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Teaching Middle School ELA

Welcome to the Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, where we help English Language Arts teachers create dynamic, engaging lessons while balancing the everyday responsibilities of teaching middle school.

I’m Caitlin Mitchell, a longtime ELA educator and curriculum creator, and I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage grading, planning, and student needs—while still trying to have a life outside the classroom. That’s why every Tuesday and Thursday, I bring you practical strategies, curriculum inspiration, and innovative teaching ideas to help you feel confident, prepared, and energized.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your writing instruction, streamline your planning process, or engage even the most reluctant readers and writers, you’ll find actionable support here. You’ll also hear real classroom stories, fresh lesson ideas, and occasional interviews with other passionate educators.

If you teach reading and writing to middle schoolers and want to stay inspired and up-to-date with best practices in ELA education, you’re in the right place. Tune in every week and let’s transform your teaching—together.

Latest Episodes:

Monday Mindset: Be About It Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

Today I reflect on a topic from a past episode where I explore how to take action and live in alignment with our deepest values. Especially as teachers, it can be challenging to find the time outside of our busy schedules to pursue our passions and dreams. However, by examining the impact we can make by aligning our values, actions, and results, we may discover a path towards true inner happiness. I encourage listeners to think deeply about living life in line with your yown values and aspirations.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Best of: Transform Your Planning Process and Take Back Your Time: 2 Simple Steps to Start Batch Planning Today Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is a past teacher favorite where we dive into a powerful concept that can revolutionize your lesson planning and help you reclaim your time as an educator. We'll be exploring the practice of batch planning and how it can transform your teaching life for the better. Join us as we break down two simple steps to kick-start your batch planning journey, dive into the into, through, and beyond lesson planning framework, and learn how to transform your planning process. Listen in to learn how batch planning can help you thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Monday Mindset: Decision Making Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we revisit a former Monday Mindset all about the art of decision-making. I share valuable insights and tips about how to align our decisions with our values. I explore the impact of emotions on decision-making and the power of neutrality. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to view decisions as opportunities for growth and learning.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Best of: Publishing Parties: A Critical Part of Your Writing Unit (That is Often Overlooked) Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, we revisit a favorite topic: using Publishing Parties in your ELA classroom! Listen in to hear why publishing parties are a critical part of any writing unit. We will discuss various ideas for hosting publishing parties and how they can create an authentic audience for student work. Publishing parties can be a fun way for students to showcase their writing and feel pride in the work they’ve completed.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Monday Mindset: Read More Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Today we revisit a past episode where I reflect on my personal journey of reading and some of the books that have had a sincere affect on my growth and happiness. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and discover new perspectives, pushing yourself to the next level. I’ll share some of my favorite books, and I encourage listeners to be open to new ideas and ways of being.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Best of: Engaging Activities to Add to Short Story Units Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Are you finding it challenging to keep your students focused and excited during your ELA class period? We’ve got you covered in this episode where we explore three captivating short stories, along with interactive activities that will grab your students' attention and keep them on their toes. You’ll hear about how to use a treasure hunt, a fun prediction activity, and a game of knockout to engage your students in short story units in your classroom!

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Monday Mindset: Compassionate Emptiness Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Today we are re-airing a past episode where I dive into the thought-provoking concept of "Compassionate Emptiness." As educators, sometimes we can fall into the trap of simply acting as problem solvers. I challenge this way of being and discuss the idea of listening with compassion and nothing else. In doing this, we can provide our students with the space they need to be heard without judgment or immediate solutions. This practice can be helpful not only in our classrooms, but also as we interact with colleagues, family, and friends. Sometimes all others need is someone who is willing to listen.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Best of: Anticipation Stations: Your New Go-To Pre-Reading Activity Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we’re re-airing a past episode that is a teacher favorite! Listen in as we dive into an activity that will transform your pre-reading experience with your students. Get ready to discover the power of Anticipation Stations and how they can elevate your students' understanding, engagement, and critical thinking skills for any text. We'll walk you through the setup, provide examples using Lois Lowry's The Giver, and offer insights on why this activity is a game changer in your ELA classroom.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Monday Mindset: Radical Generosity Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

Today we’re airing a past Monday Mindset episode where I discuss the concept of going above and beyond in our relationships and connections with others. Giving, not just in terms of time, but also in offering kindness, compassion, and support to others, is a powerful tool. When we give without expecting anything in return, we can positively impact our lives, experiencing deeper connections and meaningful relationships with others.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Best of: Set Yourself Up for Success During the Holiday Season Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Teaching Middle School ELA! In today's podcast, we are re-airing one of our all-time favorite episodes, "Setting Yourself Up for Success During Winter Break." As the holiday season approaches, we know how important it is for you to fully enjoy your time off from school without the worry of lesson plans and grading. We will be sharing three strategies to help you relax, recharge, and come back in the new year with renewed energy and excitement. So sit back, hit play, and get ready to make the most of your winter break.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

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