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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: The Journey May 15, 2023

Show notes

Goals are great, but as soon as we reach one we create another. So, we are always chasing a goal or a dream. There is no end result here; instead, it's about who we become in pursuit of that end result. So try looking at it as the journey of becoming. How are you changing along the way? Who are you developing into? Focus on how you are changing for the better.
Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
Caitlin

Episode 223: Use this Game to Help Students Master Commonly Confused Words May 09, 2023

Show notes

As English teachers, seeing a word misused in a sentence can be cringe-worthy, and you probably catch mistakes in your students' writing where they have confused two words that sound similar but have very different meanings. Today’s podcast is all about helping your students get a grasp on these most commonly misused words, and this is a grammar lesson they won’t forget! Caitlin and Jessica share how to set up a rousing game of “Homophone Hit” that will help your students master these tricky words once and for all!

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: Victim May 08, 2023

Show notes

If you are always placing the blame on someone else, then you have a victim mentality. The problem is actually about you. There’s something underneath this surface issue that is coming up for you that you need to work through in order to move on. Once you have done the work and gone through the healing process, you’ll realize that you have control over your own thoughts and emotions. And what a freeing place that is! So, what do you think about taking some time to reflect on your own thoughts and actions? It just might change your life.
Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
Caitlin

Episode 222: Music: An Easy Way to Guarantee Student Engagement May 02, 2023

Show notes

Teachers know just how important engagement is in a classroom. Not only do students need to be engaged to learn, but engaging lessons are also essential to successful classroom management. While there are TONS of strategies out there, Caitlin and Jessica offer listeners one very simple way to create engagement in the classroom: use music! We think these practical and fun ideas will be just what you need to add some spark and wonder to your lessons as this school year comes to a close!

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: Creating Evidence for Yourself May 01, 2023

Show notes

When I’m doing something new, I usually have serious doubts. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to accomplish whatever the task may be. This belief system is super limiting, so I needed to start creating evidence for myself that I actually can do it. How do you do that? You show up everyday to prove to yourself that you can do it, and you are doing it. This evidence will then help us to create a new identity of who we are. This is when your beliefs about yourself will begin to change.
Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
Caitlin

Two Easy Review Games to Play with Students - 221 Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

Using games in the classroom can be an easy way to motivate students to review numerous concepts in ELA. To round out April’s four-part series discussing engagement in the classroom, Caitlin and Jessica share details about two of their favorite games to use with students. While these games are both easy to prep and fun, they also provide valuable review time for your learners as the school year winds down.
Are you enjoying the podcast?
Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to Subscribe 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 and scroll down to Rating and Reviews. Click on "Write a Review" and let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Other episodes you might enjoy:

Monday Mindset: Anxiety is a Meteor Shower of What-ifs Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

If you struggle with anxiety, know that you're not alone. Many of us are dealing with it on a daily basis, including me, so when I heard this statement it really resonated with me. Anxiety is such a difficult place to be in when it feels like the sky is falling. If we allow our mind to go with the “what ifs,” we will continue to fall down the dark hole that is anxiety. However, if we choose to not stay in that state of being, we can focus on what is actually real. Give it a try and see if it works out for you.
Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
Caitlin

Why Genius Hour is a Middle School "Must Try" Project - 220 Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

The idea of a Genius Hour originated in some of today’s most innovative and groundbreaking companies, and it’s also a great activity to use in your classroom. As the school year comes to a close, and you and your students need fresh and interesting activities, we think implementing a Genius Hour in your classroom will be just the thing to motivate your students! By allowing learners to invest time in their own interests, we can encourage creativity and innovation. Listen to this week’s podcast episode to learn how to implement this unique project in your middle school classroom.
Are you enjoying the podcast?
Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to Subscribe 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 and scroll down to Rating and Reviews. Click on "Write a Review" and let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Other episodes you might enjoy:

Monday Mindset: Normal Nervous Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

Middle school is a tough time. There are so many things going on in the world and new challenges that our students are facing. High school is approaching, and oftentimes there are many big decisions that come with that. That may bring on anxiety or a nervous feeling. I think it’s important to discuss these things and realize that those feelings can be a “normal nervous” that everyone is dealing with. It helps to know that we are all in this together.
Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
Caitlin

Fun Research Project: The Year I was Born - 219 Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever struggled to keep your students motivated to learn at the end of the school year? Maybe you’ve been searching for ways to help your students master the standards but with an activity that appeals to them. In today’s episode, Caitlin and Jessica discuss a special research project called The Year I Was Born. Not only will your students be interested in the research, but the final project is a fun keepsake that they can enjoy for years to come.
Are you enjoying the podcast?
Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to Subscribe 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 and scroll down to Rating and Reviews. Click on "Write a Review" and let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Other episodes you might enjoy:

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