. Teach one step. Watch what changes.