Middle school English Language Arts (ELA) is where readers become thinkers, writers find their voices, and students begin to connect literature to life. It’s a time for tackling complex texts, building vocabulary, writing with purpose, and thinking critically; all while navigating the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence.
To support all that, the right digital resources can be game-changers. In this post, we cover 10 must-know websites every middle school English teacher should bookmark, complete with tools for reading, writing, grammar, and student engagement.
Each entry includes:
- Why it’s worth knowing
- What it’s best for
- Notes with a tip or special feature to make the most of it
Let’s dig into the 10 English related websites.
10 Must-know Sites for Middle School English Teachers
1. CommonLit
Why it’s worth knowing:
CommonLit offers free, high-quality texts across genres, along with standards-aligned questions, discussion prompts, and built-in tools for struggling readers.
Best for:
Reading comprehension, test prep, and supplementing your core curriculum with accessible, engaging texts.
Notes:
You can assign texts by Lexile level and use the “Guided Reading Mode” for in-the-moment support.
2. NoRedInk
Why it’s worth knowing:
NoRedInk personalizes grammar, writing, and mechanics lessons based on students’ interests (think favorite movies, athletes, and hobbies).
Best for:
Grammar instruction, writing mechanics, and improving sentence-level fluency.
Notes:
Try their “Quick Writes” feature to spark low-stakes writing practice with built-in revision support.
3. Newsela ELA
Why it’s worth knowing:
Newsela provides real-world news and nonfiction texts adapted at five different reading levels, complete with quizzes and standards-aligned activities.
Best for:
Building nonfiction reading skills and tying literacy to current events and social issues.
Notes:
You can filter by grade level, reading standard, or content theme (like identity, justice, or environmentalism).
4. Storybird
Why it’s worth knowing:
Storybird helps students create beautifully illustrated digital books, poems, and stories, turning writing into an art form.
Best for:
Creative writing projects, poetry units, or student publishing.
Notes:
The art-based prompts are a great way to spark reluctant writers and foster creativity.
5. ReadWriteThink
Why it’s worth knowing:
This site, backed by the National Council of Teachers of English, offers lesson plans, student interactives, and graphic organizers you can use right away.
Best for:
Planning units, differentiating instruction, and reinforcing literacy skills across content areas.
Notes:
Use the “Student Interactives” section for engaging writing tools like comic creators, plot diagrams, and poetry generators.
6. Quill.org
Why it’s worth knowing:
Quill provides free, adaptive writing and grammar activities with real-time feedback for students—and powerful data for teachers.
Best for:
Targeted grammar and sentence-writing instruction, especially for building foundational skills.
Notes:
The “Quill Diagnostic” assesses students and creates a personalized learning plan for each one.
7. Poetry Out Loud
Why it’s worth knowing:
This national poetry recitation competition site includes a massive library of classic and contemporary poems, along with teaching resources and videos.
Best for:
Introducing poetry in a way that centers voice, performance, and interpretation.
Notes:
Watch past student performances with your class to model tone, fluency, and emotion.
8. LitCharts
Why it’s worth knowing:
Created by the same team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts offers clear, detailed summaries and analyses of hundreds of literary works.
Best for:
Supporting literary analysis and helping students break down complex texts like Shakespeare or classic novels.
Notes:
Use side-by-side modern translations for tricky texts like Romeo and Juliet or Macbeth.
9. KQED Learn
Why it’s worth knowing:
KQED Learn offers discussion-based digital lessons that help students evaluate sources, build arguments, and write with evidence.
Best for:
Media literacy, argument writing, and real-world discussion prompts tied to student interests.
Notes:
Use their “Do Now” prompts to spark critical thinking and respectful debate on relevant topics.
10. Vocabulary.com
Why it’s worth knowing:
Vocabulary.com builds word knowledge through adaptive, game-like practice based on definitions, usage, and word roots.
Best for:
Tier 2 vocabulary development and SAT/ACT prep starting in middle school.
Notes:
Create custom word lists based on your current reading unit, and assign them directly to your students.
In Closing
Middle schoolers are complex, creative, and full of questions—and your English class is often where they start finding their voice. These websites can help you challenge their thinking, grow their skills, and make reading and writing meaningful.
Whether you’re teaching persuasive essays, poetry, or punctuation, this collection of tools supports the whole teacher: the planner, the grader, the encourager, the idea-generator. Try a few. Share them with your students. Let them explore. Because the more engaging and accessible your resources are, the more your students will lean in.
Words matter. And in your classroom, they can change everything.
