Straight Outta Class

02/05/2026

Check out the latest post on the blog! Lots of ideas for February you can use tomorrow.

February can feel like a weird in-between month. Winter fatigue is real, attention spans are shaky, and you still want lessons that actually matter without reinventing the wheel. This is usually the time of year when I lean hard into simple, skill-based ideas that feel fresh but don’t require a fu...

12/13/2025

Check out this free 2026 new year countdown activity for middle school students.

Welcome the new calendar year with this free, no-prep print and digital activity that will get kids thinking! Students reflect, set goals, and choose a focus word for the calendar new year in this simple resource. Can be used as a warm-up activity, writing prompts, and more. Works well with my Goal....

12/13/2025

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Middle-School-ELA-Digital-Escape-Room-6359173

Middle School students grades 5-8 will love this winter and snowman themed digital breakout escape room! It's perfect for those winter months when you need high-engagement ELA activities. Students are engaged in a fun and challenging set of activities as they collect codes to break the lock! Activit...

12/13/2025

Ready to wrap up December? Check out these two posts full of ideas and activities!

December really can be the most wonderful time of the year in your classroom with these ELA Winter holiday activities for middle school.

04/21/2025

Grab this Spring activity!

Get your students engaged with this science, reading, and writing digital or print activity on endangered creatures! Questivities are bite-sized, technology-integrated assignments that give students the opportunity to investigate and create. This Questivity on Endangered Creatures is perfect for int...

04/06/2025

Are you ready to ignite the poet in every middle schooler you teach? Ok, so that may be a little ambitious, but give me a second.⁠
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April is National Poetry Month and it’s the perfect time to dive into the magic of verse! 💫 Don’t worry about where to start - my latest blog post has got you covered with student-approved poetry activities. From Kenning Poetry to Color Poems, these creative ideas will have your students rhyming in no time! ⁠
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Check out the link in my bio to unleash the power of poetry in your classroom!

11/30/2024

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Save BIG on every resource in my store including activities for December and the new year.

🎄 SAVE 25% Monday and Tuesday 🎄
December 2 and 3

Click the link to get your cart ready.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/straight-outta-class-with-melissa-castillo

11/16/2024

I know it's hard to believe, but my kids loved winter poetry so much they begged to write more.⁠
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Let me share my secret - Digital Winter Whiteout Poetry! It's just like blackout poetry, but instead of blacking out digital text, students white out text in the same way to create a new poem.⁠
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And the best part...I'm sharing a FREE whiteout poetry activity to use in your classroom.⁠
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Link to download the freebie.⁠ Look for free resources.
https://linktr.ee/straightouttaclass

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11/16/2024

Unlock the magic of winter in your ELA classroom with these four winter and December resources! 📚⁠
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These low-prep gems are the secret sauce to keeping your students engaged during the chilly December days.⁠
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From a digital escape room to writing a parody, winter word puzzles, and poetry, each activity correlates to your learning objectives. 🌨️⁠
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Just click the link to download them all!⁠

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/straight-outta-class-with-melissa-castillo/category-holiday-and-seasonal-350727
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11/09/2024

When you're short on time ⏰ and big on class 🙋🏻🙋🏾🙋🏼, you need The Cheat Sheet full of teaching tips, classroom ideas, and FREEBIES.⁠
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✅ Join thousands of other teachers who receive this short weekly email that takes just a few seconds to skim and grab all the good stuff.⁠
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And grab a free download from me to use in your classroom. ⁠
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Click link in bio to get started. ⁠
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11/09/2024

🙌🏼 Raise your hand if you've been guilty of grading papers and binge-watching your favorite shows. ⁠
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I'm loving Lincoln Lawyer and Nobody Wants this right now.⁠ Share your current go-to's and recommendations!⁠
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11/09/2024

Today I am thankful for my teacher family! Together we are better. What are you thankful for today?⁠
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November is a perfect time to incorporate lessons that promote gratitude. ⁠
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Read the latest post where I share activities for your ELA classroom.⁠
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Click link in bio to download a free November poetry activity!⁠
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# iteachmiddleschool ⁠