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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: Discipline Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Today’s Monday Mindset is one of our listeners’ favorite past episodes all about discipline. I highlight the value of discipline in both our work and personal lives, discussing how our future selves will thank us when it comes to practicing discipline. I challenge listeners to identify areas in their own lives where discipline may be lacking, and I encourage you to make a commitment to yourself. By keeping promises to ourselves, we build self-confidence and begin to see positive results in our lives.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 254: Teach Student-Friendly Short Stories with this Simple Hack Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast where we are diving into a simple hack for teaching student-friendly short stories. We all know the struggle of trying to engage our students with complex texts that may be challenging for them. But fear not, because we have some strategies to make those required texts more accessible and enjoyable for your students. Listen in as we explore this topic and begin to ignite interest in challenging texts.

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: Quiet Quitting Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

In today’s Monday Mindset, listeners will hear a favorite past episode all about a concept called “Quiet Quitting” that has been making waves in the education community. While we acknowledge the challenges that educators face in an imperfect educational landscape, our focus today is on supporting your mental health and well-being. Join me as I discuss how controlling your thoughts and reactions can lead to a more fulfilling career and life.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 253: Master the Tricky Standard of Analyzing Conflicting Information with this Lesson Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we're diving into the tricky standard of analyzing conflicting information. With the overwhelming amount of media that students consume and the need to determine what is credible information, this is a vital skill for them to develop. From understanding conflicting information to identifying shared and conflicting details among texts, evaluating source credibility, and developing critical thinking skills, we'll equip you with the tools you need to help your students become critical thinkers and analyzers of information. Join us as we break down this concept and explore ideas to teach students these skills.

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: A+ player Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

In this Monday Mindset, we revisit a past episode where I explore the power of our surroundings and the impact they have on our lives and mindset. I unpack the concept of surrounding ourselves with “A+ players,” and the profound influence it can have on our personal growth and happiness.
Intentionally choosing the company we keep and creating a positive environment for ourselves and our students can impact our lives in a truly positive way.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 252: Cut Back on Grading While Leaving Meaningful Feedback with Dr. Harper Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we welcome Dr. Rebecca Harper to the podcast and delve into the topic of assessment, especially when it comes to writing. We reflect on the importance of having checkpoints along the way, and we discuss the power of quick writes and how they can be used to improve writing instruction. Listeners will hear about various methods to engage students in reading and writing, and we address the challenges of grading writing, the importance of providing effective feedback, and the value of assessing smaller chunks throughout the teaching process. Join us as we unpack these topics and share practical strategies to enhance 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: Be the Reason Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

Today I dive into the significance of simply being a good person. Your daily acts of kindness can be the reason why people still believe in the beauty of kind hearts and positive energy. Amidst a world sometimes clouded by negativity, your actions can serve as beacons of hope. Never stop being the source of goodness because your kindness has the power to inspire others and make the world a better place.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 251: Tap Into Students' Halloween Energy with this Haunted Forest Escape Room Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we have a special treat for you as we dive into the spookiness of Halloween. We understand that the days leading up to Halloween can be a challenge in the classroom, as students are filled with excitement and anticipation. Join us as we guide you through an engaging and standards-aligned lesson called the Haunted Forest Escape Room. This three-class period unit is designed to make your students feel like class is a little more special during this time of year. Best of all, the lessons center around literary analysis, focusing on plot, setting, and characterization. So get ready to embrace the excitement of the season and engage your students in a frightfully fun and educational activity!

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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: Change Your Perspective Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, I discuss the profound concept that our perception of the external world is a reflection of our internal state. Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs shape how we interpret reality. Our perception, or view of reality, can affect relationships: unresolved emotions can distort interactions, while empathy can enhance connections. When we are aware of our inner world, it can profoundly influence our external experiences.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 250: The Fabulous Edgar Allan Poe Two Truths and a Lie Game Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! In today’s episode, we are thrilled to share a fun and engaging activity inspired by one of our EB Teachers’ Club members, Krystal Wilde. We will be diving into the world of Edgar Allan Poe and playing a game of Two Truths and a Lie to kick off your Poe unit or any literature study. Join us as we dive in for some fun in the classroom and explore the life of Edgar Allan Poe, while challenging our students' critical thinking skills.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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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