January 11–31, 2026 | Risk-Free | Optional | Supportive
Join us for the
A Free 1-Month Membership Trial for Middle School ELA Teachers
The Engagement Jumpstart is a free, 1-month trial of the Word Nerd Collaborative, designed to help middle school ELA teachers re-energize students after winter break with ready-to-go lessons, brain breaks, and reading experiences kids actually enjoy.
No pressure.
No perfection.
Just practical support, one step at a time.
Bring engagement back to your classroom without reinventing the wheel.
- You teach middle school ELA
- You care about student engagement (even on hard days)
- You want lessons that feel meaningful, not forced
- You’d love support without being overwhelmed
If you’re looking for perfect, this probably isn’t for you.
If you’re looking for practical, you’re in the right place.
- Your January ELA Engagement Game Plan
fresh and students engaged — without spending your entire
weekend planning.
- Engagement-Driven Classroom Resources
Daily Writing prompts, Curated Reading Recommendations & More.
- Low-Prep Lessons You Can Use Immediately
- Live, Optional Events
Me-Anything support, and A virtual author visit (with Taryn Souders).
- The Jumpstart Journey (Optional & Fun)
engaged if you want to — no points, no pressure, just progress.
Who is this for?
What You’ll Get During the Jumpstart
Your January ELA Engagement Game Plan
A ready-to-go monthly lesson lineup designed to keep learning fresh and students engaged — without spending your entire weekend planning.
Engagement-Driven Classroom Resources
Including: 200+ First Chapter Fridays (videos & worksheets), Dozens of Brain Breaks, Daily Writing prompts, Curated Reading Recommendations & More.
Low-Prep Lessons You Can Use Immediately
Live, Optional Events
Including: A guided tour of the membership, A February planning session, Ask-Me-Anything support, and A virtual author visit (with Taryn Souders).
The Jumpstart Journey (Optional & Fun)
A one-page, game-board style experience that helps you stay engaged if you want to — no points, no pressure, just progress.
- YES - because your students will ask for it.
- They'll want another First Chapter Friday,
- They'll beg for another trivia break.
- They'll tell you they "actually didn't hate that writing assignment."
This isn't another resource that's going to collect digital dust. It's an experience that reshapes how your student show up to class.
My kids love it! When I read a book’s first chapter, it flies off my shelf. “
- Lysha Chamberlain (7th grade teacher)
“First Chapter Friday is a procedure in my classroom because of you!
First Chapter Friday has led my students to pick up a book they might not otherwise know. Your work helps narrow down some amazing titles!”
-Sheila McAninch (7th grade teacher)
“THANK YOU! My students love reading and then sharing them with others.
This is my first year as a middle school gifted specialist, and your resources have changed my teaching. I just want to say THANK YOU for what you do!”
- Gina Stout (6th Grade teacher)
“Your resources have changed my teaching.
You help me get my kiddos excited about reading and help me learn more about books that I have not yet read or heard about! Thank you for all of your content! “
- Bailey Rich (6-8th grade teacher)
“I love your first chapter Friday videos!
Thank you for doing this. I go back and forth between your videos and my own selections. “
- Cassie Yowell (8th grade teacher)
“It's made a huge impact on reading in my classroom.
Kids love listening to them and I usually have several that can't wait to check out the book. “
- Cherri Haskett (6-7th grade teacher)
“Your FCF is what saves the week at times.
- Courtney Cummins (7-8th grade teacher)
“My students love you! Thanks for everything you do!”