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    Teaching Middle School ELA

    Welcome to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, where we are dedicated to helping English Language Arts teachers create dynamic and engaging lessons for their students, while also managing the day-to-day responsibilities that come with being a Middle School ELA teacher.

    As educators ourselves, we understand the challenges of finding a work-life balance that allows us to pursue our passion for teaching while also enjoying our personal lives. That’s why each Tuesday, hosts Caitlin Mitchell and Jessica Cannata share practical and innovative solutions for managing your workload and staying inspired in your teaching practice.

    Whether you are looking for fresh ideas to inspire your students, strategies for improving your writing instruction, or tips for managing your time more effectively, this podcast is designed to provide you with the tools you need to thrive as a Middle School ELA teacher.

    Join us each week for curriculum and lesson ideas, classroom stories, and interviews with fellow educators who are experts in the field. We believe that with the right support and resources, you can create a classroom environment that encourages students to become strong and passionate learners.

    If you teach reading and writing to middle schoolers and want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in ELA education, then this is the podcast for you! Tune in every week and let us help you make a difference in the lives of your students and in your own teaching career.

    Advertise
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    Latest Episodes:
    Episode 308: Literary Shuffle Activity Oct 29, 2024

    In this episode, we're shaking things up with the Literary Shuffle Activity—a fun and interactive way to get students diving deeper into any story. Whether they’re on their feet or staying put, this game makes story review a blast.
    You'll walk away from this episode with all the information you'll need to implement this game using any novel or short story that your students are reading. Take a listen and try it out!

    Mindset Favorite: Be About It Oct 28, 2024

    What if small changes could align your life with your deepest values? Today’s Monday Mindset is one of our listeners’ favorite past episodes all about moving from dreaming to purposeful action, inspired by a lesson from the CEO of a basketball camps company. I discuss breaking the cycle of endless ideas and taking real steps toward your goals—especially in teaching. Tune in for actionable strategies to create space for your passions and live in alignment with your values.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 307: Navigating the Science of Reading Part 8: Sight Recognition Oct 22, 2024

    In this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan conclude their Science of Reading series by focusing on sight recognition, the final strand in Scarborough’s Reading Rope. Discover why sight recognition is key to fluent reading and explore practical strategies to help your middle school students instantly recognize and remember words. From engaging word wall activities to interactive games, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to reinforce sight recognition in your classroom. Tune in for this important episode and help your students take their reading skills to the next level!

    Mindset Favorite: Feeling Unmotivated Oct 21, 2024

    What if staying motivated all year could be as simple as asking yourself one question: "Will your future self thank you for this choice?" Today we’re airing a past Monday Mindset episode where I discuss how forward-thinking can keep your drive alive, offering practical examples and personal stories that show how this mindset can help you stay committed to healthy habits, classroom goals, and positive daily decisions. Tune in for actionable advice to sustain motivation and create lasting positive change, both for yourself and your students!

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 306: Navigating the Science of Reading Part 7: Decoding Oct 15, 2024

    In this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan guide you through decoding, the next strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. You’ll learn how decoding fits into the bigger picture of word recognition and why it’s essential for your middle school students. Discover two engaging activities that focus on prefixes, suffixes, and root words, designed to make decoding practice both interactive and effective. Whether your students need a high-energy relay or a more focused, stationary activity, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to implement right away. Tune in to enhance your students’ decoding skills and help them unlock the meaning behind the words they read!

    Mindset Favorite: Read More Oct 14, 2024

    Can reading more books help prevent burnout? This week on another re-air episode of one of the Monday Mindset Favorites, I explore how choosing the right books, like "Sustain Your Game" by Alan Stein Jr., can shift your perspective and reignite your passion for teaching. It’s about selecting literature that uplifts, challenges, and inspires personal growth.

    Join me as I discuss how insights from personal growth books can transform both your teaching and mindset. Check out the show notes for a curated list of must-reads, and let’s embark on this journey of self-improvement together!

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 305: Navigating the Science of Reading Part 6: Phonological Awareness Oct 08, 2024

    In this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Caitlin, Megan, and Jessica continue their Science of Reading series by tackling phonological awareness, a key component of the Word Recognition section of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. Join your hosts as they demystify phonological awareness for middle school teachers, explaining why it's vital for older students and how it can tie into the study of poetry. You'll walk away with ten simple, creative strategies to help students develop their phonological awareness through sound patterns, rhymes, and more. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is filled with practical ideas that you can use in your classroom tomorrow!

    Mindset Favorite: Compassionate Emptiness Oct 07, 2024

    Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes! In this episode, Can listening transform your teaching? Discover "compassionate emptiness," a concept from former Starbucks president Howard Baer, in this week's Monday Mindset podcast. Learn how shifting from problem-solving to truly hearing your students, colleagues, and administrators can revolutionize your classroom and foster a culture of empathy and understanding.

    Join me as I explore tips for living with intention and creating spaces for open conversation and growth. Let's commit to listening with empathy and watch how small changes lead to big transformations.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 304: Navigating the Science of Reading Part 5: Literacy Knowledge Oct 01, 2024

    In this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Caitlin, Megan, and Jessica continue their journey through the Reading Rope with a focus on literacy knowledge. Discover how understanding text features is key to comprehension, and why it’s crucial to teach these skills explicitly—even to older students. Your hosts will walk you through a cross-disciplinary Text Features Scavenger Hunt that’s simple to set up and highly effective in boosting students' awareness of how texts are organized. Tune in to learn practical strategies to enhance your students' literacy knowledge and make your ELA instruction even more impactful!

    Mindset Favorite: Decision Making Sep 30, 2024

    Decision-making can be very difficult as a teacher. We are constantly making decisions that will ultimately affect our students’ success. The constant stress of decision-making can be exhausting. Here’s an easy framework for you to consider to help with decision fatigue.

    Always come back to your “why” and your values.

    Don’t make decisions when you’re emotional.

    Ask yourself questions.

    What is my intuition telling me?

    Remind yourself that you can learn from this decision whether it is “right” or “wrong”.

    Don’t be afraid of the what ifs in life. They will only hold you back.

    Here's to another great week, of intentional living!

    Episode 303: Navigating the Science of Reading Part 4: Verbal Reasoning Sep 24, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Jessica, and Megan dive into the fourth strand of the Reading Rope: verbal reasoning. They’ll explore how this strand plays a crucial role in understanding and interpreting texts and offer a dynamic activity to help students sharpen their inference skills.

    After listening, you'll have a clear strategy for guiding students through the process of making inferences with a mystery-based activity. This approach not only makes learning fun but also enhances students' critical thinking and comprehension abilities. Don’t miss out on these valuable techniques to enrich your teaching and support your students' reading development!

    Mindset Favorite: Discipline Sep 23, 2024

    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.

    Episode 302: Navigating the Science of Reading Part 3: Language Structures Sep 17, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Jessica and Megan continue their series to help you navigate the essential strands of the Reading Rope. This episode focuses on language structures, exploring why they are crucial and sharing effective ways to teach them.

    After listening, you'll know a fun and adaptable activity that uses drawing and writing to teach grammar concepts. This hands-on activity will enhance your students' grasp of language structures and help them apply these concepts in their writing. Tune in for this practical and engaging approach to strengthen your students' reading and writing skills!

    Mindset Favorite: Radical Generosity Sep 16, 2024

    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

    Episode 301: Navigating the Science of Reading Part 2: Vocabulary Sep 10, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Jessica, and Megan continue their series to help you navigate the essential strands of the Reading Rope. This episode is all about vocabulary, why it's important, and a few ways to teach it.

    After listening, you'll be able to implement a fun and engaging prediction activity focused on Tier 2 vocabulary words. This activity will not only enhance your students' vocabulary retention but also boost reading comprehension by encouraging students to actively engage with new words. Don’t miss this creative activity to help your students expand their vocabularies and deepen their understanding of the texts they read!

    Mindset Favorite: Quiet Quitting Sep 09, 2024

    In another re-air episode of one of Monday Mindset Favorites, I explore the transformative power of the CTFAR method by life coach Neil Williams. Learn how Circumstances, Thoughts, Feelings, Actions, and Results can help you shift your mindset and approach teaching with renewed purpose.

    I also dive into the concept of "quiet quitting" and how, inspired by Ed Mylett and Dean Graziosi, teachers can find fulfillment even in difficult environments. Gain practical tips and reflective insights to thrive in your educational career and take control of your happiness.

    Tune in for an episode filled with strategies to help you become your best self!

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Episode 300: Navigating the Science of Reading Part 1: Background Knowledge Sep 03, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Jessica and Megan kick off a series to help you navigate important concepts in reading comprehension. You'll learn a little about the Science of Reading and how Dr. Hollis Scarborough's Reading Rope can help you understand the skills necessary for reading comprehension. Your hosts will guide you through the importance of Background Knowledge as the first skill in Language Comprehension and share strategies to incorporate it effectively into your teaching.

    After listening, you'll be able to implement a fun jigsaw activity using infographics. This engaging activity helps students build background by reading and summarizing different texts related to a story's context, then creating a collaborative infographic to visually represent their learning. Tune in for these valuable insights and practical tips to strengthen your students' reading skills and make your instruction more impactful!

    Monday Mindset Favorite: A+ Player Sep 02, 2024

    Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes! In this episode, I dive into the powerful impact our surroundings have on our mindset and overall happiness. I explore how intentionally surrounding ourselves with “A+ players” can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

    By carefully choosing the company we keep and fostering a positive environment for ourselves and our students, we can create a ripple effect of positivity in our lives.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.
    Caitlin

    Episode 299: Creating Learning Targets that Include the School Custodian, News Reporters, and a Whole Lot of Fun Aug 27, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan are breaking down how a well-defined learning target can actually move your classroom from confusion and chaos to clarity and engagement. You'll learn from many of their personal journeys and impactful experiences, illustrating how setting clear and specific goals will boost student growth and your teaching methods. Listen in to hear how learning targets can also create a unified front among educators working with the same students.

    After listening, you'll understand exactly how to break down broad educational standards into precise learning objectives that heighten student mastery and make teaching a more intentional endeavor. You'll also hear inventive strategies to involve students in this process in creative ways. Tune in for these valuable insights and practical tips for crafting learning targets that are both impactful and enjoyable!

    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this school year? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    Monday Mindset: Find Your Person Aug 26, 2024

    Do you believe you can do hard things?
    The simple belief that you are capable has more power than you may realize.
    In this Monday Mindset episode, I explore how self-belief can reshape your entire journey. I'll spend a little time recounting personal experiences, hoping to showcase how believing in yourself is the foundation of resilience and courage, helping you face life's challenges and pursue your dreams with determination. I'll discuss how it's actually possible to find peace and joy within yourself, even when the world doesn't affirm you.

    True bravery is about showing up for yourself consistently. The most important believer in your journey is you.
    Join me and discover how finding your strength starts from within.

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 298: From Boring Review to Begging for More: Three Low Prep Games to Add to Your Lessons this Year Aug 20, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast your hosts Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan are sharing insights on turning mundane review sessions into exhilarating and interactive learning moments! You'll learn three low-prep, high-engagement games that are perfect for reviewing any concept in any subject time and time again. They begin by discussing the exhaustion from stale repetitive review methods like Jeopardy or Kahoot and introduce each game with details on exactly how you can easily implement them into your next lessons.

    3 low-prep review lessons you'll love:

    Hot Potato

    Mystery Baskets

    Silent Auction


    These games not only reinforce academic concepts but also encourage strategic thinking and collaboration. The best part is how versatile these games will prove to be as you can utilize them with many different ELA reviews throughout the year. These engaging activities will have your classroom buzzing with energy and excitement. Tune in to energize your review sessions and create memorable moments for your students!

    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning


    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    Monday Mindset: Lessons Aug 19, 2024

    What if every challenge you faced was actually a hidden opportunity for growth? In this Monday Mindset episode, I uncover how adopting a transformative mindset can turn any experience—whether uplifting or daunting—into a valuable lesson.

    By shifting your perspective and asking, "What is this trying to teach me?" you can build resilience, take control of your reactions, and master your journey. I also highlight the power of staying open-minded and ready to learn from unexpected sources, using these insights to make better decisions and foster personal growth. Tune in for practical tips to incorporate this mindset into your daily life and become the best version of yourself.


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 297: Back To School Mini-Series| BTS Activities That Are Seriously Better Than Ice Breaker Bingo Aug 13, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, your hosts Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan are outlining a lengthy list of creative activities that go beyond the usual icebreaker first day of school activities. They explore innovative ways to set a positive and interactive class culture from day one, helping you quickly learn about your students' unique interests and personalities.


    Tune in to dive into five clever activities to help students connect and build relationships. These activities encourage interaction and offer chances for follow-up conversations, fostering deeper connections between you and your students. Plus, they'll highlight the importance of being sensitive to students' experiences while choosing activities that ensure inclusivity. The entire EB Team wishes you a fantastic back-to-school season and encourages you to continue to create a remarkable year inside your classroom walls!


    (For additional Back-To-School activity ideas, check out episodes: 138, 187, 241, 295)


    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning


    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    Monday Mindset: Come Back to Love Aug 12, 2024

    What if you could transform your life simply by choosing love over fear or anger? In this Monday Mindset episode, let's explore the power of a love-focused perspective. Embracing love as your guiding principle can reduce stress, enhance relationships, and bring more joy to your daily life. I’ll share personal stories showing how small acts of love and kindness can create a ripple effect, impacting those around you. Challenge yourself to let love guide your week and witness the remarkable changes it brings.
    Don’t miss this inspiring episode that invites you to live a life driven by love!
    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 296: Back To School Mini-Series| Blindfold Puzzles : A BTS Activity to Gain Info About Your Students Right from the Get-Go! Aug 06, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, join host Megan Wyant and special guest, EB Team Member, Sarah Lang for an exciting jump start to our Back-to-School Mini-Series. They're unveiling a unique, collaborative puzzle challenge perfect for fostering communication, teamwork, and excitement among students on those first days back in your middle school ELA classroom. It's a fresh take on breaking the ice with your more reserved students, plus you'll learn practical tips for accommodating various student needs and managing group dynamics effectively.


    In their discussion, they spend time emphasizing the importance of starting the school year with activities that not only captivate students but also establish classroom norms and routines. Sarah dives into the significance of linking these early activities to future projects and reflecting on their outcomes to reinforce essential skills like problem-solving and collaboration. By integrating such active learning experiences into your classroom, you will create a supportive classroom environment that resonates with students and parents alike. Don’t miss out on your chance to set the tone for a connected, collaborative, and memorable school year! Grab your flair pen and sticky notes then tune in today!



    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning


    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    Monday Mindset: Finding the Solution Instead of the Problem Aug 05, 2024

    Have you ever wondered how adopting a solution-focused mindset could change your teaching experience? Imagine tackling daily challenges with the belief that "everything is figureoutable." This simple yet powerful philosophy has the potential to empower you in ways you may not have considered before.


    In this Monday Mindset , I share my personal journey with problem-solving and the importance of shifting from a victim mentality to a proactive, solution-oriented approach. This mindset isn't just about surviving tough situations; it's about thriving in them. I illustrate how this mindset can positively impact not just your professional life, but also your students' development, fostering an environment of collective growth and continuous reflection.


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 295: The First Day of School Activity Your Students Will Go Home Talking About Jul 30, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast Megan breaks down an EB Teacher favorite that will have your students strategizing, debating, and writing with justification on a deserted island! (Don't worry, there's no plane crash involved!) Megan shares all the details of this engaging back-to-school activity in this episode, so that you can easily recreate this experience with your students! It's perfect for those first few days back in the classroom because it naturally fosters skills like justification, evidence-based thinking, and critical analysis while hooking student interests with its engaging theme, right from the start!


    You'll first begin by setting the scene of a deserted island in your classroom. This can be done in a big way or in small ways, too! Your students will "buy in" to the fun simply based on your excitement as they enter the room. The core task for students to tackle in this activity is to analyze ten character bios and determine which five need to be rescued immediately and which five could survive a few more weeks on the island before the next rescue crew can make it.


    Students will use justification from the character bios to support their choices and have a blast revealing their choices to their classmates! You'll have a blast, too, as you get to know your students personalities and learning levels during these first fun days back to school!


    Tune in today, and rest easy knowing you have this engaging activity penciled into your back-to-school lessons! You won't regret it!



    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning


    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    Monday Mindset: Attitude Is a Little Thing That Makes a Big Difference Jul 29, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I'm exploring how a positive attitude can transform setbacks into comebacks. Considering Winston Churchill's wisdom on attitude, I'll share a personal story about teaching my son resilience through a football loss, and draw inspiration from Steph Curry's optimism. You'll learn how a positive outlook can enrich relationships, attract uplifting connections, and foster greater happiness and success. I'll also discuss the power of choice in shaping a fulfilling life and highlight how our motivational talks go beyond academics to develop compassionate and capable individuals. Tune in for practical insights and heartfelt reflections on building resilience and positivity.

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 294: Use These Four Words Everyday With Your Students and Watch Your Test Scores Skyrocket Jul 23, 2024

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Caitlin is revealing four terms that you can begin incorporating inside your ELA classroom that will directly impact your students' test scores. Yes - this is a HUGE promise to make, and she's not shying away from keeping it. Caitlin will break down this promise with confidence because she isn't only speaking from her personal experience. As a team, we hear from ELA teachers every single year who have seen their students' test data skyrocket after using EB Resources and Strategies consistently. So when Caitlin shares a strategy like the one featured in today's episode, we know it works based on the feedback of thousands of ELA Teachers.

    After listening you'll learn how incorporating the use and application of four simple terms across your writing and reading lessons will bring cohesion to student learning and boost their comprehension!

    So, what are these four words?

    Claim

    Premise

    Evidence

    Justification

    Tune in to learn exactly what each of these terms means and how you can easily incorporate them into virtually every ELA lesson you use. Once you develop the habit of using these terms in your instruction, you might be shocked at how quickly your students will begin using them as well!

    Your students' test scores will thank you for listening in on this episode!


    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    Monday Mindset: Dream Big Jul 22, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I discuss how important it is to conquer self-doubt and embrace a mindset where anything is possible. Inspired by the book "10X is Easier Than 2X," I explore the power of setting bold, audacious goals and reflect on how fear or external discouragement can stifle our ambitions. I'll consider personal experiences and even share a few stories that demonstrate how, with the right mindset, the sky’s the limit.


    Tune in to learn how adopting a mindset of limitless potential can lead to a more fulfilling and innovative life.


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 293: Not Enough Time in Your Class Period? Listen to This Jul 16, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin focuses on best practices to actually "fit it all in" when planning your ELA lessons this year. She prefaces this episode with a message about the variations in class time length we often see across middle schools. Some ELA teachers have 40-minute class periods to work around while others might find themselves with 90-minute blocks to fill. No matter what situation you find yourself in, it is important to walk into planning your ELA lessons with a positive outlook for what is possible and motivation to simply do the best you can with the time you've been given.


    As you listen you'll learn key strategies to make any class length work for you and your students in a way that actually supports student growth. Drawing from research and personal experiences, Caitlin spends time walking you through exactly how embracing constraints and focusing on what you can control will actually transform your classroom experience in major ways.


    Before wrapping up this episode, you'll have the opportunity to evaluate how using the ELA standards as your goal and developing a clear plan of teaching these standards with engaging resources will streamline your planning process and yield more successful learning outcomes for your students! Caitlin is breaking it all down and even giving a peek behind the scenes on how the EB Teachers' ELA Portal can support you in "fitting it all in" this school year!


    You won't regret tuning in for this strategy-filled episode!


    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning


    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the items below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right? Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    Monday Mindset: Opportunity is Risk Jul 15, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I'm asking you to consider if the key to unlocking your full potential lies just outside your comfort zone. You know...that place that feels risky and uncomfortable. Perhaps embracing risk—both personally and professionally - could be the catalyst for growth and new opportunities that you've been missing! I'll share my own experiences and encourage you to be curious about where you might be holding yourself back from stepping into the unknown. Tune in to uncover how shifting our mindset to view risk as a gateway to learning can make previously daunting tasks more manageable and redefine our baseline for what we consider challenging.

    You'll learn practical strategies for building your risk tolerance, starting with smaller, calculated risks, and learn the importance of making decisions from a place of love rather than fear. This episode is a call to action to seize opportunities despite uncertainties, encouraging you to live intentionally and embrace the risks that shape you into a better version of yourself.


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 292: Summer Lesson Planning Series: Rethink Your Weekly Lesson Plans (And Ditch What You Learned in College) Jul 09, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan have a candid conversation about the shortcomings they noticed collectively between their individual experiences earning their degrees or certifications in education. Their revelations unveil a large gap in learning happening for teachers prior to stepping into their classrooms. You'll hear that the single most impactful lesson they wish they had mastered before stepping into their first year as a classroom teacher is how to batch plan lessons rather than focusing on creating individual units in isolation.

    This skill of creating a roadmap of standards for a larger span of time actually provides teachers with a guide to follow throughout the year so that their individual units or resources have intentionality and purpose that in turn guarantees actual student growth throughout the school year. Developing a long term plan (a.k.a. Batch Plans) allows teachers to avoid the cycle of jumping from boring textbook lessons to browsing endlessly online during their weekends or re-inventing entire units on their personal time.

    When teachers avoid the cycle of planning day-to-day, they'll also avoid burnout! You'll walk away with new insights on the benefits of avoiding burnout; including keeping great teachers in the classroom supporting students for years to come! You don't want to miss this episode!

    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the items below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right? Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    Monday Mindset: Just Start Jul 08, 2024

    In this Monday Mindset, we're diving into the power of just getting started. This concept might seem simple, but so many of us refrain from taking our first steps out of fear of not being perfect. I want to challenge you to consider the idea that DOING something imperfectly is better and more helpful than NOT doing anything at all.

    Let's explore the power of embracing imperfection and making progress forward, even in small ways.

    Here's to another week of intentional living!

    Episode 291: Summer Lesson Planning Series: Taking it to the Next Level: Designing Effective "Beyond" Lessons Jul 02, 2024

    Throughout this summer podcast series, we've taken a deep dive into the EB Batch Planning Framework as well as the 3 types of lessons every single ELA unit should include being both rigorous and engaging. If you need a quick refresher, be sure to pop back a few episodes to catch up!

    In this episode, we break down the third and final type of lesson we call "BEYOND" lessons. It's within these lessons that students get authentic opportunities to apply their knowledge and challenge themselves! You'll be tempted to think of these lessons as assessments, but we discuss engaging ways you can turn these lessons into more than just a pen-and-paper assessment. At the end of the day, a quality beyond lesson is really a chance for your students to showcase what they've learned in various ways.

    We also encourage you to ask "Chat GPT" for a list of fun assessment ideas on the days that you feel overwhelmed or stuck looking for fresh ideas. AI is not going away, and it's going to be a great tool for us as educators to utilize in the years to come.

    To wrap up this episode, Caitlin and Jessica, take a moment to share how incredibly easy and accessible the EB Teachers' ELA Portal makes utilizing the Into, Through, Beyond framework in each of your ELA Lessons. From providing next-level ELA units to accessing scope and sequences built into the platform, you'll find your planning process will take far less time and your instructional quality will skyrocket! (Not to mention, your students will actually have fun while they're learning! Win-win!)

    Tune in today and walk away fully prepared to use this framework with your own ELA lessons!

    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the items below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right? Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    Monday Mindset: Forget the Mood You're In Jul 01, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I'm exploring the true secret to success. It may not be the secret you'd initially think! I want to show you the power behind sticking to your plan, no matter what! Tune in to hear how insights from Leila Hormozi have impacted my perspective on the benefits of consistency and discipline.

    By sticking to your plan, regardless of your emotional state, you will build resilience, stay organized, and make actual progress toward your goals. It takes practice and we may not always get it right, but intentionally working towards building this discipline will benefit your life in many different areas!

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 290: Summer Lesson Planning Series: Elevating Student Mastery with "Through" Lessons Jun 25, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we're taking a deep dive into the core of our ELA lessons which we call "Through Lessons"! These lessons are the "meat and potatoes" of our lesson planning recipe meaning they are made up of rigorous activities that allow students multiple opportunities to practice their skills in an engaging way! You'll learn the components of a "Through" lesson and our tips for creating your own to cover multiple skills! We'll also take a moment to share how the EB Teachers' ELA Portal is making this entire process practically seamless and efficient! (We're talking lesson plans and activities ready to go in minutes!)

    This episode is sure to leave you ready to get a head start on your lesson plans for the fall!

    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the items below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right? Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    Monday Mindset: How to Pour Into Yourself Jun 24, 2024

    In this Monday Mindset, I want to discuss powerful strategies to infuse more joy, peace, and intentionality into your life. I'll guide you in identifying activities that fuel your inner soul. You know, like those activities that make you lose track of time! Let's consider the impact integrating more activities like these into your routine, and celebrating every little victory, can have on your life!

    You'll learn to quiet external noise and focus on what brings you true happiness and fulfillment. Perhaps you'll find that focusing on positive, supportive relationships can uplift your mindset and energy, and walk away with strategies to set boundaries with negative influences!

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 289: Summer Lesson Planning Series: Setting the Stage: Crafting Engaging "Into" Lessons Jun 18, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we're taking a closer look at our proven lesson planning framework. You'll hear how we developed this framework and its different components: Into Lesson, Through Lesson, and Beyond Lesson!

    Once we determined the ingredients needed in the recipe for a successful lesson plan, the entire planning process became much more simple and efficient! To begin, we'll share exactly what makes an "Into Lesson" unique and why it's so important to use this style of lesson at the beginning of your ELA units.

    After you listen today, you'll know exactly how to identify an "Into Lesson" and have a better understanding of when to utilize them within your lesson plans!
    Tune in to hear more today!

    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the items below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right? Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list


    Monday Mindset: Your Purpose is NOT for you Jun 17, 2024

    What if your life's true purpose is linked to the positive impact you have on others? In this Monday Mindset, I explore the connection between living your purpose and making a meaningful difference. We'll consider how roles, like teaching and inspiring others, can lead to a more fulfilling life.

    We'll reflect on our impact and recognize our unique gifts to align with a purpose that enriches both our lives and those around us. Celebrating others' successes and reflecting on the growth of those you've helped can be a powerful source of inspiration and fulfillment.

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 288: Summer Lesson Planning Series: Standards: Doctors Don't Wing it and Neither Should You Jun 11, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we're discussing what we call the "North Star" of lesson planning: your ELA standards!

    We're covering our most practical ways of utilizing your list of ELA standards to develop an outline of pacing for your scope and sequence. Once you have a "map" of standards to follow, then it becomes easier to pencil in units that effectively cover those standards! After you've matched units to the standards you've outlined on your scope and sequence, you'll find you are left with a roadmap of lessons for your entire school year!
    We'll show you exactly how simple this process can be in this episode!

    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the items below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right? Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    Monday Mindset: The Only Person You Can Control is You Jun 10, 2024

    Ever feel weighed down by anger and frustration? In this Monday Mindset, discover practical steps to unburden yourself from negative emotions and foster positive relationships. By focusing on your own journey and not letting others' negativity affect you, you can build a more resilient and fulfilling life.

    I discuss the common frustration of unmet expectations and the futility of hoping others will change. Instead, I urge you to consider the power you have over your own actions and emotions. Accepting people as they are and taking responsibility for your own well-being can transform your life. Learn how to redirect your energy from frustration and judgment towards self-improvement and personal development.

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 287: Lesson Planning is So 2010 (Just Like Printing Boarding Passes) Jun 04, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we dissect the anatomy of a successful lesson plan — a captivating beginning, a standards-focused middle, and an impactful conclusion. This framework not only ensures your lessons flow effectively but also significantly cuts down planning time, allowing you to leave work at work and actually take back your personal time outside the classroom.

    After we cover the components of a successful lesson, we spend time guiding you in the steps to take to effectively string together those lessons throughout your entire academic year. We call this process developing your scope and sequence. Once you follow this process and nail down your scope and sequence, you'll find that everything else seems to fall into place extremely easily. You'll even hear from an EB Teacher who tells us how she was able to actually "Kiss the Sunday Scaries goodbye!"

    Of course, we want this feeling for every single middle school ELA teacher!

    Tune in to this episode to hear more details about how you can easily begin building your scope and sequence now so that you don't have to spend your summer with the weight of back to school on your shoulders!

    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this summer? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the items below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right? Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    Monday Mindset: Serve Others Jun 03, 2024

    In this Monday Mindset episode, I am exploring the question: Can an act of kindness truly transform your life? I believe that there is transformative power in serving others that will bring profound joy to your life! By shifting our focus from our own challenges to helping those around us, you will instantly foster gratitude, which assists in reducing any anxious feelings because you're focused on being thankful. I also challenge you to consider the impact incorporating simple acts of service into your daily routine could have on your life and those within your circle! I hope you'll accept this challenge and join me in serving others and experiencing a positive energy boost each and every day!

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 286: 3 Must Do's to Close Out this School Year and Prepare for Next Year May 28, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, your hosts Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan spend time breaking down their top 3 Must Do's to wrap up this school year and prepare for the fall!

    It can be very tempting to close up shop in May and leave the prep work for August, but in today's episode you'll learn our suggestions for simple things you can do now that your future self will definitely thank you for!

    Our top three tips include:

    1. Reflect on what worked and what didn't work - this will be extremely helpful with batch planning your lessons for next year.

    2. Celebrate your student wins - find creative ways to celebrate your students during this time of the year.

    3. Organize and declutter - whether you do this on your own or you recruit student helpers during those slow days that last week of school, leaving your classroom cleaned out and organized for August will be a weight lifted off your shoulders before summer break!


    Incorporating these 3 strategies into your end of year routine will be the key to a summer break where you can truly rest, relax, and recharge!

    Tune in today to hear these tips explained in this helpful episode!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer!If having access to ALL of the below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today!Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right?Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    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: Take Time for Appreciation May 27, 2024

    Get ready for a moment of reflection in today's Monday Mindset! I'm taking this time to discuss the importance of shifting your focus from the relentless pursuit of what's ahead, to reflecting on the victories you've already achieved! Acknowledging achievements isn't just about giving ourselves a pat on the back—it's about laying the foundation of confidence and gratitude that will support our future endeavors. By shining a spotlight on our past victories, we're actively boosting our resilience and empowering ourselves for the challenges ahead. Without gratitude for our experiences and the people who've helped us along the way, we risk missing the true value of our endeavors. So join me, as I take a much-needed breath to appreciate the past and prepare to face the future!


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 285: Why You Should Ditch New Lessons at the End of the Year May 21, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we're encouraging you to shake the pressure of finding a magical new ELA unit to finish your school year with fun and engagement. Yep, you heard us right! While engagement and rigor are just as important at the end of the school year, we are challenging the idea that you need to search for something "brand new" to make that happen inside your classroom! Perhaps hitting the "rewind" button to review activities your students already know and love could be just as interesting!


    We're giving you two ideas in this episode that will not only add a little sparkle to your end-of-year lessons, but they also provide a natural way to review multiple ELA concepts at once! Your students will love showing off what they've learned and have fun while doing it!


    You'll hear about:

    - Using hexagonal thinking to give students the opportunity to connect various ELA skills and concepts

    - Using the "sticky note" method for students to collaborate and reflect on what they've learned


    Grab a pen and paper to jot down these ideas as you listen in!


    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right?Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    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: Change the Way You Worry May 20, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset, I'm presenting the idea of tipping the scales from anxiety to optimism with a simple, yet profound mental shift! Imagine if, instead of fretting over the direst outcomes, you spent that energy picturing the best possible scenarios! Let's walk through the process of balancing your perspectives to foster a more hopeful approach to life's hurdles. By envisioning the brightest outcomes, you'll lay the groundwork for a more proactive and solution-oriented mindset—preparing yourself to not only dream of success but to achieve it. Why not give visualization a try? You might just be surprised by the outcome!


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 284: Team EB's Favorite Grading Hacks May 14, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we're diving into a very opinionated topic: Grading.


    The majority of the team members that make up the behind-the-scenes of EB Academics were once educators themselves at a variety of different grade levels. So we thought it would be perfect to "poll the team" and gather their most helpful tips for managing the demands of grading work in the ELA classroom.


    We breakdown the tips below and more:

    - Use TeacherMade or Google Forms to turn those hard copies digital and foster faster grading

    - Allow students to select which in-class essay they most want you to grade

    - Allow students to revise essays for a higher grade but only after they've met for a 1:1 conference with you

    - Staggering your units between classes so your grading doesn't pile up at once

    - Grading as you go through a unit or essay

    - Resist the urge to grade the full essay; focus on improvements in a specific part of their essay

    -Randomly select items that will be graded rather than grading every piece of work

    - Lock your door during grading sessions to prevent interruptions

    - Shake the guilt of not grading everything

    - Always use rubrics and even consider letting students self-grade

    - Batch Plan so your prep periods can be used for grading instead of planning


    After listening in, you're sure to have a few tips to add to your routine to shave off those very valuable minutes you spend grading!


    Get ready for an incredibly practical and helpful episode!


    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right?Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list

    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: Forget What Time it Is May 13, 2024

    Get ready for a fresh perspective on time and how it impacts our ability to be present with our surroundings in this Monday Mindset! I take a minute to unravel how getting lost in experiences that captivate us can warp our sense of time, leading us to a state of pure presence. What if you find something this week that will immerse you so deeply that time becomes irrelevant? It's an invitation to be fully present, and in doing so, enhance your well-being, gratitude, and connection to the world around you.


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 283: Unleash Student Creativity with SCAMPER Sessions May 07, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, your hosts, Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan sat down to discuss a fresh method to try with your students when trying to give their creativity a boost!

    Tune in as they dive into the SCAMPER method and walk you through a unique example for you to see it in action.


    SCAMPER stands for:

    Substitute

    Combine

    Adapt

    Modify/Magnify

    Purpose/Put to other uses

    Eliminate…and…

    Rearrange/Reverse


    You'll discover innovative ways you can incorporate this process into your next lessons to give your students a tangible way to develop new and creative ideas. As your students work through this method they are practicing problem-solving, critical thinking, and respectful group collaboration!


    Jessica wraps things up by sharing two ways you could use this method inside your classroom this week!


    Idea #1: Storytelling Techniques - This process would be perfect to try with traditional fairy tales for guiding students through how students could fracture them!


    Idea #2: Character Development - These questions can be rinsed and repeated for any novel or short story as a way to think deeper and make connections! (Also try this with Socratic Seminars or Silent Debate questions)


    To hear more about this fun concept, be sure to listen in!

    Get ready for an exceptionally helpful episode!

    BIG NEWS: The EB Teachers' ELA Portal will officially be open for enrollment this summer! If having access to ALL of the below sounds helpful to you, then we invite you to take a quick moment to add your name to our priority list today! Are you ready for:

    • Hundreds of ready-to-go ELA lessons
    • A robust Core ELA Curriculum that includes reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary covering all of the ELA standards
    • Innovative digital lesson planning software
    • Hours of on-demand PD videos
    • A community of thousands of supportive ELA teachers from around the world

    Pretty incredible, right?Click the link below to add your name to the priority list today:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-priority-list


    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: You Don't Have to Be Happy All the Time May 06, 2024

    On today's Monday Mindset, I'm taking a moment to intimately reflect on how maintaining a positive outlook rather than chasing perpetual happiness will profoundly shape your life's journey!

    Join me as I traverse the emotional journey that life presents, from the peaks of joy to the valleys of sorrow. I'll candidly share how personal loss became a testament to resilience and the belief in a universe that conspires for our good. When we embrace the potential of positivity to bring peace and meaning, no matter what life throws at us, we will find growth and contentment in every twist and turn of life's paths.

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 282: Early Finishers? Use this Game Changing Chat GPT Command Apr 30, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Jessica is joined by EB Academics' Curriculum Writer, Pat, and together they dive into an innovative use of ChatGPT for your middle school classroom! Pat presents this engaging concept by explaining how you can use ChatGPT to generate task cards that are fantastic to use with your students who seem to always finish their assignments early! They showcase the ease with which you can tailor your task cards to different types of learners and how simple they can be to create with the help of AI. You'll learn how to create task cards that are flexible to meet the diverse needs of your students while fostering creativity and engagement in the classroom. With practical tips and insights, Jessica and Pat demonstrate how ChatGPT can enhance lesson planning and student learning experiences, making it a valuable tool for educators seeking to boost their efficiencies and support student growth.

    Get ready for an exceptionally helpful episode!


    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: Permission to Want More Apr 29, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset I'm giving you permission to want more out of life! In this episode, I challenge the idea that wanting more from your life means you are discontent or unhappy. Instead, I lean into the concept that wanting more is not only natural but necessary for a life full of intention and authenticity.

    So let's do away with the guilt and embrace the possibility that we can aspire to chase our dreams no matter what age or circumstance we may currently find ourselves in. I'm excited for you to tune in and hold space for the brightness your future has in store for you.

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 281: What You Need to Know About Effective Adaptations for ELLs and Students in Special Education Apr 23, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Jessica, Pat introduce Jay, EB's resident differentiation expert for ELL and SPED students! Together they host a conversation focused on effective teaching methodologies tailored to accommodate diverse learning needs.


    They take a deep dive into strategies such as fostering trust and community among students, implementing collaborative group work, and employing ongoing assessment methods. Their conversation underscores the importance of personalized instruction for different levels of learning. They explore ways to involve students in their own learning journey through honest prompts, student choice, and individualized check-ins, all while emphasizing the significance of leveraging available resources and collaborative efforts to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.


    Get ready for an episode full of practical strategies that will benefit every level of learner 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: Everything is Figureoutable Apr 22, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset, I'm exploring a life mantra that can instantly break down the walls of a "stuck" mindset! Marie Forleo's infectious philosophy that 'everything is figureoutable' breathes new life into the way we tackle problems. I pay tribute to that mindset in this episode, reflecting on the belief that every challenge has a solution waiting to be uncovered.


    I want you to take a moment to consider that every obstacle can actually be an opportunity to grow in more ways than one! You'll notice the positive impact of altering our deep-seated beliefs to see that everything—from scheduling snafus to larger life hurdles—is, indeed, figureoutable. Listen in and learn how to weave this mindset into the fabric of your daily life, guaranteeing that no matter what comes your way, you'll have the tools and the tenacity to figure it out.


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 280: Episode 280: What These Five Countries Are Doing to Support Their Teachers (Share This with Your Principal!) Apr 16, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, join your hosts Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan as they delve into the diverse approaches of teacher development programs across the globe. Drawing from conversations from a recent article titled, What the World Can Teach Us by Harry K. Wong, Ted Britton, and Tom Ganser, they uncover intriguing insights into how different countries support and nurture their educators.

    They discuss how the approaches found in countries like China, New Zealand, Japan, and France, are used for continuous improvement of their teachers and should inspire similar initiatives in US schools.

    Throughout the episode, your hosts identify three key themes: structured and comprehensive induction programs, a focus on lifelong learning, and the importance of collaboration among educators. You'll be encouraged to consider how these international models could even be incorporated into teacher support systems in your schools.

    Tune in to gain fresh perspectives on teacher development and discover practical insights for enhancing professional growth in education.


    You may even feel motivated to share this episode with your administrator!


    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: Open the Doors Apr 15, 2024

    Have you heard the old Julie Andrews quote, "When life shuts one door, another window opens." ? In today's Monday Mindset, I reflect on how those closed doors in our lives often nudge us toward paths we're meant to walk. By shifting our perspective of rejection to one of needed redirection, we can receive those circumstances in a whole new way! We'll explore the philosophy of embracing the open doors and recognizing the closed ones as gifts in disguise. Tune in and consider how this perspective can inspire confidence in the face of life's unexpected circumstances and ultimately lead us exactly where we are meant to be!


    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 279: A Research Unit Your Students Will Actually Enjoy Apr 09, 2024

    Get ready for an important episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! Listen in as your hosts, Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan tackle the topic of middle school ELA research units and exactly how you can make them engaging and memorable for your students.

    In this episode, we're sharing personal experiences and practical tips for creating research projects that your students will actually enjoy. From key components like crafting essential questions and finding reliable sources to organizing evidence and creating works cited pages, we've got you covered with fresh ideas.

    You'll also hear a unique and fun research unit idea that will have your students hooked from the start. Imagine inviting them to "Camp Explore" where they embark on a fictional camping adventure and must research and budget for essential camping supplies. It's hands-on, practical, and most importantly, engaging!

    We'll provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up this research unit, and we've even got tips on incorporating games and activities to wrap up the unit with a celebration of your students' hard work.

    Listen now and get inspired to take your research units to a whole new level!


    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: Celebrate Today Apr 08, 2024

    Are you ready to take a moment to consider whether or not you're living in the past, present, or future? In today's Monday Mindset, I reflect on the importance of self-reflecting on exactly where you are operating from.

    So often we choose to allow frustration or regrets from our past or the fear of the future to completely destroy our mindset and the choices we make today. I invite you to consider taking your thoughts captive and reflect on whether or not they're helpful or actually having a negative impact on your life. It's very likely that those thoughts and emotions that do not serve you are stemming from something in your past or a fear of the unknown.


    It can be a challenging cycle to break, but it is definitely one that is worth your focus and effort. I'm excited for you to take a quick moment to listen in today!
    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 278: A Simple Hack for Helping Students Find the Main Idea in Informational Text Apr 02, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast we're diving into the topic of making informational texts your students' new favorite genre!

    Navigating through the complexities of analyzing informational texts can often be a daunting task for our middle school students. In today's episode, we discuss the simple yet powerful trick we used time and time again to actually empower our students when tackling a new informational text.

    This innovative tool was crafted to guide students through the intricate process of summarizing, analyzing, and reflecting on their reading. Tune in as we break down each component of analyzing informational text by using the visual of an inverted triangle. We start with the expansive top section where students craft a tag and summary of the text, then transition to the middle section, where students condense their summary using the SWBST method, and finally, we arrive at the pinnacle of the triangle, where students distill their analysis into a succinct main idea!

    You'll also grab great classroom discussion starters and thought-provoking questions to encourage students' critical thinking through each stage of the process! (So be sure to grab a pen and paper to take quick notes!)

    Whether you've taught informational texts for 1 year or 30 years, this episode will leave you with fresh tools and strategies to invigorate your classroom instruction!

    Tune in for an episode full of actionable takeaways!

    Link mentioned: https://www.ebteacher.com/infotext


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    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: The Real Luxuries in Life Apr 01, 2024

    Get ready for a deep dive into self-reflection on today's Monday Mindset! In this episode, I present the question, "What defines a luxury in your life?". This conversation should challenge the status quo of what the world considers a "luxury" and really push you to consider what you personally value.

    Ramit Sethi, the author of "I Will Teach You to Be Rich," offered a fresh perspective on crafting a rich life beyond financial success. I'll take a moment to reflect on his point of view which places a focus on a balance between saving diligently for the future and savoring the present's priceless moments. I explore how a weekend bike ride or a cherished family tradition can be as fulfilling as any material possession and encourage you to intentionally integrate what you define as "luxury" into your everyday life. I hope this episode can be your inspiration to shape a life brimming with personalized luxuries that set you apart from what your feed may want you to think is luxury.

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 277: Intentionally Bringing Joy Into Our Classrooms with Dr. Deonna Smith Mar 26, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Megan sits down with acclaimed teacher coach and author of "Rooted in Joy," Dr. Deonna Smith! They're covering Dr. Smith's favorite secrets for cultivating a classroom experience that builds positivity and inclusivity while fostering strong relationships that encourage students to take ownership of their learning.
    Dr. Smith's focus presents us with the idea that the teacher's well-being sets the stage within their classroom and ultimately has a direct impact on student success! She's sharing techniques that will boost the energy in any required curriculum and create those memorable learning moments we know serve our students best!

    Join us for a conversation that promises not just to enlighten but to ignite a passion for teaching that challenges everything you "thought" was possible for you as a middle school ELA teacher!


    Get ready for an exceptionally impactful episode!



    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: You Didn't Miss Your Boat Mar 25, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset, I am delving into the empowering concept of abundance and timing.

    I challenge the belief that missing out on certain opportunities means failure. Instead, it often signifies that we're not yet fully prepared for what we desire. Just because something didn't happen now doesn't mean it won't happen in the future or that it was what was best for us in this moment.

    By adopting a mindset of abundance and understanding that everything unfolds in its own perfect time, we free ourselves from the constraints of self-doubt and limitation. Our boats are always on their way—it's just a matter of being ready to receive them.

    Join me in embracing the journey and trusting in the process!

    Here's to another week of intentional living!

    Episode 276: A Simple Hack to Differentiate Your Lessons Mar 19, 2024

    Ever felt like the challenge of meeting each student's unique learning needs with ELA lessons was a puzzle with too many pieces? On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan discuss a straightforward method to differentiate your ELA instruction using the scaffolding of Bloom's Taxonomy.

    You'll walk away with a simple hack that integrates differentiation smoothly into your teaching practice, and a freebie that promises to make a significant impact on your educational approach.

    Be sure to listen in for an episode brimming with inspiration and actionable advice that not only promises to enrich your teacher toolkit but also sets the stage for a more inclusive, effective, and joyful learning environment.

    Get ready for an enlightening and impactful episode!


    Links mentioned:

    Bloom's Taxonomy Chart: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u4-mpp6tNTq9GHHv5pGRyNbjN08gAEJ9/view?usp=drive_link


    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: Pay Attention Mar 18, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset, I dive into the profound wisdom shared by Mel Robbins and explore the transformative power of paying attention to life's lessons.

    Drawing from Mel Robbins' inspiring words, I reflect on the importance of embracing every moment, even the toughest ones, as opportunities for growth and connection. As we navigate life's challenges and triumphs, it's crucial to ask ourselves: What is life trying to teach me? What am I not paying attention to?


    I'm asking you to try shifting your perspective. Instead of asking "Why does this always happen to me?" embrace the question "Why is this happening for me?" By cultivating awareness and embracing life's teachings, we pave the way for profound personal growth and fulfillment.


    Here's to another week of embracing life's lessons with open hearts and minds and living intentionally.

    Episode 275: Teaching Beyond Tests A New Approach Mar 12, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we are diving into the art of preparing middle school ELA students for state tests without losing engagement and purpose in our lessons. Megan joins Caitlin and Jessica for a conversation that explores strategies for striking that perfect balance between incorporating essential skills into our curriculum in ways that keep engagement high and stress low.

    They're serving up innovative strategies to help students master academic terms, ideas for successful Socratic seminars, and easy hacks for lesson differentiation that are as simple as they are effective!


    Tune in as they share their best advice for ensuring your everyday lessons are preparing students for those state tests without sacrificing rigor and fun!
    Free Test Prep Activity: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11UnDKcsssVdX4GnhqtDLS-FYbu4cTTa8/view?usp=share_link


    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 New Way of Overcoming Obstacles Mar 11, 2024

    Get ready for a transformative Monday Mindset! Today, I'm diving into a fresh perspective on overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities for growth.

    Join me as we reflect on how our perception of obstacles drastically impacts our approach to life. Instead of viewing obstacles as barriers, let's explore the idea of seeing them as detours in the right direction, guiding us toward our true purpose.

    Drawing inspiration from Gabby Bernstein's wisdom, I challenge the notion that obstacles are inherently negative. What if they're actually opportunities for growth? Reflecting on my own journey, I've realized that what initially seemed like obstacles were, in fact, catalysts for profound personal growth and transformation.

    By shifting our perspective and embracing obstacles as blessings in disguise, we can live with greater peace and ease. It's all about choosing love over fear and trusting that life is happening for us, not to us.

    Here's to another week of intentional living!

    Episode 274: How to Differentiate With Whole Group Instruction Mar 05, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, our curriculum writer, Pat, joins us to discuss the seemingly impossible task of catering our lessons to every student's unique learning style. Consider this episode your peek behind the curtain into a classroom where differentiation doesn't mean chaos.


    After listening you'll have a full list of differentiation ideas that work with various learning preferences inside your classroom. You'll be able to save this list and reference it time and time again. The goal is for you to walk away with at least one new, inspiring strategy you can utilize now and a toolkit full of others to add in when you are confident and ready!


    Tune in as they spend time cultivating this master list of new engaging differentiation ideas that will be easy to implement and guaranteed to support students at all learning levels!



    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: Stop the Judgement Mar 04, 2024

    Get ready for a deep dive into self-reflection on today's Monday Mindset! In this episode, I'll be exploring the transformative power of self-compassion and the vital role it plays in our personal growth journey.

    Join me as I shine a light on the importance of putting an end to self-judgment. From our fitness aspirations to our personal commitments, I'll show you how every setback presents an opportunity for profound self-discovery and growth.

    It's truly empowering when we approach ourselves with kindness and understanding. I'm here to encourage you to swap out self-criticism for self-love and gratitude, transforming setbacks into invaluable stepping stones toward personal empowerment.

    Here's to another day of intentional living!

    Episode 273: Research Behind Great Teachers Feb 27, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, your hosts Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan are discussing additional takeaways from Jessica's recent visit to the Ron Clark Academy, specifically focusing on the impact a great teacher has on student growth. They're diving into the research behind the correlation of a teacher and their students' success, and exactly how you can ensure you're consistently working on developing your teaching methods in a way that avoids burnout and makes your career actually enjoyable for the long haul!

    Tune in as they spend time breaking it all down in this episode!

    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: Live Abundantly Feb 26, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I am exploring the concept of living abundantly, regardless of your circumstances. I'm considering the idea of gratitude and the awareness of abundance in our lives. As you listen, consider the importance of being open to receiving and giving, as well as how the practice of letting go can invite more goodness into our lives. Tune in to this quick episode for the mindset shift you may not have known you needed!

    Here's to another day if living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Interested in joining the EB Teachers' Club with thousands of other middle school ELA teachers from around the globe? Join the waitlist today, and you'll be the first to know when we open enrollment again! https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-waitlist

    Episode 272: Learning to Admire Annoying Behaviors Feb 20, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we're diving into something that might not be talked about very often among educators.

    Can we actually learn to admire annoying student behaviors?

    Tune in as your hosts discuss practical strategies for handling challenging student behaviors in the classroom while drawing from their own experiences and research. They explore the concept of recognizing, reframing, and redirecting student behaviors in a positive and empowering way, sharing real-life examples that can help you build better relationships with your students and create a more effective and engaging learning environment. As you listen, you'll learn insightful tips and valuable perspectives that can be applied immediately in your classroom. Plus, stay tuned for a sneak peek into next week's episode on the research behind great teachers and student growth. Get ready for an enlightening and impactful episode!

    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: Prove Yourself Wrong Feb 19, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I'm sharing a thought centered around the idea of proving yourself wrong. I want to challenge you and your beliefs around your limitations. I'll share a personal experience where I thought I could not accomplish a seemingly impossible task and the liberating feeling of proving myself wrong and overcoming my fears. This concept directly applies to educators and your perspective in the classroom. When we live intentionally and embrace the opportunity to challenge ourselves, amazing things are possible. Join me as I delve into the transformative power of proving yourself wrong!

    Here's to another day if living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Interested in joining the EB Teachers' Club with thousands of other middle school ELA teachers from around the globe? Join the waitlist today, and you'll be the first to know when we open enrollment again! https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-waitlist

    Episode 271: "Funds of Feeling" - A Feeling-Based Approach to Literature with Stanford's Sarah Levine and Chris Mah Feb 13, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Megan welcomed Sarah Levine and Chris Ma from Stanford University, who discussed an innovative approach to literature by integrating students' emotional responses into the heart of literary analysis.

    Together they unpacked how emotions play a pivotal role in enhancing students' connections to texts. Chris and Sarah guide us through their "funds of feeling" approach, where students explore literature using a blend of emotional engagement and intellectual rigor.

    Listen in to learn strategies such as the "up-down; both-why" technique and the use of sentence stems, which help students tie their feelings to textual evidence and academic discourse. This method goes beyond traditional analysis, encouraging a richer, more personal understanding of literature.

    So, whether you're discussing Shakespeare or contemporary novels, get ready for valuable insights that promise to impact your classroom discussions and deepen students' literary appreciation.

    Tune in as they break it all down in this episode!

    Links mentioned: https://publicationsncte.org/content/journals/10.58680/ej202332489

    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: Bending Time Feb 12, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I am discussing how we can actually redefine our relationship with time and harness its power to work in our favor. By exploring the concept of radical responsibility and embracing the idea that we are the source of time, I'll share practical strategies for making time for the things that truly matter to us. From setting non-negotiables to using constraints to eliminate constraints, I'll show you how easy it can be to shift your mindset and approach time in a way that empowers you to live more intentionally. Join me as I explore how to bend time to our will and make the most of each moment.

    Here's to another day if living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Interested in joining the EB Teachers' Club with thousands of other middle school ELA teachers from around the globe? Join the waitlist today, and you'll be the first to know when we open enrollment again! https://www.ebteacher.com/ebtc-waitlist

    Episode 270: Science of Reading - Building Reading Comprehension at the Middle School Level Feb 06, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin and Jessica welcome Patricia Abel, EB Academics' curriculum writer, and veteran ELA teacher, to discuss building reading comprehension with our middle school students. Reading comprehension is a large part of the Science of Reading that directly relates to your middle school classroom, and we are making sure you have practical strategies to easily implement inside your classroom. Tune in as they spend time breaking it all down in this episode!

    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: Create Newness Feb 05, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I'm taking a look into the idea of creating newness in our lives by embracing the process of letting go. We'll take a moment to reflect on how releasing old beliefs, friendships, and ways of being can open up space for new and rewarding opportunities. Join me as we discover the transformative power of embracing change and making room for newness in our lives.

    Here's to another day if living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 269: Easy to Implement Activities to Improve Vocabulary and Comprehension (Takeaways from The Ron Clark Academy) Jan 30, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Megan interviews Jessica to get all the exciting details from her visit to the legendary Ron Clark Academy. They're covering some seriously cool strategies to amp up your vocabulary and comprehension skills for middle schoolers. Everything from fun and engaging games to using tech for personalized learning, Jessica's got the inside scoop on all the awesome ideas she gathered while there. Tune in as they break it all down and chat about how we can bring these strategies into our own classrooms.

    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: How Much Better Can It Actually Get? Jan 29, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I present a thought-provoking topic that stemmed from a motivational speaker's presentation I witnessed at a recent business retreat. This presentation made me consider how often we anticipate the worst when things are going well, and what could happen if we shift our perspective by posing a simple yet profound question instead: "How much better can this get?" This question challenges the traditional mindset of waiting for the other shoe to drop and encourages actively seeking positivity and improvement. This simple shift can shape our experiences and future outlook. Join me as I explore this powerful concept and consider its implications for our own lives and the lives of our students.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 268: The Science of Reading in Your Classroom Jan 23, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, we're tackling the hot topic of the Science of Reading and its place in the middle school ELA classroom. We know it can feel overwhelming and mysterious, especially for us, middle school ELA teachers. After receiving messages from teachers who are eager to understand and apply the science of reading in their classes, we knew it was time to break down the five pillars of reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and share our best strategies for applying these in the classroom. We'll talk about keeping it engaging with read alouds, vocabulary instruction, and multiple reads of the same text. Plus, Jessica is sharing insights from her visit to the Ron Clark Academy, specifically related to vocabulary instruction. So, if you're ready to gain clarity around the Science of Reading, you won't want to miss this episode!

    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: Judgement Will Kill Your Bravery Jan 22, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I explore the theme "Judgment Kills Bravery" inspired by a quote from Brene Brown. It's important to consider the detrimental effects of judgment, and how it can hinder our ability to be brave and open ourselves up to growth. Let's be curious about our own judgmental thoughts and how we can operate differently with each other. Join me as I unpack the power of releasing judgment and embracing love and mindfulness in our daily lives. Stay tuned to discover how this crucial mindset shift can lead to a more courageous and meaningful journey for both educators and students alike.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 267: Prepare for the Unexpected (when students are absent) Jan 16, 2024

    On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast we are diving into a topic presented to us by one of our EB Teachers! How do we actually prepare for the unexpected?

    You'll learn our best advice for handling student absences and unexpected situations in the classroom. From what to do when students miss speaking and listening activities to how to support students who miss out on group collaboration projects. We're sharing a range of solutions for you to consider. Plus, stay tuned for a preview of the next episode, where we will delve into "The Science of Reading" and its relevance to middle school ELA! You don't want to miss this!

    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: Joyful Anticipation Jan 15, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I'm discussing the power of looking ahead with positivity and gratitude. I'll share a few personal insights on how viewing the future with joyful anticipation has dramatically impacted my life, and I'm inviting you to consider the idea that "Life happens FOR us." Consider what may happen if you embrace a mindset of openness to receiving whatever the future holds. Join me as I explore the transformational potential of joyful anticipation and the ways it can shape your educational journey.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 266: Interview with Grace Stevens on Setting Healthy Boundaries Jan 09, 2024

    Episode 266: Interview with Grace Stevens on Setting Healthy Boundaries

    On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast guest host, Grace Stevens, joins us with a wealth of experience in the field of education. With two decades of experience as a public school teacher, she has witnessed and navigated the complex landscape of education before, during, and after the tumultuous era of COVID-19. Now transitioning from her role as an educator, Grace has embraced her passion for fostering growth and well-being in mentors by becoming a teacher empowerment coach.

    Grace brings her unique perspective, shaped by her own battle with burnout, to share practical tips on how to establish and maintain boundaries that protect our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We'll explore how our energy as teachers resonates in the classroom, the red flags that indicate our limits are being pushed, and the small yet mighty steps we can take toward sustaining our passion for teaching without compromising our health.

    Prepare for an empowering discussion that promises to leave you with actionable advice and a fresh perspective on striking that delicate balance between giving your best to your students and keeping your own batteries charged. It's such an important topic to bring to light; we can't wait for you to tune in!

    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: Positive Self-Talk Jan 08, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset , I'm discussing the impact of our "Positive Self-Talk" and sharing a few of my own experiences with those not so helpful negative thoughts that can really shape how we see ourselves. I'll dive into the idea of being aware of what we tell ourselves and how it can totally change our game. You'll learn a few of my go-to strategies for shifting those negative thoughts into positive ones. So, get ready to really consider the power of positive self-talk and how it can totally rock our worlds for the better.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Episode 265: Use Your Prep Period for Grading (Not Planning) Jan 02, 2024

    Welcome back to another episode of Teaching Middle School ELA! On this episode, we're going deep into the strategic use of prep-periods to do more than just stay afloat!

    You'll meet our new co-host Megan Wyant, from Team EB, who will be joining Caitlin and Jessica this season to provide a fresh perspective on all things middle school ELA!

    Tune in to this episode and walk away with practical steps to transform your prep-time and maximize grading efficiency.

    From tips on batch planning and boundary-setting to strategies for effective communication, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you reclaim your planning time for what it should be: grading, not planning.

    Get ready to walk away with fresh ideas on how to make the most of your prep-periods, streamline your grading process, and find joy in your teaching practices.

    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 Curious About Your Greatness Jan 01, 2024

    In today's Monday Mindset, I'll walk you through the highlights of my personal journey of self-discovery and transformation in the year 2023. You'll be encouraged to explore the concept of greatness and how it can be defined uniquely for each of us. I hope you'll consider how you can be curious about your own potential and capabilities in the coming year, 2024. Join me in embracing the gift of self-reflection and curiosity, and embark on a remarkable journey to uncover and nurture your greatness in the new year.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Best of: Move Past Overwhelm and Start Batch Lesson Planning TODAY Dec 26, 2023

    Join us as we revisit a past episode all about how to utilize batch lesson planning to help you move past overwhelm and take action in your lesson preparation. Caitlin and Jessica break down the process from a macro overview to a micro level, providing practical tips and examples to guide you through the process. Batch planning can truly transform your life as a teacher, making it possible to find balance between your teaching life and your personal life.


    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 About It Dec 25, 2023

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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.



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    Monday Mindset: Radical Generosity Nov 27, 2023

    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

    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.



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    Monday Mindset: Discipline Nov 20, 2023

    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

    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.



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    Monday Mindset: Quiet Quitting Nov 13, 2023

    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

    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.



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    Monday Mindset: A+ player Nov 06, 2023

    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

    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.



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    Monday Mindset: Be the Reason Oct 30, 2023

    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

    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!



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    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

    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

    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.


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    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: Get an Accountability Partner Oct 16, 2023

    Today I explore the profound impact of having an accountability partner on your journey to change. When you team up with someone who shares your goals, the behavior you're striving to achieve becomes the norm in your environment. Research shows that being held accountable by a partner significantly boosts motivation and success rates. If you're looking to make lasting changes in your life, finding an accountability partner might be the key to your transformation.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 249: Finally! A Way for Middle Schoolers to Write Effective Summaries Oct 10, 2023

    In today's final episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we're going to tackle a common challenge faced by ELA teachers: helping middle school students write effective summaries. We'll share a fun and engaging activity that will teach your students how to tidy up their summaries by getting rid of unnecessary details. Plus, we'll provide practical tips and step-by-step instructions to implement this activity in your classroom. So join us as we sweep away the clutter and empower your students to write concise and organized summaries.



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

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    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: Let's Romanticize the Mundane Things in Our Lives Oct 09, 2023

    In this episode, I encourage listeners to slow down and appreciate the simple, nearly cost-free pleasures in life. By embracing small moments, we can shift our perspective and find happiness in everyday activities, such as enjoying a cup of tea, going for a walk, or reading a book. Ultimately, our life is a collection of these moments, and by cherishing them, we can become more content and grateful everyday.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 248: Stop Writing Sample Essays with Your Students; Do THIS Instead Oct 03, 2023

    In today's episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we delve into a thought-provoking topic that may ruffle some feathers. We discuss the unintended consequences of writing model essays in front of students and explore whether this practice aligns with our goals of demonstrating proper writing techniques and fostering creativity. Join us as we break down the side effects of this approach, such as creating unrealistic expectations and stifling students' creativity. But don't worry, we also provide an alternative that can foster active learning and allow students to thrive in their writing journey. Get ready for an engaging discussion that may challenge your current practices in the classroom!



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    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: Rest is Not a Reward Oct 02, 2023

    In today's episode, I discuss a topic that affects us all: the concept that rest is not a reward. In a society that glorifies productivity and hard work, it's crucial to challenge the traditional narrative and recognize that rest is not something we earn, but rather, a fundamental right. Shift your mindset and prioritize rest as a proactive choice rather than a reactive necessity or a reward. Discover the wisdom and benefits of incorporating rest into your daily life to live a happier, more fulfilled existence.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 247: Your Burning ELA Questions Answered Sep 26, 2023

    Today’s episode of Teaching Middle School ELA is unique–Caitlin and Jessica answer teachers’ most burning ELA questions on the podcast! Listeners will hear everything from advice on how to organize materials for learning units, strategies for teaching grammar, as well as tips to help students justify evidence in writing. They will also explore the importance of combining reading and writing, as well as effective classroom management techniques.


    Watch now: YouTube

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

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    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: Seasons Sep 25, 2023

    Today I dive into the concept of seasons - not just the ones we experience in nature, but the seasons of our lives as well. Seasons remind us that it's okay to experience the dark and barren winters, just as much as it is to revel in the bright and sunny summers. In a world where we often only see people's growth and expansion, I encourage you to embrace vulnerability and share your journey with others. It’s important to explore the seasons of life and discover how they shape us as human beings.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 246: Get Your Students to Rock their Text-Dependent Paragraphs with this Strategy Sep 19, 2023

    In today's episode, we dive into a topic that many teachers have been asking about getting your students to rock their text-dependent paragraphs. Whether it's for a quiz, an in-class assignment, or their homework, we have a mini framework that will help your students excel in their short-response writing. Even if you don't follow our specific framework for writing (the EBW approach), the steps we share are essential for any writing classroom.


    Watch now: YouTube


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    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: You're Not Good at Everything Sep 18, 2023

    In today's episode, I delve into a powerful way of reframing our thoughts that challenges the notion of perfection in both our personal and professional lives. We don't have to excel in every aspect of our lives, rather we can embrace our strengths and allow others to shine in the areas in which they are most strong. I examine the importance of releasing the pressure to be perfect and focusing on what truly matters: family, friends, love, community, and connection.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 245: The Argument for Using Graphic Novels in the Classroom Sep 12, 2023
    Welcome back to another episode of Teaching Middle School ELA where we're diving into the topic of using graphic novels in the classroom. We understand the uncertainty that comes with introducing a new teaching method or resource, especially when it comes to finding graphic novels that align with academic standards and engage students. But fear not, because today we are unpacking all things graphic novels and making the case for why this is the year to try them out with your students. We'll be sharing tips and insights on how to choose the right graphic novels, effectively teach them, and analyze the visual elements they offer. Get ready to embrace this exciting and engaging new addition to your middle school ELA classroom.

    Watch now on YouTube

    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: Stop Hitting the Snooze Button Sep 11, 2023

    Today I discuss an important topic: hitting the snooze button. Can you believe that the average snooze button hitter wastes a staggering 26 minutes in bed every day? That's 158 hours a year! Today I explore the impact of this habit on our daily lives and share how we can use that time more productively. Join me as I examine the secrets to starting our days right and making the most out of our precious time.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 244: A No-Prep Grammar Activity Your Students Will Love Sep 05, 2023
    In today's episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we're talking about a no-prep grammar activity that your students are going to love. We'll be discussing common grammar mistakes like illogical verb shifts and pronoun errors, and how to teach students to avoid them. While teaching grammar can be difficult and a bit dry for our students, this fun and engaging activity will capture your students' attention and help them improve their writing at the same time. We’ll walk you through our Golden Grammar Hunt activity that will help your students master grammar in a fun and interactive way.

    Watch now: YouTube


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    Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!
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    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: You'll regret what you didn't do Sep 04, 2023

    In today's episode, I explore the power of taking risks and making big decisions in life and dive into the idea that sometimes it's better to go for it than to wonder "What if?" We'll discuss how taking a step back and considering the bigger picture can help us overcome the fear of making irreversible choices.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 243: Interview with Frederick Buskey of the Assistant Principal Podcast Aug 29, 2023

    Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! In today's episode, we have the privilege of delving into the world of school leadership with our special guest, Dr. Frederick Buskey. With over 17 years of experience in K-12 teaching, Dr. Buskey brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Caitlin and Dr. Buskey explore the importance of support and leadership skills in the educational landscape. Join us as we dive into the power of community as a teacher and how it can break down the barriers of isolation that many educators face.

    Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

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    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: Let Go of Expectations Aug 28, 2023

    In today's episode, I explore a powerful concept that many of us struggle with: expectations. It's all too easy to get caught up in what we think should happen, but what if we let go of those expectations? Join me as I explore how setting visions and goals for ourselves, rather than rigid expectations, can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 242: A Must Try Classroom Management Hack (So Your Students Can Actually Handle Group Work) Aug 22, 2023

    In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we share a must-try classroom management activity for group work. We know that classroom minutes are precious, especially when there is so much content to cover. Our featured activity is a learning station exercise that will not only save time but also teach your students valuable skills like teamwork and efficient task completion. Join us as we dive into the details of this activity and provide you with practical tips on how to implement it in your own classroom. Plus, stick around until the end for some exciting announcements about our EB Teachers Club and upcoming guest interviews. Let's make this school year the best one yet!

    Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

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    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: The Good Stuff Aug 21, 2023

    On today’s Monday Mindset episode, I discuss the benefits of focusing on “the good stuff.” Our brains have a natural tendency to remember negative events more easily than positive ones. However, most of our day is actually neutral, without extreme emotions. But often, if there are a couple of negative events, we tend to label the entire day as "bad." That's where consciously focusing on the things that went well can truly make a difference. I invite you to deliberately recognize and appreciate the good stuff to enhance your life satisfaction.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 241: This Will Be Your New Favorite Back to School Activity Aug 15, 2023

    In today's episode, Caitlin and Jessica dive into an engaging activity that will have your students strategizing and debating on an uninhabited island. But don't worry, there's no plane crash involved! We'll be discussing the details of this exciting back-to-school activity and how it fosters skills like justification, evidence-based thinking, and critical analysis.

    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 Starts from Within Aug 14, 2023

    In today's Monday Mindset episode, I delve into the powerful concept that transforming our lives begins with a shift in our own perspectives. There is no better time than now to start making changes from within. We'll explore the idea of taking radical responsibility for our own lives, shaping our experiences, and the world around us.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 240: Breakthroughs in Grammar Instruction: The 3 Must-Have Elements (Part 2) Aug 08, 2023

    This episode of Teaching Middle School ELA is part two of a miniseries on breakthroughs in grammar instruction. We explore the three pillars of effective grammar instruction, which include effective direct instruction, engaging games, and application to writing. Approaching grammar instruction with a framework allows students to master the grammar standards and also apply these skills to their writing.

    Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

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    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: You Are Valuable Aug 07, 2023

    In this Monday Mindset episode, I explore the importance of recognizing your own worth as a teacher. It's no secret that teachers often forget their own value, consumed by the demands of their profession. But today, I want to remind you that you are valuable, and it's essential to prioritize yourself and your well-being. By taking care of yourself, you can offer better support and care to your students. Embrace your own value and witness the positive impact it can have on your life.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 239: Breakthroughs in Grammar Instruction: The 3 Must-Have Elements (Part 1) Aug 01, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we are excited to kick off the month of August with our listeners as we delve into the world of grammar and back-to-school topics. In this first episode of our two-part series, we will explore breakthroughs in grammar instruction and provide practical tips for implementation that will bring both rigor and engagement to your classroom.

    Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

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    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: It's All About Your Mood Jul 31, 2023

    Today I discuss the power of movement versus allowing our moods to dictate our life. Instead of allowing your mood to dictate your actions, try operating like someone who isn't feeling that way. Taking action, even when we don't feel like it, can lead to the creation of a positive mood. Don't let your emotions dictate your reality - take the first step towards a better future.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    The Best of Writing Episodes: Are You Making This Mistake with Your Student Writing Samples? Jul 27, 2023

    Confession time: Do you dread teaching writing? Do you struggle to teach writing and do your students struggle to produce anything passable that doesn’t take you hours to grade? If so, consider what might be your biggest struggle with writing. Whatever the struggle, has writing become your least favorite part of teaching English because it’s just SO. MUCH. WORK?

    We want to change that. At EB, we actually focus on 4 pillars that will truly help you look forward to teaching writing because you are confident in HOW to actually teach it and your students are confident in HOW to actually write. Listen in today as we share one of our favorite pillars with you.

    Tune in now to hear:

    • [1:25] Caitlin starts off today's topic with what makes us dread teaching writing and how much work there is in doing so.
    • [2:46] Jessica goes on to list some of the struggles teachers face when it comes to teaching writing.
    • [4:23] Jessica touches on one of the 4 pillars that we use at EB that will help you look forward to teaching the subject.
    • [4:58] Caitlin goes on to share how providing students with teacher writing samples help them get a better idea on how to formulate their essays.
    • [7:10] Jessica talks about the common mistakes we make in teaching writing.
    • [8:38] Caitlin touches on the simple yet effective idea of writing a sample essay in advance; she goes on to share how this has become a game-changer in her writing classes
    • [13:48] Jessica discusses setting guidelines when providing your students writing samples and some engaging ways you can do it such as breaking down a paragraph sentence by sentence and letting your students creatively construct the paragraph themselves.
    • [17:58] Caitlin continues speaking on the importance of this strategy. The sample essays you write can be used for years to come, and you also get to practice your writing skills while you're at it.
    • [20:20] If you're interested in learning more about our writing program, you may visit www.ebwritingprogram.com.

    Click here to listen now!

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    Now if you’re feeling extra awesome today, we would be super grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast, and they’re also so much fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

    Episode 238: Increase Students Writing Scores in 30 Minutes or Less Jul 25, 2023

    Caitlin and Jessica dive into the frustration of students not meeting writing standards in this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA. Strategies to improve writing, including using a proven writing framework called the EBW approach is discussed. Tune in for practical ways to incorporate the EBW approach into your classroom and elevate your students' writing scores in just 30 minutes or less.

    Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

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    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: Go to a Dark Room Jul 24, 2023

    Today I discuss how we often get distracted by the world around us. We live in a “noisy” world, making it hard for us to just sit and be. Oftentimes that noise distracts us from being present to our purpose in this world–what we were put on this earth to do. I encourage you to go to that dark room, take the time to remove yourself from all the noise, and just sit with your thoughts to consider what you truly want and what your life’s purpose is.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    The Best of Writing Episodes: It's Time to Drop the RACE Strategy. Jul 20, 2023

    The RACE writing formula simply stands for “restate, answer, cite, and explain”. This is widely used by middle school ELA teachers teaching writing as it makes a great tool to help learners construct their answers in a clear, logical format. However, this formula proves to be challenging when students need to move into essay writing.

    If you’re one of the middle school ELA teachers who’s seeking help with teaching writing, but are required to use the RACE writing formula or a mashed up version of it, then listen in as Caitlin and Jessica share what we call the Evidence-Based Writing Approach that they developed to address the gaps in using the RACE writing formula.

    Tune in now to hear:

    • [1:36] Jessica starts off with how the RACE formula works and how it’s a great starting tool to teach students how to write short, constructed responses. However, writing essays consist of more than just jumping straight into their thesis or claim.
    • [2:54] Caitlin touches on how students need to know how to formulate an introductory paragraph, several body paragraphs that support their claim, and a well-thought out conclusion to end their essays — all of which the RACE formula does not teach.
    • [4:47] Jessica introduces the EBW Approach that includes 10 steps for your students to follow to be able to write well-thought out, text-dependent essays.
    • [6:49] Caitlin discusses how the same writing struggles show up time and again with using RACE. You’re essentially left reading identical essays that only repeat the question and answer it with some random quotes and the same piece of supporting evidence afterwards.
    • [7:42] Jessica pinpoints that these struggles are present when the writing tool you’re using no longer meets the needs and expectations of your students as the questions become more complex. You can learn more about introducing a more advanced framework in podcast Episode 159: The 2 Game-Changing Sentences That Will Instantly Improve Your Students’ Essays.
    • [9:49] If your students are stuck writing basic paragraph after basic paragraph and if they are capable of more than just summarizing an evidence rather than explaining it, then you will want to hear more about our EBW Framework in our EB Writing Program. We have a free resource available that you can use to start teaching your students writing beyond using the RACE formula

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    Episode 237: Get Your Students Actually Enjoying Writing with this FUN Activity Jul 18, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica discuss a fun and engaging lesson called "The Case of the Stolen Pearls" that can help middle school students enjoy writing. The activity involves solving a mystery to figure out which teacher stole a pearl necklace using an evidence-based writing approach. They discuss the importance of teaching literary analysis as the foundation of every other writing style and share tips for improving student writing scores.

    The Case of the Missing Pearls
    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-argumentative-writing-activity-SM
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    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: Forget What You Think You Need Jul 17, 2023

    In this episode, I delve into the concept of forgetting what you think you need. Life happens for us, not to us, and releasing the desire for unnecessary wants can bring about peace and happiness in the present moment. By questioning our perceived needs and taking responsibility for our own happiness, we can embrace a sense of inevitability in our success. I encourage you to let go of expectations, allowing a deeper understanding that happiness is within our control.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 236: Get the Best Writing Results You've Ever Seen with this Framework Jul 11, 2023

    Caitlin and Jessica discuss their EBW approach to literary analysis writing in this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA. This proven framework was developed by Caitlin and Jessica when they were middle school ELA classroom teachers. This writing approach provides a basis for other writing genres, offering students a clear structure that helps them become confident writers.

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    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: Stay Brave Jul 10, 2023

    Today I delve into the power of staying brave. Inspired by Brene Brown's advice, I reflect on a recent batch planning event and the concept of staying brave in moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. Despite the acknowledgement that certain parts of the teaching process can be difficult and challenging, I encourage you to embrace the discomfort. So, when faced with challenging situations, we should stay brave, lean into it, and not give up, because we are capable of overcoming them.
    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 235: If Your Students Only Write One Essay this Year, THIS is the One! Jul 04, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica focus on teaching writing and share a proven approach to teaching literary analysis. They discuss the positive impact of this approach on student growth and test score results. The episode emphasizes the importance of consistency and using text-dependent writing prompts to create a framework for students to build upon and respond to complex questions and text. Listeners will hear Caitlin and Jessica share personal stories and experiences from the classroom, giving valuable insights into the teaching process.

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    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: Let Them Jul 03, 2023

    Today I’m delving into our expectations of others. Whether it's our partners, kids, or friends, we all have certain expectations. But what happens when these people let us down and fail to meet those expectations? Ultimately, people's behavior reveals their true selves, and it's important to let them be who they are. Remember, others' actions should not impact our own happiness or self-identity.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.

    Caitlin


    Episode 234: Expert Tips for Saving Time and Streamlining Your Planning Without Sacrificing Quality Instruction Jun 29, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we explore expert hacks for saving time and streamlining planning while maintaining quality instruction. We introduce Chat GPT, a tool that can save time on the front end of planning, and share hacks for finding a go-to place for lessons and creating a distraction-free environment. We also discuss the benefits of using timers and setting reasonable time limits for completing tasks.

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    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!




    Episode 233: Transform Your Planning Process and Take Back Your Time: 2 Simple Steps to Start Batch Planning Today Jun 27, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica discuss the benefits of batch planning–a practice that involves lesson planning for a certain period of time to create lessons for an extended period. Successful batch planning can allow teachers to leave school on time and prevents teachers bringing work home. It also allows for more intentional planning to ensure high-quality, engaging lessons. Listeners are given tips for how to structure large units using the EB Lesson Planning Framework.

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    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: Get Used to Being Uncomfortable Jun 26, 2023

    Today I’m exploring the topic of embracing discomfort as a means of personal growth and change. Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks often leads to a more fulfilling life. Even in the classroom, teachers can bring in new ideas and methods that challenge them and bring positive results for students. By owning your discomfort and using it as a tool for growth, you can improve yourself and your classroom.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin


    Episode 232: Reclaim Your Personal Time: A Step-by-Step Guide to Leaving School by 3:30 Jun 22, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica discuss the EB Teachers’ Club and their mission to support, inspire, and empower teachers in their roles. This episode dives deep into the importance of creating a personal vision and the power of visualization. Caitlin and Jessica share unconventional approaches to achieving teaching goals and offer personal stories of how their visions manifested into reality. They also suggest creating a vision board or written vision to serve as a constant reminder of the new identity one wants to embody.

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    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!


    Episode 231: Making Every Minute Count, No Matter the Length of Your Class Period Jun 20, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we explore the importance of having a classroom routine and planning framework to save time and aid classroom management. Caitlin and Jessica share practical tips and insights based on their experience, including the importance of using the standards as a guide for strategic lesson planning. They also stress the importance of starting class with a bell work activity that spiral reviews ELA standards, as even a few minutes wasted can mean over 10% of class time lost. With a planning framework and consistent structure, teachers and students can thrive in the classroom.


    Are you enjoying the podcast?

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    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: Stop Waiting to Be Ready Jun 19, 2023

    Today I’m exploring why it's important to take action towards your goals rather than just dreaming about them. The difference between those who succeed and those who do not are taking the leap and trying. Waiting to be "ready" will only hold you back, and failure is a valuable learning experience. Stop waiting and start doing whatever it is you desire, whether it's trying out a new thing or making a big change in your life.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin

    Episode 230: Teach Smarter, Not Harder: Achieving the Perfect Blend of Fun, Rigor, and Learning Jun 15, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica explore how to maintain rigor in the classroom while engaging learners. Caitlin and Jessica share their structured approach to teaching ELA, which is offered to members of the EB Teachers’ Club. Listeners will hear about a fun and rigorous activity for teaching narrative writing using the game of MASH. These types of lessons and activities make teaching sustainable and enjoyable while also helping students master the standards. Teachers are invited to a free PD workshop hosted by EB Academics in June.


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    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!


    Episode 229: Why a Systematic Curriculum is the Key to Unlocking Student Potential Jun 13, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica share with listeners the importance of developing a systematic curriculum. They dive into the EB Lesson Planning Framework: "Into, Through, and Beyond" lesson planning. Spiraling activities throughout the year is key to building students' skills and proficiency through repetition. Teachers are invited to attend a free PD workshop on strategies to fit everything in and engage students in their ELA classrooms this month.

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

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    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: Your Circle Jun 12, 2023

    Today, I’m discussing how to live intentionally and make choices that serve us in our lives. The importance of having a supportive community around you is crucial for achieving your vision and dreams. Life is short, and it's imperative to make the most of it because there are no second chances. Take a moment to reflect on whether or not the people you spend your time with are helping you grow. If they don't, it's okay to let them go. Think about your own vision for your life and how to live into that reality.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin


    Episode 228: Transform Your Teaching and Supercharge Student Learning: Curriculum Organization is Key Jun 08, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica discuss intentional lesson planning and the benefits of an organized and systematic curriculum. Batch planning is a highly-effective way to organize teaching curriculum and maximize student learning. Caitlin and Jessica provide tips and strategies for effective batch planning and welcome teachers to join them for Batch Planning Live in June.


    Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

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    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!


    Episode 227: Teach Everything You Need to in Less Time Without Sacrificing Your Sanity Jun 06, 2023

    On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica discuss the challenges that teachers face in fitting everything into their class periods. They share four strategies that can help teachers become more confident and in control of their lessons. They also offer tips for prioritizing responsibilities and time management to avoid burn-out. This episode is part of a series focused on professional development for middle school ELA teachers, and listeners won’t want to miss information shared about several programs and resources that EB Academics offers to support teachers.


    Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

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    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: Become Unstoppable Jun 05, 2023

    Today, we’re diving into a discussion about becoming an unstoppable force in pursuing your dreams. I’m sharing my personal experience with how fitness has significantly changed my life and mindset, and how it is possible to harness the power of one's intangible qualities to pursue their vision for life. I’d like to encourage you to reflect on your own strengths and what makes them uniquely unstoppable, and to consider how these qualities can help you achieve your goals even when external circumstances change. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts with me on Instagram @Ebacademics.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin


    Episode 226: 9 Reasons Engagement Should be a Top Priority in Your Classroom May 30, 2023

    Let’s face it, teaching can feel overwhelming. There are so many hats that teachers wear, and juggling all those roles can feel unmanageable. Caitlin and Jessica hope to change that feeling for teachers! In today’s episode, they encourage listeners to focus their attention on improving one thing in the classroom: engagement. They list out nine positive effects that creating engaging lessons can have on students, as well as teachers. You won’t want to miss these points, as well as information about all the exciting opportunities happening this summer with EB Academics!


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

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    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: Excuses May 29, 2023

    Excuses. All they are is an argument for our limitations. They’re just a reason as to why we can’t hit our goals and grow. I think so many of us do this without even realizing it because it is so much a part of who we are. So, I want you to stop and think about all of the times you are saying,” Well, but…” Hold yourself to the fire, and watch yourself achieve all of your goals. You’re going to love the change that comes with it.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin


    Episode 225: Part 2: An End of Year Activity Your Students Will Love: Create Your Own Escape Room May 23, 2023

    In today’s episode, Caitlin and Jessica share the second part of their discussion on how to implement student-led and student-created escape rooms in your classroom. This type of activity is perfect to use at the end of the school year when everyone is needing a break from typical classroom activities. We hope you try this out with your students before the school year ends!


    Are you enjoying the podcast?


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

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    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: Changing Friends Is Okay May 22, 2023

    Have you noticed that as you grow and change over the years your friendships may change too? That’s okay. It’s important to remember that people are a part of our lives for certain seasons and for certain reasons. As we grow, change, and achieve our goals, it may be necessary to find new and different people who represent our new selves. Give yourself permission to do that.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin


    Episode 224: Part 1: An End of Year Activity Your Students Will Love: Create Your Own Escape Room May 16, 2023

    Escape rooms have become all the rage, and they’re awesome for team-building and fun! They have also become popular as a classroom activity, and in today’s episode, Caitlin and Jessica share a unique spin on using escape rooms in the classroom. This is the first episode in a two-part series that you won’t want to miss as you motivate your learners at the end of the school year.


    Are you enjoying the podcast?


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

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    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: The Journey May 15, 2023

    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

    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!


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    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

    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

    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!

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    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

    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

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Anxiety is a Meteor Shower of What-ifs Apr 24, 2023

    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

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Normal Nervous Apr 17, 2023

    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

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: What’s Hard Now is Easy Later Apr 10, 2023

    This is so applicable to every aspect of our lives. Think of something that is hard for you. Maybe it's putting your child back to bed at 2 in the morning, or maybe you’re working on pushing yourself in the gym. These things may be extremely difficult now, but in a few months they will become easy. Doing the hard work is creating habits which will in turn create an easier life for us in the future.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin


    Visual Essays: A Writing Assignment Your Students will Actually Like - 218 Apr 04, 2023

    Writing essays may not sound like the most exciting activity to your middle school students, but Caitlin and Jessica have a unique idea to freshen up that typical essay in your classroom! Today on the podcast, listeners will hear all about how to implement a visual essay. This is a creative assignment that will help your students practice and master the writing standards. They’re still writing an essay, but in a brand new way! As always, you’ll hear practical tips and tricks for implementing this unique activity in your own 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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Rejection is Protection Apr 03, 2023

    Oftentimes things don’t go our way, and we feel like things aren’t working out for us. Instead of feeling like a failure, try switching your mindset. Sit in the knowing that something better is coming. What if that “no” you received was actually protecting you and opening you up to the possibility of something greater? So, consider where you are experiencing this type of protection in your life and realize that something better is on the way.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin

    Two-Voice Poetry (You're Going to Want to Try This!) - 217 Mar 28, 2023

    In this final episode in our four-part series about poetry, Caitlin and Jessica discuss Two Voice Poetry. This activity will help your students practice several ELA standards, and as always, you’ll hear practical steps for setting this lesson up in your own classroom in the episode. We think you’ll definitely want to try this special activity with your students!

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Our Thoughts Mar 27, 2023

    Our thoughts are harmless unless we believe them to be true. If we can look at thoughts as neither being negative or positive, we can decide if we want to entertain them. Once we believe our thoughts, they will dictate our response and the reality we create for ourselves in our lives. So, try to notice your thoughts and get to know them. Ask yourself if they are serving you. If not, move on and offer your brain something else. Food for thought.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin


    Bonus Episode: Write Sample Essays with Chat GPT Mar 23, 2023

    One of the best ways to help improve your students’ writing is to provide them with solid mentor texts. When students examine a well-written sample essay, it gives them something to strive for in their own writing. Sounds great, except many teachers don’t have the extra time to write sample essays for each of their writing units. In today’s podcast, Caitlin and Jessica solve that problem and share how you can use AI to help you draft sample essays that will support your students without taking up all your time and energy.
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Hook Your Students with Interactive Poetry Analysis - 216 Mar 21, 2023

    While some students (and even teachers) may consider reading poetry to be like watching paint dry, it doesn’t have to be! Caitlin and Jessica share a unique “Into” lesson with listeners that is sure to hook your students, preparing them for a successful and enjoyable experience with poetry.
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Margin for Miracles Mar 20, 2023

    We all have something that holds us back in life such as control or perfectionism. However, if you feel called to live up to being your higher self, you must release that tendency. Once you do that you create space for something beautiful to happen. So, reflect on the way of being that is holding you back from being your best self and think about what could happen when you do.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin

    Bonus Episode: Create Essential Questions with Chat GPT Mar 16, 2023

    Do you struggle to differentiate writing for your students? It can be tough and certainly time-consuming to create multiple essential questions to differentiate in your classroom. AI could be just the solution you’re looking for! In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica discuss how you can use Chat GPT to craft essential questions, engaging each student at their level of learning.

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    March Madness Poetry Brackets - 215 Mar 14, 2023

    There’s nothing wrong with a little competition, right? In today’s episode, Caitlin and Jessica share a super-engaging March Madness Poetry activity that you can use in your classroom to inspire your students to analyze and enjoy poetry! As always, the lesson ideas are both rigorous and engaging, helping your students to not only learn the standards but enjoy the process of learning.
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Never Question the Decision Mar 13, 2023

    Once you make a decision you must stick to it. There is no room for gray areas. Never question it. You just do it. So think about where you can apply this to your life and stop second-guessing yourself.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin


    Bonus Episode: Quality Discussion Questions with Chat GPT Mar 09, 2023

    I’m sure you’ve heard all the craze around using AI in the classroom. While opinions differ on whether or not students should use the technology, I think we can all agree that it is an effective tool for teachers. Today’s episode is the first of a 3 part series where we’re going to focus on how you, the teacher, can embrace this tool to make your life a whole lot easier and make your lesson prep much more efficient!
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Rethinking Poetry: A Fresh Perspective for Engaging Students - 214 Mar 07, 2023

    Do you find that your students dread reading poetry? You can probably picture all of those blank stares you get from your students now. We’ve been there, but in today’s episode, we share some tips and tricks to make poetry fun and less intimidating for both you and your students. You will love these simple activities that can be rinsed and repeated in your classroom all year long!
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Learning in a State of Positive Emotion Mar 06, 2023

    Dr. Linda Harling-Hammond reminds us that we learn much more effectively in a state of positive emotion than we do in a negative one. This is such an impactful statement that we get to remember in our daily lives. It is true for us as educators, parents, partners, friends, and in basically every relationship that we have. Our desire to show up for ourselves and others is greatly impacted when we feel safe and loved. Think about how you can create that environment for yourself and your students.
    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin

    Expert Tips for Getting Your Students to Ace their Multiple Choice Tests - 213 Feb 28, 2023

    The stress of testing season is upon us. This episode is a great reminder to NOT just focus on the test. Don’t forget about all of the other fun topics we get to cover. To do this, incorporate some fun test prep practice into your existing curriculum. Remember to use some direction words in your activities and throughout the day so that your students are familiar with using them.
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Overcoming Self-Doubt Feb 27, 2023

    So many people suffer from self-doubt. How do we overcome it? How do we move past it? Try to remember the importance of just doing it. This will help to give you concrete evidence that you are actually capable. Start small and move on to bigger things.

    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin

    Boost Your Students’ Test Scores with this One Activity - 212 Feb 21, 2023

    We know you don’t want to spend all of your time teaching to the test, but at the same time you need to make sure your students are prepared so they can be successful. The key is adding a little creativity and prep work. Today I’m sharing a Test Prep Treasure Hunt that is super engaging and effective to prepare your students for state testing. Plus, you can use it year after year after it is created.

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Protecting Your Energy Feb 20, 2023

    Our thoughts really do control our actions. Our minds are so much more powerful than we realize. So whether you think you can or can’t, you’re probably right. I invite you to think about your mindset the next time you attempt to do something. See if you can notice the difference your thoughts make.

    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin

    Writing Workshops- Are They Really Effective Part 2 - 211 Feb 14, 2023

    Welcome to Part 2 of our Writer’s Workshop series. In our first episode, we discuss all of the issues with a writer’s workshop and why we are not big fans of using them in the classroom. In today’s episode, we move on to discuss how to effectively implement a workshop with a writing framework while incorporating rigorous and engaging lessons to achieve student growth.
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Whether You Think You Can ... You're Probably Right Feb 13, 2023

    Our thoughts really do control our actions. Our minds are so much more powerful than we realize. So whether you think you can or can’t, you’re probably right. I invite you to think about your mindset the next time you attempt to do something. See if you can notice the difference your thoughts make.

    Here’s to another week of living intentionally.
    Caitlin

    Writing Workshops - Are They Really Effective? Part 1 - 210 Feb 07, 2023

    If you are only using a writer’s workshop model with your classes, you are probably running into a few problems. Your students may be having a “social hour” during independent writing time, be lacking the skills of giving effective criticism, or a few students may even be dominating the class discussions while others are completely tuned out. You probably can’t give your students the individual attention they need, so you have no idea what their final draft will actually look like. In today’s episode we discuss all of the issues with writer’s workshops and why they aren’t effective.

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Moving Forward Despite Fear Feb 06, 2023

    What is something that you are scared, nervous, or worried about? If we let it stop us, fear will hold us back from life experiences. It’s important to move forward despite the fear. Take a moment and face that fear. How will you feel if you don’t do it? How will you feel if you do?

    Here’s to another week of intentional living.
    Caitlin

    The BEST Tip for Engaging Reluctant Readers - 209 Jan 31, 2023

    It’s so difficult to get some students actively engaged in silent reading time. They’ll either stare at the book shelf for what feels like hours, or continuously pick a book and immediately return it back to the shelf. If you’re experiencing this in your classroom, then it’s time to give your silent reading time a burst of energy and some new life. In today’s video I walk you through an amazing Blind Date With a Book Activity that will get even your most reluctant readers excited!
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Inspiration to Others Jan 30, 2023

    Remember life isn’t always about you. Your decisions impact others. YOU get to be a motivator and set a positive example to those around you, even when you aren’t trying to. It’s about those around you. It’s not about you. Here’s to another great week of living intentionally.

    Bonus Episode: Inclusion & Paraprofessionals: How to Create the Magic Jan 26, 2023

    General education teachers often struggle with how to best utilize a paraprofessional in their classroom. Today Jennifer Hofferbe,r from Sped Prep Academy, joins us to help fill in the gaps.
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    3 Activities to Master the Speaking and Listening Standards - 208 Jan 24, 2023

    You have to be intentional when focusing on the speaking and listening standards. Your middle school students probably use a lot of “ums”, “likes”, or awkward pauses when speaking. You may even have a hard time getting them to construct arguments when they give a presentation or participate in a class discussion. In this video I’m going to walk you through 3 effective strategies that you can immediately implement to get your students to master the speaking and listening standards in an engaging way.
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Accepting Honesty Jan 23, 2023

    Sometimes it's difficult to take a good hard look at ourselves, but it’s vital if we want to make changes. It’s important to be fully honest with ourselves in order to be called into the next best version of who we are. This is how we get to make changes and receive the parts of ourselves that we want to be. What part of yourself do you truly want to be honest about? Here’s to another week of living intentionally.

    Using Podcasts to Cover the Speaking and Listening Standards - 207 Jan 17, 2023

    Are you just assuming that you are covering the speaking and listening standards every time your students participate in a class discussion? If so, you are not alone. However, we need to spend more time intentionally addressing the nuances of these standards. Today, I’m going to walk you through an engaging activity that will have your students truly practicing the speaking and listening standards. It will also set them up for success in future class discussions so you can be sure that you’re checking off those standards every time they participate.
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Receiving vs. Going After it Jan 16, 2023

    In this episode, I explore the concept of "going after it" vs "receiving" when it comes to abundance in our lives. I discuss the idea that constantly pushing and striving for more can actually block us from receiving the abundance that is already present in our lives. Whether you're looking to improve your finances, relationships, or overall well-being, this Monday Mindset will provide you with an interesting perspective around shifting toward a receiving way of being for living a more abundant life.

    3 Ways to Play One ELA Game - 206 Jan 10, 2023

    It’s such a waste of time to use an amazing activity in an ELA lesson and then forget about it. Why spend all of that time and energy creating it, only to use it once? Not to mention the time you spend explaining the process to your students. Why not reuse the activity all year long? We like to call this process rinsing and repeating. It is a super effective way to keep your students engaged while ensuring they are mastering the standards and concepts being taught. In today’s video, I’m talking all about 3 ways to play one ELA game, so you can rinse and repeat it all year long!
    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H


    Monday Mindset: Feeling Unmotivated Jan 09, 2023

    Most of us start the new year with a resolution or an intentional word to live by. We start off strongly motivated, but that tends to drop off quickly. How do we stay highly motivated throughout the year? I like to ask myself if my future self will thank me for this decision. This helps to keep me accountable and trust myself with future decisions. I invite you to ask yourself this same question when faced with a choice that will help you meet your goals.

    Here's to another great week, of intentional living!


    Engaging Activities to Add to Short Story Units - 205 Jan 03, 2023

    Are you finding it tougher than usual to get motivated to teach? Are you struggling to get your students excited about ELA class? Try implementing short stories to help make the weeks go by a little faster and help keep students on their toes. In today’s episode, I’m going to share 3 short stories with amazing activities that you can rinse and repeat all year long.

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Decision Making Jan 02, 2023

    Decision making can be very difficult as a teacher. We are constantly making decisions that will ultimately affect our students’ success. The constant stress of decision making can be exhausting. Here’s an easy framework for you to consider to help with decision fatigue.

    Always come back to your “why” and your values.

    Don’t make decisions when you’re emotional.

    Ask yourself questions.

    What is my intuition telling me?

    Remind yourself that you can learn from this decision whether it is “right” or “wrong”.

    Don’t be afraid of the what if’s in life. They will only hold you back.

    Here's to another great week, of intentional living!


    BONUS Episode: Best Unit for After Winter Break Dec 27, 2022

    Please note that this episode originally aired December 2021, and we are sharing it again this week as the kickstart to our Batch Planning Series for the month of December!
    This is leading up to our January 7-8th Batch Planning Live Event!
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This episode is very special because we’re tackling one of our all-time favorite topics–batch lesson planning (without losing your mind).
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    BATCH PLANNING LIVE WINTER 2023: https://www.ebteacher.com/Winter2023BPL
    CODE: BPLWINTER2023
    Learn more about the EB Teachers' Club Here: https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TMSELA
    FREE DETECTIVE LESSON: https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-detective-free-lesson

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Seasons Dec 26, 2022

    Seasonal changes are not just about the weather. They're also about our mindset and how we handle what life throws at us. There are seasons in our life that make us feel challenged, uninspired, or lonely, but like winter, it's not going to last forever!

    BONUS Episode: Please Stop Staying at School Past Your Contracted Hours Dec 20, 2022

    Please note that this episode originally aired October 2021, and we are sharing it again this week as the kickstart to our Batch Planning Series for the month of December!
    This is leading up to our January 7-8th Batch Planning Live Event!
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This episode is very special because we’re tackling one of our all-time favorite topics–batch lesson planning (without losing your mind).
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    BATCH PLANNING LIVE WINTER 2023: https://www.ebteacher.com/Winter2023BPL
    CODE: BPLWINTER2023
    Learn more about the EB Teachers' Club Here: https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TMSELA
    FREE DETECTIVE LESSON: https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-detective-free-lesson

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Discipline Dec 19, 2022

    Discipline is what separates the good from the great. It's what keeps us focused, humble and persistent. In this Monday Mindset episode, we're going to talk about how fundamental discipline is to becoming a better version of ourselves personally and professionally.
    Sustain Your Game: https://www.amazon.com/Sustain-Your-Game-Performance-Stagnation/dp/0306926253/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_...

    BONUS Episode: Excerpt from The Empowered ELA Teacher All About Mindset and Planning Dec 13, 2022

    Please note that this episode originally aired in December 2021, and we are sharing it again this week as the kickstart to our Batch Planning Series for the month of December!
    This is leading up to our January 7-8th Batch Planning Live Event!
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This episode is very special because we’re tackling one of our all-time favorite topics–batch lesson planning (without losing your mind).
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    BATCH PLANNING LIVE WINTER 2023: https://www.ebteacher.com/Winter2023BPL
    CODE: BPLWINTER2023
    Learn more about the EB Teachers' Club Here: https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TMSELA
    FREE DETECTIVE LESSON: https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-detective-free-lesson

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Read More Dec 12, 2022

    While it's ironic to suggest to ELA teachers to read more, I think expanding into different kinds of reading material, such as books about happiness, upping your game, avoiding burnout, and elevating ourselves will help us from feeling the monotony of doing the same things over and over. One book I highly suggest reading is called Sustain Your Game by Alan Stein Jr. which talks a lot about the feeling of being stuck in a rut and not wanting to push ourselves to level up, to finding inspiration and discovering what more we're capable of.


    https://www.amazon.com/Sustain-Your-Game-Performance-Stagnation-ebook/dp/B09BN3ZTCG

    BONUS Episode: 3 Steps to Start Batch Planning Now Dec 05, 2022

    Please note that this episode originally aired May 2021, and we are sharing it again this week as the kickstart to our Batch Planning Series for the month of December!
    This is leading up to our January 7-8th Batch Planning Live Event!
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This episode is very special because we’re tackling one of our all-time favorite topics–batch lesson planning (without losing your mind).
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    BATCH PLANNING LIVE WINTER 2023: https://www.ebteacher.com/Winter2023BPL
    CODE: BPLWINTER2023
    Learn more about the EB Teachers' Club Here: https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TMSELA
    FREE DETECTIVE LESSON: https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-detective-free-lesson

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Radical Generosity Dec 05, 2022

    The other day a friend was helping me with something I was working on. She really gave me so much of her time, feedback, and soul. She showed up for me in such a huge way that caused me to be immensely filled with gratitude. I asked her how I could repay her, and she told me about this concept of radical generosity.
    It's all about the way we inherently treat each other and show up for others while giving kindness and expecting nothing in return. The idea of radical generosity has totally changed how I look at everything in my life.
    As I've started to show up this way for other people, I've seen a world of abundance show up for me. It's so fascinating to see what you get in return when you pour your heart and soul into other people.
    Think about what radical generosity may look like for you as a partner, teacher, or friend.
    Here's to another great week, intentional living.
    Caitlin

    Actually Using Writing Conferences that Work w/ Chad - 204 Nov 29, 2022

    Writing conferences are a great way to bring your students’ focus back to writing with the content you want and how you want to accomplish it. In this episode, Caitlin and our guest Chad Pettit discuss how to use writing conferences successfully in your classroom, how they can enhance student learning, and why they should be on your radar if you want your students to write more and learn more.

    Links mentioned in this episode:
    https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TMSELA

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Quiet Quitting Nov 28, 2022

    In the past 24 hours, I swear I've seen this concept of "Quiet Quitting" everywhere.

    It's this idea that staff does the "bare minimum" as a way to push against the system that's not valuing them or their work.

    And I find this fascinating, especially in education.

    Because, let's be honest, education is not in a great spot right now to say the least.

    Something (or rather, lots of things) has to deeply and fundamentally change.

    And while this email isn't here to discuss that - it's here to support you and your own mental health - I just want to acknowledge that what many of you are facing as educators right now is a system that is flawed, that doesn't value and support teachers they way that they should be ... the list could go on.

    But all of this got me thinking about what's called the CTFAR Method that I learned from Neill Williams that goes as such:

    C = Circumstance

    T = Thoughts

    F = Feelings

    A = Actions

    R = Results

    And while this concept won't be for all of you, I think it will serve many of you - especially those of you stuck in a position that isn't positive, but who still want to find a way to be happy ... this is your life, after all.

    While you can't control all aspects of CTFAR - right, we can't control our circumstance ... we can control everything else.

    We get to be in charge of our thoughts around a circumstance, which lead to our feelings, our actions, and ultimately our results, or the reality we experience in our lives.

    It essentially takes that old adage of "Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you react" but in a much clearer, concrete way.

    So my thought for you around this is the following:

    While you can't control your circumstance at all, you do get to control your thoughts around those circumstances, which means you get to control your happiness.

    And this isn't an either/or situation. This is a both/and.

    You can be mad at the system, frustrated to no end at unsupportive admin, or left in disbelief with bad student behavior AND empower yourself to control the narrative of your life.

    In fact, in a recent podcast episode I listened to with Ed Mylett and Dean Graziosi, they were talking about using the pain or pleasure we face as humans to kickstart us in propelling ourselves forward to control that exact narrative, with the ultimate goal of using pleasure to take inspired action toward a different life.

    I'm happy to share the link to this episode if you're interested - just hit "reply" and let me know.

    And while I know this concept isn't for everyone, I have found it to be extremely powerful in every aspect of my life - from work to relationships to personal growth.

    The gist? We can't control our circumstances, but we can control everything else.

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Set Yourself Up for Success During the Holiday Season - 203 Nov 22, 2022

    Today we're going to share three strategies for setting yourself up for success during the holiday season so you can walk out the door with a smile on your face knowing that you have plans throughout the year that will make December a wonderful time to spend with family and friends.
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TMSELA

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: This is Our Ultimate Responsibility Nov 21, 2022

    Last week, someone shared this concept with me, and it was so fascinating and inspiring that I just knew it was going to get to be our Monday Mindset for the week.

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin
    EBTC $1 Trial: https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TRIAL-TMSELA

    What to do When Your Lesson Fails - 202 Nov 15, 2022

    There are times when something just does not go the way we expected it. That instantly creates a tiny bubble of frustration that grows inside as other things start going sideways too. Like a normal human being, some days are just bad days. It’s important that we acknowledge that but more importantly, building an attitude of gratitude despite the negative things you can count that happened.
    Links mentioned in this episode:
    https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TMSELA

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/08/ep-139-the-single-most-effective-classroom-management-system.html

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Be About It Nov 14, 2022

    The other day I was listening to a short snippet from the CEO of a basketball camps company about "being about it."

    And the premise was this.

    All too often we sit in thinking mode. We have an idea or something we want to go do or a dream we want to accomplish, but we don't ever act.

    And it got me thinking about you, as a teacher.

    As teachers, it can be incredibly challenging to "be about it" because we don't have very much time in the day to dedicate to much else beyond teaching - especially with all of the extra things you have to do as a teacher.

    And I wonder how life could be different if that wasn't the case.

    What would life look like for you if you did have time to do what you wanted to do?

    What would you be about?

    What actions would you take and put into place to create a different life for yourself - one that aligns with your deepest values?

    Because when our values, actions, and results all align ... that's when many of us will find true inner happiness.

    And I wonder, too, if you want to be about that, what could you do this week differently that would allow you the space to do so?

    Would it be rinsing and repeating a lesson? Or surrendering and letting things be easy? Or prepping a week in advance to set your future self up for success?

    Because as I see it, we all have options in life - even when it's hard and it really might not seem like it.

    So, what will you "be about" this week?

    To another week, living intentionally,

    Caitlin
    EBTC $1 Trial: https://www.ebteacher.com/EBTC-TRIAL-TMSELA

    Publishing Parties: A Critical Part of Your Writing Unit (That is Often Overlooked) - 201 Nov 08, 2022

    Caitlin and Jessica will be talking about hosting Publishing Parties to celebrate your students’ written work at the end of each major writing unit. We will spill all the details you need to set this up and pitch in ideas you can use in your own classroom!
    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Publishing-Party-Toolkit-8747298?utm_source=EB%20Email&utm_campaign=Publishing%20Party%20Toolkit

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Compassionate Emptiness Nov 07, 2022

    As teachers, we are problem solvers.

    It’s just a natural part of what we do and who we are.

    But the other day, I heard this concept called “Compassionate Emptiness” from former President of Starbucks, Howard Behar.

    The idea is that what most people need (and I immediately thought of students) is someone to just listen.

    To be there to listen to them with compassion - and nothing else. Hence, the emptiness.

    That instead of listening and trying to figure out a solution while the other is speaking, we’re simply there to listen.

    That’s it.

    I’d be willing to bet that more often than not, this is simply what our students need (and perhaps even what you need as a teacher right now).

    Someone who listens.

    So this week, my invitation to you is to share this concept with your students. Remind them that you are there for them if they need someone who will listen.

    And perhaps even share the concept with your colleagues and admin.

    I mean, really … imagine a work setting where people simply listened to each other with compassion. And actually, truly listened.

    Something to think about.

    If you plan to share this or this landed for you, please hit “reply” and let me know. I love hearing from you every week!

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Are Your Students Ready to Move Beyond the RACE Writing Formula? - 200 Nov 01, 2022

    The RACE writing formula simply stands for “restate, answer, cite, and explain”. This is widely used by middle school ELA teachers teaching writing as it makes a great tool to help learners construct their answers in a clear, logical format. However, this formula proves to be challenging when students need to move into essay writing.
    FREE RESOURCE: Curious about trying Batch Planning this year? Simply click the link below to grab our 10 Tips to Get Started Batch Planning and take a look at how easy it can be to begin!

    https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning


    Batch Planning is the ONE thing you can do now that will have the biggest impact on your entire school year!

    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: A+ player Oct 31, 2022

    I'm sure you know the old adage that we are who we surround ourselves with.

    Meaning, when we surround ourselves with A+ players in life, we inherently and subconsciously get elevated to their level.

    And vice versa.

    If we're constantly surrounding ourselves with negative thinkers or people who always complain and aren't living the 100% version of their life ... we will eventually get sucked in and stoop down to that level of living.

    It reminds me of a specific basketball game during my senior year of high school.

    Our team was the best in the county. In fact, the girls varsity team had won the California state title just two years prior. This team was good.

    And there was just one final game between us and a perfect season.

    It was against the worst team in the league, and we had this thing in the bag. We were going to go undefeated yet another year and head to the CIF North Coast Section Playoffs.

    I'm sure you can guess where this is going.

    We lost that game.

    And we did so because we played down to their level.

    The team who we showed up as on the court that night was not the team that had blown out every other team that season.

    We became who we surrounded ourselves with, and we paid for it by missing out on a perfect season.

    While this example is trivial at best compared to how important this concept is to our lives and our happiness, I think it's a perfect illustration of just how much of an impact our surroundings can have on us.

    So my invitation this week to you is this:

    Stop spending your precious time around people who bring you down and make you miserable.

    (Not even just in person ... stop wasting your time consuming negativity in the online space. Consider getting off of TikTok or Instagram or FB Groups where you are bombarded with negative messages that will subconsciously mold a negative narrative of your life.)

    Find the A+ player at your school, at home, amongst your friend group, and intentionally spend more time with them.

    And if you have someone in your life that you can't let go of, but they are bringing you down, perhaps consider how YOU get to be their A+ player in their life. How can you bring them up to your level in your way of being?

    Anyhow, just some food for thought this week.

    Are you game and ready to join me? If so, just hit "reply" and let me know that you'll be consciously finding that A+ player ... perhaps even message me back with their name ❤️

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    How Constricting Your Time Can Actually Increase Creativity with Neill Williams - 199 Oct 25, 2022

    In this episode, our guest Neill Williams shares the BEST practices you can habitually apply to improve your work week and personal schedule while increasing your productivity and creativity. Caitlin’s personal friend and life coach, Neill, was once the girl who was focused on climbing up the corporate ladder which compelled her to work 50 to 60 hours a week, believing that if she worked more hours then she could accomplish more.

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Comparison Oct 24, 2022

    I truly hope each week you find time to listen and to think about each idea because a lot of these simple mindset shifts can really start to positively impact your life.

    How great would it be to share these topics with your own students every Monday and have a discussion about what it means to them in their lives?

    What a beautiful way to build classroom community, culture, and a sense of belonging.

    Very cool.

    Anyhow, here's this week's Monday Mindset all about something my dad said to me on a near-daily basis as a kid.

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    The No-Prep Halloween Activity Your Students Will Love! - 198 Oct 18, 2022

    Halloween in Middle School can go two ways! You can pretend it’s just another day and keep it business as usual. You have your bell ringer assignment ready to go, you keep reading the next chapter in Refugee, your students take the grammar quiz for the unit you just wrapped up. OR you create a memorable Halloween experience that your students will LOVE, and it’s completely zero-prep and standards-aligned!

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: It's Not Whether You Win or Lose Oct 17, 2022

    I truly hope each week you find time to listen and to think about each idea because a lot of these simple mindset shifts can really start to positively impact your life.

    How great would it be to share these topics with your own students every Monday and have a discussion about what it means to them in their lives?

    What a beautiful way to build classroom community, culture, and a sense of belonging.

    Very cool.

    Anyhow, here's this week's Monday Mindset all about something my dad said to me on a near-daily basis as a kid.

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    3 Low-Prep Ideas to Create Defining Moments in Your ELA Class - 197 Oct 11, 2022

    Today, we’re going to share 3 low-prep ideas you can use in your classroom to surprise and delight your students and make the lesson memorable. These ideas all make wonderful “into” lessons. If you are new to the podcast, an “into” lesson is part of the EB Lesson Planning Framework, which consists of into, through, and beyond lessons.

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: This Is Our Ultimate Responsibility Oct 10, 2022

    Last week, someone shared this concept with me, and it was so fascinating and inspiring that I just knew it was going to get to be our Monday Mindset for the week.

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Are You Making This Mistake With Your Students Writing Samples? - 196 Oct 04, 2022

    Confession time: Do you dread teaching writing? Do you struggle to teach writing and do your students struggle to produce anything passable that doesn’t take you hours to grade? If so, consider what might be your biggest struggle with writing. Whatever the struggle, has writing become your least favorite part of teaching English because it’s just SO. MUCH. WORK?

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Celebrating Wins Oct 03, 2022

    How often do you celebrate your wins?

    Do you take time out of each day to reflect and write down (or even speak out loud) the wins from that day?

    Even the smallest of wins really matter in helping you build confidence, remember your why, and truly realize the great work you've done.

    Listen in as I explore this concept more with you (and share a bit about what Team EB does on a weekly basis).

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    What Can We Learn From a Kindergarten Teacher With Holly Hodges - 195 Sep 27, 2022

    In this episode, Caitlin and Holly from Research and Play discuss 3 important things we can learn from a kindergarten teacher. Holly shares great insight on setting up a collaborative classroom, implementing inquiry based learning experiences, and considering aligning curriculum and values from Pre-K or Kindergarten all the way through middle school and beyond.

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Your Non-Negotiables Sep 26, 2022

    As a teacher, it's very likely a large portion of your identity is "teacher" - perhaps even your entire identity.

    It is so deeply embedded into the fabric of who you are that sometimes it might be difficult to separate your teacher identity from the other areas of your life.

    Resulting in burnout, exhaustion, frustration, and perhaps even losing a sense of self outside of teaching.

    What sparked today's Monday Mindset topic was a conversation with some of my friends who are also female business owners.

    And my friends shared with me that they were feeling like their entire identity was being consumed by their business.

    And that they were losing incredibly important relationships in their lives - with their partners, with their friends ... even with their children.

    Because I know many teachers feel this same way about their own identities, I thought today's Monday Mindset around how creating and enacting non-negotiables in my life quite literally changed my life.

    I invite you to listen in today.

    And if you haven't watched one of these yet, this is the one I'd really like for you to listen to, take in, and think about.

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Literature Circles are Pointless Unless You’re Doing These 3 Things - 194 Sep 20, 2022

    In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica will discuss why literature circles aren’t their favorite and what you can do to actually make them an effective tool in your classroom. They share 3 simple steps for best structuring your lit circles, all while keeping students engaged in rigorous learning and discussions!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Literature-Circles-Toolkit-8461109?utm_source=Podcast%20show%20notes&utm_campaign=Lit%20Circles%20podcast%20episode

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Vulnerability Sep 19, 2022

    If you had to rate yourself on a scale of 1-10, how vulnerable would you say you are?

    How likely are you to open your heart to others?

    How often do you let others in?

    And how do you think that might be impacting your ability to build those 10 out of 10 relationships with others? (students, parents, family, colleagues, children)

    I was doing a Peloton strength training class with Jess Sims this morning, and as soon as she mentioned vulnerability, I immediately wanted to share this with you.

    I would love to hear back from you on this topic - feel free to hit "reply" and let me know what landed for you or any feedback that you have.

    I will read and respond to every email.

    Here's to another great week, living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Schools Need to Be More Like Sports - 193 Sep 13, 2022

    In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica will give lots of inspiration and ideas for creating authentic moments in your classroom – moments that students will look forward to and remember for a long time. The secret to getting your students to bring their best effort is to treat your class more like a sport and your students more like a team.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/2022/01/ep-158-using-mock-trials-to-help-your-students-master-the-standards-and-have-fun.html

    https://heathbrothers.com/the-power-of-moments/

    https://www.ebteacher.com/the-eb-teachers-club-egw-coupon

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Lessons Learned Sep 12, 2022

    What if we saw the challenges in our lives as opportunities for our own growth?

    As a way to stop and ask ourselves, "What lesson am I supposed to be learning from this?"

    Take a listen to this week's Monday Mindset and let me know what you think.

    It's time to flip the script on disappointing and frustrating situations and use them to better yourself.

    Life happens FOR us.

    Here's to another great week ... living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    ​

    Sub Plans That Are So Good, Even the Science Teacher Can Rock Them - 192 Sep 06, 2022

    At some point this year, it’s going to happen. You’ll get super sick unexpectedly, have a child or parent to care for, or be suddenly asked to attend a workshop. No matter the reason you’ll be out of the classroom, you need sub plans at the ready, so you don’t have to worry about your students while you’re attending to something else. Today, Caitlin and Jessica will show you just how to make these effective lessons!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/2017/06/the-sub-binder-why-its-important-how-to.html

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/08/ep-139-the-single-most-effective-classroom-management-system.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML92lxKM4Ac

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ELA-Emergency-Sub-Plans-Part-1-DIGITAL-and-PRINT-2340227

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ELA-Emergency-Sub-Plans-Part-2-DIGITAL-and-PRINT-8338423

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Emergency-Sub-Plans-Parts-1-and-2-8338472

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Both/And Sep 05, 2022

    Most of us live in a world of "either/or" ... meaning, we don't think we can actually have it all.

    You either get to be great at your job OR you get to be a great partner/friend/parent/etc.

    You either get to do a great job with your workout regime OR you get to go out with your friends on the weekend.

    The world of "either/or" doesn't serve you very well.

    It comes from a lack mindset.

    But what if you flipped the script?

    What if you got to live from possibility? From an abundance mindset, where you actually CAN have it all?

    Take a listen as I explore this concept of "BOTH/AND."

    10 Rinse and Repeat Activities for Any Novel - 191 Aug 30, 2022

    Every ELA teacher needs some go-to activities for their teacher toolbag. Activities that can be used with any novel (or short story) but that still help students improve their reading skills and deeply analyze the text. Activities that can be used again and again without losing their effectiveness. We call these “rinse and repeat” activities.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/10-Critical-Thinking-Activities-for-Any-Novel-Part-2-DIGITAL-and-PRINT-8150886

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Personal Responsibility Aug 29, 2022

    What if you got to be 100% responsible, 100% of the time?

    How would you choose to BE different in your relationships, in your interactions, in your inner narrative with yourself?

    This concept will propel you forward toward whatever ultimate goal or vision you have for yourself in your life.

    Here's to another great week ... living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    How You Can Implement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) This Year - Monica Genta - 190 Aug 23, 2022

    In this episode of the podcast, our friend, Monica Genta, stops by to give us an update on the pulse of SEL in districts across the country today, remind us of the importance now more than ever in building strong foundations with our students, and to share a little about her 180 Days of Awesome SEL Curriculum.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://www.monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy

    http://www.monicagenta.com/180SEL

    https://monicagenta.com/feed/podcast/

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: What's in the Gap? Aug 22, 2022

    There are few things I love more in life than California Wine Country.

    Here are my thoughts on "What's in the Gap?" in our relationships before my husband and I headed out to wine taste for the day in beautiful Healdsburg.

    Remember to focus on those 10 out of 10 relationships that really matter.

    How can you create more of those?

    Here's to another great week ... living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    The Only Vocabulary System You’ll Ever Want to Use - 189 Aug 16, 2022

    If you know anything about Caitlin, you know that she believes in working smarter, not harder. Years ago, after not seeing evidence of student growth, she decided to make some small tweaks to how she was teaching vocab. These small tweaks became a system that made a major impact, and today she is sharing her method with listeners!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yearlong-Vocabulary-Unit-for-Middle-School-Part-1-DIGITAL-and-PRINT-8359812

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Commitment to Being Aug 15, 2022

    Have you ever sat for a minute and thought to yourself, "Who do I want to BE in this life?"

    Maybe a little too deep and philosophical,... but I believe this is the starting point and question for you to think about if you're feeling stagnant, unfulfilled, overwhelmed, or quite frankly, just unhappy and going through the motions of the day-to-day of life.

    Listen to this short 3 min audio that will help you start to define who you want to be and also inspire you toward creating a Commitment Statement for yourself that will guide you throughout your daily interactions.

    Like I said last week in our Monday Mindset, it's time to start enjoying each little moment of your life and stepping into the most empowered version of yourself (not just as a teacher, but as a human being).

    After listening, reply with your commitment to yourself!

    You've got this!

    Caitlin

    P.S. It might even be worth sharing with your students and asking them to create Commitment Statements as well ❤️

    Build Classroom Culture with These 3 Activities - 188 Aug 09, 2022

    Heading into the school year, teachers everywhere are thinking about how to build and support classroom culture from day one. Caitlin and Jessica are responding with 3 great activities that teachers can use to start off the school year with an environment that is safe, kind, and productive.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Courage Aug 08, 2022

    We're currently on a super special family vacation on Maui ... a vacation which I almost didn't go on because of my fear of flying.

    Take a listen in as I explore what courage has come to mean to me, and perhaps will help you when you're facing your own fears head on.

    The Back to School Activity That Pays Off All Year Long - 187 Aug 02, 2022

    Email is a ubiquitous mode of communication these days, yet few teachers pause to teach this important writing genre with students. From writing an effective subject heading, to using an appropriate and professional tone, to keeping the message clear and comprehensible, this activity will set your students up for success in this genre that transcends classroom writing.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Email-Etiquette-DIGITAL-and-PRINT-Activities-6300038

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Monday Mindset: Creating Moments Aug 01, 2022
    Have you ever considered the power a single moment can have? Taking the space to decide to do something a little different that you normally would can truly have a lasting impact on you and those around you. How can you "create a moment" for you students, yourself, or your family this week?

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Masks We Wear – Ashanti Branch from Branch Speaks - 186 Jul 26, 2022

    In this special episode, Caitlin talks with Ashanti Branch, an educator seeking to help people remove their metaphorical masks in order to show up as their true, authentic selves. He will teach listeners that we all have shared human needs, and that by bridging the gap between the masks we wear and our real selves, we can make more meaningful connections, healthier communication, and deeper engagement with others.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://everforwardclub.org

    http://millionmask.org

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    BONUS EPISODE: Why Literary Analysis is the Most Important Type of Writing Jul 21, 2022

    To find out more about our FREE Live Workshop, click the following link: https://writinginstruction.lpages.co/july-2022-workshop-registration-page/

    The best learning takes place when students are having fun and feeling challenged at the same time. Of course, it can be tough coming up with ideas for engaging, rigorous lessons. Listen as Caitlin and Jessica give you an overview of an awesome narrative writing activity to help you spiral your standards, challenge your students, and have a lot of fun at the same time.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/literaryanalysis

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    3 Things ALL Great Writing Teachers Already Do - 185 Jul 19, 2022

    What do great writing teachers have in common? They all engage in these three practices! Listen to see which of these methods you already use, and which you could start adopting today.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/literaryanalysis

    https://www.ebteacher.com/eb-teachers-club-2021

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    BONUS EPISODE: The Best Way to Spiral Your Writing Lessons to Ensure Mastery Jul 14, 2022

    To find out more about our FREE Live Workshop, click the following link: https://writinginstruction.lpages.co/july-2022-workshop-registration-page/

    Caitlin and Jessica will walk you through two simple but critical steps to use in your lesson planning, so you can intentionally incorporate spiraled lessons into your school year and really make sure your students master the learning they need!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membershipwaitlist

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Narrative-Writing-Game-and-Lesson-MASH-6971817

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Invisible Scripts Are Making Teaching Harder Than It Needs to Be - 184 Jul 12, 2022

    Use this episode as a catalyst to say, “I’m going to take control.” Once you know which invisible scripts are affecting your teaching mindset and procedures, you can put yourself in the driver’s seat and create a plan to make teaching more effective, enjoyable, and sustainable.

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    BONUS EPISODE: 3 Things All Great Writing Teachers Do Jul 07, 2022

    To find out more about our FREE Live Workshop, click the following link: https://writinginstruction.lpages.co/july-2022-workshop-registration-page/

    What do great writing teachers have in common? They all engage in these three practices! Listen to see which of these methods you already use, and which you could start adopting today.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/literaryanalysis

    https://www.ebteacher.com/eb-teachers-club-2021

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Teaching Writing is a Waste of Time (Unless You Do This...) - 183 Jul 05, 2022

    Teaching writing can be a huge waste of time. Yes, you heard that right – but let Caitlin and Jessica explain! When students’ essays are impossible to understand or are not much more than summaries, and when you are absolutely dreading grading them, something has to change. Thankfully, there’s a great way to do just that.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/writing22

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Work-Life Balance Is Completely Twisted (What You Should Really Focus On) - 182 Jun 28, 2022

    Can you identify? Your weekday mornings are a frantic rush to get yourself and your family out the door. You get to school, and it’s no less frenzied – you’re answering emails, making a mad dash for the copier, and trying to escape the chatty colleague who is slowing you down.Then the students arrive, and you’re on for the day. Your after-school life is just as stressful, and you’re totally drained by the time you go to bed. If this sounds like you, then your work-life balance may be completely twisted. Listen in as Caitlin and Jessica show you how to fix it!

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    BONUS EPISODE: Episode 62: Three Tips to Start Batch Planning Your Lessons Now Jun 23, 2022

    To find out more about our Batch Planning LIVE Event happening June 27th & 28th click the following link: ebacademics.com/podcastbpl

    Though tricky at first, batch planning will completely change the game for you when it comes to the quality of your lessons and life outside of school. So pull out your calendar and get ready to learn the benefits of batch planning as well as three tips to make it work for your classes today.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detective

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Nailing Down Your Novel Units for the School Year - 181 Jun 21, 2022

    Teaching with a novel can be one of the greatest joys of being an ELA teacher. Unfortunately, planning a novel unit can also feel like a flurry of cutting and pasting activities and lessons from all over, with no clear path toward a goal. Today, Caitlin and Jessica discuss an awesome framework for avoiding this chaos, sharing the method that EB Academic’s own curriculum team has developed over the course of creating many powerful units.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/podcastjune2022

    http://ebacademics.com/bplsummer22

    http://ebacademics.com/narrative

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    BONUS EPISODE: Episode 102: Move Past Overwhelm and Start Batch Lesson Planning TODAY Jun 16, 2022

    To find out more about our FREE 3 Pillars of Batch Planning Workshop click the following link: https://ebacademics.com/podcastjune2022

    In today’s episode, we share exactly how to begin batch lesson planning by first looking at your entire school year, then getting more granular by focusing on individual units, and finally planning daily lessons. We discuss all of our best strategies in this episode so that you can learn from our many years of practice!

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Flipped Classroom in a Post-Pandemic World with Mandy Rice - 180 Jun 14, 2022

    Are your students seeming apathetic, disconnected, and discouraged? Teachers all over the world are observing this as schools are lifting pandemic restrictions and full-time, in-class learning is resuming. Thankfully, Mandy Rice from Teach on a Mission is here to show you how to “flip” your classroom model in order to make learning more meaningful for students and make your teaching life more sustainable.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teachonamission.com/pd

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    BONUS EPISODE: Episode 125: Why You Should Batch Plan at the Beginning of Summer Jun 09, 2022

    To find out more about our FREE 3 Pillars of Batch Planning Workshop click the following link: https://ebacademics.com/podcastjune2022

    At first, you may not be excited by the thought of planning next year’s lessons in June, but by the end of this podcast episode, Caitlin and Jessica will have convinced you to do it. How? By giving you several reasons that batch planning early will make your teaching stronger, take pressure off your planning, and give you a fuller, happier summer.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/04/batch-planning-get-your-life-back.html

    https://www.ebteacher.com/offers/LJJ3FmCS/checkout

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Behind the Scenes of Batch Planning Live (Dropping the Juicy Details Here!) - 179 Jun 07, 2022

    If it feels like classroom behavior problems are different and more challenging than they have been in the past, you’re not the only teacher noticing this right now. Caitlin and Jessica have surveyed and spoken with many teachers who have felt overwhelmed in this last school year, and they’re giving you a sneak peek into Batch Planning Live (BPL) in order to help alleviate some of your burdens in your upcoming year.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/summer2022BPL

    http://ebacademics.com/narrative

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Could Becoming a Happier Teacher Be as Easy as This? - 178 May 31, 2022

    What are you willing to be wrong about? Caitlin and Jessica ask this thought-provoking question in order to help listeners learn to be more flexible in their beliefs about teaching. By being willing to be wrong, teachers can begin taking thoughtful steps toward making positive changes in their teaching, in order to achieve the results they’ve always wanted.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-detective-free-lesson

    https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/ebacademics/TMSELA_Podcast_Ep._177.mp3

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    What It Takes to Create the Teaching Life You Dream Of - 177 May 24, 2022

    When did you know that you wanted to be a teacher? Does your reality of teaching match those dreams you had? In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica explore how you can bring the joy of teaching back to your life, by taking inspired action in order to achieve the work-life balance you need.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/waitlist

    https://thelifecoachschool.com/

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    What the Copy Machine Has to Do with Your Success as a Teacher - 176 May 17, 2022

    Listen in as Jessica walks you through an exercise to help you explore how your language affects your mindset and motivation. It’s a real opener! Next, Caitlin will talk about the “copy machine experiment” and what it shows us about the power of the word “because.” This little word really packs a punch, and Jessica will teach you how to apply it in your thinking and goal setting, to really be the teacher you want to be.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://blakefly.com/

    https://www.teachingonthedouble.com/

    https://neillwilliams.com/

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Episode 175: Filling in the Gaps (When Some Students Are Ready for Essays and Some Struggle with Sentences) - 175 May 10, 2022

    In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica will show you how to use sentence stems to help your students introduce evidence, with an additional component for your higher-level writers. The bonus? Your students’ improved writing will mean you get to enjoy reading essays, plus spend less time grading them!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Collaborative Classroom w/ Trevor Muir - 174 May 03, 2022

    So if you’re looking for practical ways to help your students give and accept constructive feedback, work together on an authentic project, and grow their collaborative skills, take a listen to this episode and start implementing Trevor’s ideas today!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://trevormuir.com

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    A Fun End-of-Year Activity You’ll Want to Do (A Literature Parade) - 173 Apr 26, 2022

    Caitlin and Jessica will walk you through this activity, which will help you and your students create a special moment before you head out for summer break. Students will have so much fun reading self-chosen books, creating parade floats, and writing scripts, they won’t even realize that they’re learning or reviewing conflict, characterization, theme, and more!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Anticipation Stations: Your New Go-To Pre-Reading Activity - 172 Apr 19, 2022

    Anticipation activities help students better understand reading material, dig more deeply into discussions, and feel more engaged in the unit. If you’re looking for a great activity to help students go beyond the surface of a novel or short story and really enjoy their class reading, try out Anticipation Stations!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/ebwaitlist

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why You Can't Get Anything Done! - 171 Apr 12, 2022

    “Why is it that I’m so busy, but I never feel like I’m getting enough done or moving forward on my goals?” If you’ve asked yourself this question recently, the answer may lie in your habits! Listen in as Michelle and Bridget from Teaching on the Double share three helpful habits that will help you meet your goals and be the person you really want to be.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membershipwaitlist

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why Empowered Teachers Make Room for White Space - 170 Apr 05, 2022

    An empowered ELA teacher is a teacher who really loves their job; each day, they wake up excited to get to school and embark on that day’s lessons with their students. But despite this passion to teach, school is not their whole world. An empowered teacher makes room for white space. What does this mean, and how can you do it? In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica will show you!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Secrets to Leaving School When the Bell Rings - 169 Mar 29, 2022

    This episode is about secrets to leaving school when the bell rings, but we’ll warn you upfront: it’s not about what you think it’s about. This episode is not about physical strategies (you can find those in plenty of our other episodes!). This one is about mindset. Because sometimes, walking out of your classroom door starts there.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membershipwaitlist

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Hexagonal Thinking with Betsy Potash - 168 Mar 22, 2022

    Imagine having a go-to discussion activity that is both guided and open-ended, both fun and rigorous, both creative and easy to implement. The Hexagonal Thinking Activity has it all, and Betsy Potash from the Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast is here to share it with you!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://youtu.be/MZCQeBj6KOk

    https://www.instagram.com/nowsparkcreativity/?hl=en

    https://nowsparkcreativity.com/free-hexagonal-thinking-digital-toolkit

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Fun Grammar Review for Any Topic - 167 Mar 15, 2022

    “Grammar” and “fun” rarely appear in the same sentence, but this activity is guaranteed to draw every student in. So listen in for the simple steps for creating this activity, plus hear Caitlin’s list of great grammar topics you can use. Be the teacher who makes grammar review a memorable and enjoyable experience for students!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membershipwaitlist

    https://www.instagram.com/ebacademics/

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    2 Ways to Differentiate Your ELA Lessons with Little Effort but Big Impact - 166 Mar 08, 2022

    In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica offer listeners two easy and effective strategies to help differentiate lessons. And the best part? These easy-to-create resources can be used in a variety of lessons, so the little bit of effort you put in now will pay dividends all year long. Little effort, big impact!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membershipwaitlist

    https://www.instagram.com/ebacademics/

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Best Way to Spiral Your Writing Lessons to Ensure Mastery - 165 Mar 01, 2022

    Caitlin and Jessica will walk you through two simple but critical steps to use in your lesson planning, so you can intentionally incorporate spiraled lessons into your school year and really make sure your students master the learning they need!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membershipwaitlist

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Narrative-Writing-Game-and-Lesson-MASH-6971817

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Holistic Health Coaching with Guest Kara Rubino - 164 Feb 22, 2022

    Eating healthier doesn’t have to mean overhauling your whole lifestyle or giving up all the foods you love. It also doesn’t have to consume all of your free time and weekends. Kara will offer some great tips, recipe ideas, and meal planning strategies. Choose the ones that will work for you and your family, to start feeling healthier right away!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.instagram.com/kara.c.rubino/

    https://www.karacrubino.com/

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Determining Which ELA Activities Make the Cut - 163 Feb 15, 2022

    “How do I decide which ELA activities ‘make the cut’ for my school year?” Caitlin and Jessica address this question from the EB Academic’s Facebook group, which is a question you’ve probably wondered about, too. With all the resources available, sometimes choosing the right ones for your classes can be overwhelming. Whether you’re an EB teacher or not, this episode will help!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/ebwaitlist

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Get Your Students Crushing Standardized Tests (Without Teaching to the Test) - 162 Feb 08, 2022

    Listen as Jessica and Caitlin walk you through the steps of creating a Test Prep Treasure Hunt for your students! Front load students with essential knowledge of test-taking stills and academic vocabulary before setting them off to search your classroom for clues that will lead to great test practice.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/ebwaitlist

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Test-Prep-Treasure-Hunt-7418390

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Keeping the Wonder in ELA with Jenna Copper and Abby Gross - 161 Feb 01, 2022

    Teachers everywhere are looking for ways to bring that spark of wonder back into their classrooms, not just for themselves, but for their students, too. That’s why Jenna Cooper and Abby Gross, along with Staci Lamb and Ashley bible, wrote the book Keeping the Wonder. Caitlin interviews Abby and Jenna as they talk about this inspiring yet practical guide for secondary teachers of all grade levels and subjects.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.keepingthewonderworkshop.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/keepingthewonder/?hl=en

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    5 Ways to Repurpose One Lesson (and Save Time Planning) - 160 Jan 25, 2022

    Jessica and Caitlin will show you how repeating your lessons and activities will help ease the burden of lesson planning while also giving your students opportunities to practice and grow. This podcast will give you the permission you may have been looking for to reuse the lessons that work for you and your students, with absolutely no guilt or regrets!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/12/bonus-the-empowered-ela-teacher-excerpt-on-batch-planning-live.html

    https://www.ebteacher.com/offers/63XtLuos/checkout?coupon_code=EARLYSUMMER-VIPBPL22

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Critical-Thinking-Task-Cards-for-Middle-School-High-School-2744506

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Informational-Text-Task-Cards-for-Middle-High-School-2734907

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/One-Pager-Choice-Boards-Bundle-Literature-Non-Fiction-Texts-DIGITAL-and-Print-4389029

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mock-Trial-Template-for-Any-Text-7547540

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Two Game-Changing Sentences That Will Instantly Improve Your Students’ Essays - 159 Jan 18, 2022

    Listen as Caitlin and Jessica discuss the two sentences that are sure to take your students’ justification to the next level. They will walk you through the simple steps of this approach, which will not only improve your students’ writing, but reduce your grading load, too.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Using Mock Trials to Help Your Students Master the Standards and Have Fun - 158 Jan 11, 2022

    Listen as Caitlin and Jessica walk you through the basics of creating a classroom mock trial, so you can orchestrate one (or more!) in your own classroom. Jessica will share 4 lessons to help you create this authentic learning experience, which you can rinse and repeat over and over with different texts.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mock-Trial-Template-for-Any-Text-7547540

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Evidence-Graphic-Organizers-for-Literary-or-Informational-Text-Print-Digital-2422723

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Teaching Social Justice in the Middle School Classroom with Megan from Too Cool for Middle School - 157 Jan 04, 2022

    If you’ve been wanting to better address social justice issues in your classroom but have been nervous about getting started, don’t worry! Feeling anxious is totally normal, and Megan Forbes from Too Cool for Middle School will give you some helpful advice on using the Social Justice Standards effectively, using texts you probably already have planned in your curriculum.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.learningforjustice.org/frameworks/social-justice-standards

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Too-Cool-For-Middle-School/Search:social+justice

    https://ohhappydani.com/

    https://www.anti-biasmontessori.com/

    https://blairimani.com/

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    BONUS: The Empowered ELA Teacher Excerpt Chapter 1: The Mindset Shift Dec 28, 2021

    An unbalanced teaching life can really take its toll on both you and your students. Thankfully, you can be the teacher you want to be, the teacher you will be, with a shift in mindset. Caitlin will share her own struggles with teacher burnout and show you how she found her passion again, as she balanced her life at school with her life beyond the classroom door.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.ebacademics.com/book

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Perfect Unit For After Winter Break - 156 Dec 21, 2021

    You know that foreboding feeling at the end of a school break, when you know the vacation is over and you have to get back into the classroom routine? Remove that dread and enjoy your whole break by giving yourself and your students something to look forward to upon returning! Jessica and Caitlin will share 7 well-timed activities for Langston Hughes’ “Thank You, M’am,” which you can use during the first 5-6 days back to school.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-Reading-Writing-Activities-Middle-School-DIGITAL-and-PRINT-2262410

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Four Strategies for Getting Your Kids Engaged in Independent Reading - 155 Dec 14, 2021

    “How do I get my reluctant readers engaged in independent reading when they just won’t do it?” This was one of our EB teacher’s questions, and it may be yours, too! Jessica and Caitlin share four great tips that will get even reluctant readers excited about reading time.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Inclusively Teaching Holidays Around the World with Joe and Quyen from Top Floor Teachers -154 Dec 07, 2021

    The holidays are upon us, and your students are bubbling over with excitement. Don’t want to be a grinch but still want to pack a lot of learning into these weeks before the winter break? Listen in as Caitlin and Jessica host Joe and Quyen, Top Floor Teachers who have a great holiday project to share with you!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://www.topfloorteachers.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/topfloorteachers/?hl=en

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why I Do Not Use Reading Logs -- With Melissa Kruse - 153 Nov 30, 2021

    Although assigned with good intentions, reading logs can weigh down readers, turning reading into a points game instead of a fulfilling, enriching activity. So, what to do instead? Caitlin interviews ELA teacher and instructional coach Melissa Kruse from Reading and Writing Haven, who will give listeners insight into reading logs and offer some great alternatives.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Fit-Activity-My-Reading-Ladder-for-Tracking-Just-Right-Books-4274224http://ebacademics.com/membership

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-Bookshelf-for-Sharing-Independent-Reading-Online-5853872

    https://www.instagram.com/readingandwritinghaven

    https://www.readingandwritinghaven.com/

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Reading-And-Writing-Haven

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Silent Debates: Your New Favorite Discussion Activity - 152 Nov 23, 2021

    This is definitely an activity you’ll want in your teacher toolbox. The bonus? You can use it over and over all year, as students improve their argumentative and writing skills. This episode is a must-listen if you’re looking for a new discussion activity that reaches a wide variety of students, so be sure to listen in!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Short-Story-Unit-Middle-School-and-High-School-PRINT-and-DIGITAL-2854875

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    5‌ ‌Little-Known‌ ‌Strategies‌ ‌to‌ ‌Avoid‌ ‌Teacher‌ ‌Burnout‌ ‌- 151 Nov 16, 2021

    Teachers, you have SO much on your shoulders right now. A pandemic, district mandates, extra responsibilities . . . In this podcast, Caitlin and Jessica will give you five strategies to help reduce your burdens and reclaim your personal life. Take a few minutes to listen, then pick one strategy to try this week!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Making the Most of Your Bell Ringers So Students Master the Standards - 150 Nov 09, 2021

    Join Caitlin and Jessica as they help you wring more learning out of your bell ringers! Many teachers have discovered the benefits of bell ringers, but they wonder how to use them most effectively, so that students are engaged and reviewing important concepts. If this sounds like you, take a listen!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/membership

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/09/ep-141-fitting-it-all-in-no-matter-how-long-or-short-your-class-periods-are.html

    http://ebacademics.com/freebellringers

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    A 3-Step Strategy to Creating the Perfect Essential Questions for Your Literature Unit - 149 Nov 02, 2021

    Looking for a way to help your students read literature with purpose and intention? Want your next unit’s text to feel relevant to your young readers? Well, the answer lies in creating the perfect essential question. Listen as Caitlin and Jessica show you how, in just 3 easy steps!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/membership

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Running Small Groups More Effectively - 148 Oct 26, 2021

    This episode will show you how to approach small group work planning from two angles: curriculum and classroom management. After listening to this podcast, you will be able to pick the perfect activities for students to work on while also preparing yourself to manage the groups efficiently, with high expectations and clear directions.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/escaperoom

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/08/ep-139-the-single-most-effective-classroom-management-system.html

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Easy Halloween Activity You’ll Want to Do With Your Students Tomorrow - 147 Oct 19, 2021

    Ah, Halloween: the time of year when your students start to get really antsy. Listen as Caitlin and Jessica share a great activity that will keep them engaged while staying on target with their learning goals.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/escaperoom

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Hook Students With Engaging Lessons at the Start of Any Unit - 146 Oct 12, 2021

    Caitlin and Jessica will talk about the importance of the “Into” lesson for building background knowledge, activating prior learning, and building students’ motivation to learn. Even better, they will offer three awesome ideas that you can use before any unit you’re teaching!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/escaperoom

    https://ebacademics.com/blog-posts

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    (Please) Stop Staying at School Past Your Contracted Hours - 145 Oct 05, 2021

    If you’re spending too much of your personal time (after school, weekends, and during breaks) planning and grading, then listen as Caitlin and Jessica talk batch planning: what it is, how to get started, and what you can do with all that free time you’ll have after you’ve implemented this approach!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacaemics.com/membership

    https://ebacademics.com/2020/04/ep-62-three-tips-to-start-batch-planning-your-lessons-now.html

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/01/ep-102-move-past-overwhelm-and-start-batch-lesson-planning-today.html

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/01/ep-104-a-reluctant-batch-planner-shares-her-success-story.html

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Most Effective Way to Teach Grammar - 144 Sep 28, 2021

    Teaching grammar is one of the most common pain points we hear about from teachers. But grammar lessons don’t have to be painful for you or your students! Listen as Caitlin and Jessica walk you through some simple steps for teaching grammar effectively and efficiently.

    Listen as Caitlin and Jessica explain what academic vocabulary is, why it’s important, and how you can choose the right terms to teach your students. They will even direct you to a free, engaging lesson that incorporates great academic vocabulary!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/grammarlesson

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Your Academic Vocabulary Ecosystem - 143 Sep 21, 2021

    Listen as Caitlin and Jessica explain what academic vocabulary is, why it’s important, and how you can choose the right terms to teach your students. They will even direct you to a free, engaging lesson that incorporates great academic vocabulary!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detectivelesson

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why Some Teachers Have That “X-Factor” - 142 Sep 14, 2021

    Take a listen and reflect on the steps you need to take in order to be the teacher you want to be, do great work, and thrive in and outside your classroom. You can have that X-Factor, too -- you just need to put in the work, and Caitlin and Jessica will show you how.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/book

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Fitting It All In (No Matter How Long or Short Your Class Periods Are) - 141 Sep 07, 2021

    No matter the hand you are dealt when it comes to the length of your class periods, you can make it work with careful prioritizing and strategic planning. Jessica and Caitlin will explain how you can use the standards as your North Star to guide you as you schedule bell ringers, vocab and grammar lessons, reading and writing activities, and silent reading periods.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/bellringers

    http://ebacademics.com/escaperoom

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Get a Grasp on Your Grading with These 3 Quick Ideas - 140 Aug 31, 2021

    Is grading taking over your work and home life? It’s easy for ELA teachers to feel overloaded and overburdened with assignments to assess. Take a few minutes to listen to this game-changing episode that will inspire and guide you toward reducing your grading load, so you can truly thrive.

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Single Most Effective Classroom Management System - 139 Aug 24, 2021

    Are you looking for a simple, positive, effective classroom management system? Listen as Caitlin shares her favorite method for managing classroom behavior and routines. The best part? It requires very little effort to implement!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/2018/12/classroom-management-idea-for-middle-school.html

    Grab our FREE classroom management tool here! https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Wsr8zLchYD1-4esUfuNS5dB8RLT0SKYmzEH4zYfZm84/edit#slide=id.g12989d373b6_2_75

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Get Your Students Begging for More with This First Day of School Activity - 138 Aug 17, 2021

    The crew of a ship stumbles upon another ship at sea. Upon investigation, they find that all the cargo is still onboard, but the crew has vanished. Are you hooked? Your students will be too, in this engaging first-day activity that will really set your expectations for the school year!

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Re-Engaging Your Students Through Collaboration and Connection - 137 Aug 10, 2021

    After a year of remote or hybrid learning, your students are craving more interaction. Listen as Caitlin and Jessica discuss how you can make this happen in your classroom!

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    22 Questions to Ask Yourself to Thrive This School Year - 136 Aug 03, 2021

    If you feel like it can be hard to step out of your teacher identity and embrace all the other aspects of your life that make you happy and whole, take a listen as Caitlin and Jessica pose 22 questions to help you thrive not only inside, but outside the classroom.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Working Less and Getting Better Results - 135 Jul 27, 2021

    Do you ever feel like you’re planning day to day? Have you felt the frustration of piecing together lessons from multiple sources? Are you looking for some direction in your teaching, so you can step back and breathe easier? Then listen as Jessica and Caitlin show you how the EB Writing Program will help you work less while getting better results.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    3 Things ALL Great Writing Teachers Already Do - 134 Jul 20, 2021

    What do great writing teachers have in common? They all engage in these three practices! Listen to see which of these methods you already use, and which you could start adopting today.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/literaryanalysis

    https://www.ebteacher.com/eb-teachers-club-2021

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    3 Things Writing Frameworks Do to Create Successful Writers - 133 Jul 13, 2021

    Are your students lacking confidence and direction in their writing? Are you lacking confidence and direction in teaching writing? Listen in as Caitlin and Jessica explore three reasons that writing frameworks will help you create successful writers.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/literaryanalysis

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why Literary Analysis Is the Most Important Type of Writing - 132 Jul 06, 2021

    The best learning takes place when students are having fun and feeling challenged at the same time. Of course, it can be tough coming up with ideas for engaging, rigorous lessons. Listen as Caitlin and Jessica give you an overview of an awesome narrative writing activity to help you spiral your standards, challenge your students, and have a lot of fun at the same time.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/literaryanalysis

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Are You Still Teaching Writing This Way? Enough Already! - 131 Jun 29, 2021

    When Jessica and I changed the way we taught writing to the EBW Approach, our students’ outcomes wildly improved. No matter how inexperienced your students may be with academic writing, the simple framework and approach we created will elevate your students’ writing and help them achieve results you can’t yet imagine.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Making Next Year Fun and Easy, Without Sacrificing Learning or Rigor - 130 Jun 22, 2021

    The best learning takes place when students are having fun and feeling challenged at the same time. Of course, it can be tough coming up with ideas for engaging, rigorous lessons. Listen as Caitlin and Jessica give you an overview of an awesome narrative writing activity to help you spiral your standards, challenge your students, and have a lot of fun at the same time.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/membership

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Approaching Your Curriculum With a System, Not Just Lessons - 129 Jun 15, 2021

    Does your lesson planning ever feel frantic, rushed, or disorganized? Do you ever feel like you’re trying to “hit” standards in your classroom, but your students aren’t really grasping them? Listen as Jessica and Caitlin discuss how to plan with a system, so you can lesson plan more quickly and help students meet the standards in a more effective way.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://ebacademics.com/event

    http://ebacademics.com/bpl21

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The 1 Thing You Need to Shave Hours Off Your Planning - 128 Jun 08, 2021

    Would you like to be that teacher you’re jealous of? The one who leaves right after school on most days but still manages to teach fun, effective lessons each day? Become that teacher by learning to use a streamlined system to lesson plan. Not sure how to do this? This episode will help you begin!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/event

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/05/ep-125-why-you-should-batch-plan-at-the-beginning-of-summer.html

    ebacademics.com/bpl21

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Positive Effects of Finding the Perfect Mentor - 127 Jun 03, 2021

    Are you looking for a way to refresh your teaching with new ideas and strategies? Would you like the kind of support a coach can offer: encouragement, guidance, and advice? Then what you need is the perfect mentor! Every teacher can benefit from having a great mentor. Listen here as Caitlin and Jessica show you how to find one!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/event

    https://www.instagram.com/ebacademics/?hl=en

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Finding Your Passion After a REALLY Hard Year - 126 Jun 01, 2021

    Listen as Caitlin and Jessica discuss the importance of pursuing passions outside of the classroom so that you can thrive in the classroom. How can you make this happen? By considering what systems and processes will make your school year easier and planning them now. Make time for yourself; you don’t just deserve it - you need it.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why You Should Batch Plan at the Beginning of Summer - 125 May 25, 2021

    At first, you may not be excited by the thought of planning next year’s lessons in June, but by the end of this podcast episode, Caitlin and Jessica will have convinced you to do it. How? By giving you several reasons that batch planning early will make your teaching stronger, take pressure off your planning, and give you a fuller, happier summer.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/04/batch-planning-get-your-life-back.html

    https://www.ebteacher.com/offers/LJJ3FmCS/checkout

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Organize Your Curriculum for Maximum Learning - 124 May 20, 2021

    In this episode, you will learn how to use batch planning to strategically and intentionally plan your school year, using standards as your guide as you spiral students’ learning with mini lessons and carefully placed units. They will also point you toward resources like Batch Planning Live and their new book, The Empowered ELA Teacher, to give you even more support!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.ebteacher.com/offers/LJJ3FmCS/checkout?coupon_code=BPLSUMMER47

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/04/batch-planning-get-your-life-back.html

    https://eb-academics.ck.page/2ea7252d50

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Creating Rigorous Lessons That Don’t Stress Your Students Out - 123 May 18, 2021

    In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica talk about how you can add rigor to your lessons without making your students feel overwhelmed or lost. It all starts with the belief that your students will succeed! Then the planning starts from there, as you scaffold lessons and build your students’ confidence (along with your own!).

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shakespeares-Sonnet-18-Writing-Activity-Valentines-Day-DIGITAL-and-PRINT-2985174

    https://ebacademics.com/2021/04/batch-planning-get-your-life-back.html

    https://eb-academics.ck.page/2ea7252d50

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Thriving in the Classroom (When You’re Just Trying to Survive) - 122 May 13, 2021

    In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica’s 3 tips on thriving instead of surviving will give you the inspiration you need to find joy and energy in your teaching and personal life. They will discuss the importance of finding the right teacher community, avoiding the temptation to compare yourself to others, and rewarding yourself for all the hard work that you do.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-teachers-club-waitlist

    https://www.instagram.com/ebacademics/?hl=en

    ebacademics.com/detectivelesson

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Covering the Same Amount of Content in Less Time Without Burning Yourself (or Your Students!) Out - 121 May 11, 2021

    When you think about the standards your students need to master, does fitting them all into the school year seem impossible? If you feel this way, you’re not alone! Caitlin and Jessica have both experienced this curriculum time crunch before, and they’ve discovered ways to overcome it. Listen to this episode to learn their four simple tips for teaching more content in less time.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/

    ebacademics.com/detectivelesson

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Three Ways This Rockstar Teacher Delivers Engagement in the Classroom with Monica Genta - 120 May 06, 2021

    In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica interview Monica Genta and discuss the challenges of engaging students in those last, long weeks of the school. Monica, who has been there before with distracted and disengaged students, offers up 3 easy tips for giving students what they need by also giving them some of what they want. These suggestions just may be the game changer you’ve been looking for to keep your students learning!

    In this episode, Meredith takes us back to the beginning of her career when she almost quit her seventh grade teaching position. She candidly shares what it took for her to survive some really challenging moments in the classroom, and she offers wisdom for teachers everywhere who are struggling to get by this year. Meredith brings honesty, humor, and compassion to the conversation as she pulls back the curtain on what life is now like as a principal, and she tells us all about her book, The Overly Honest Teacher.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/book

    https://www.instagram.com/monicagentaed/?hl=en

    https://monicagenta.com/summer/

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why You Don't Need to Teach to the Test - 119 May 04, 2021

    In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica discuss the drawbacks of focusing too strongly on testing skills in lessons: boredom, poor confidence, and lack of retention. Using their own experiences, they explain how engaging, rigorous, fun lessons reinforce skills that will actually improve test scores. Yes, ironically, throwing out the “teach to the test” mentality doesn’t just create a happier classroom, it also helps students to build confidence and remember their lessons. Listen to learn more!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://app.ebacademics.com/eb-teachers-club-waitlist-evergreen

    https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-detective-free-lesson

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    One Teacher’s Thoughts About Writer’s Workshop - 118 May 03, 2021

    Today, we are interviewing teacher, writer, and podcaster Jacob Chastain, a middle school teacher who uses the writer’s workshop method every day in his classroom. He will discuss how this method benefits students, how he puts it into practice, and where you can find more information.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://teachmeteacherpodcast.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/teachmeteacher/

    https://ebacademics.com

    https://ebacademics.com/book

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Confessions of a Principal - 117 Apr 27, 2021

    In this episode, Meredith takes us back to the beginning of her career when she almost quit her seventh grade teaching position. She candidly shares what it took for her to survive some really challenging moments in the classroom, and she offers wisdom for teachers everywhere who are struggling to get by this year. Meredith brings honesty, humor, and compassion to the conversation as she pulls back the curtain on what life is now like as a principal, and she tells us all about her book, The Overly Honest Teacher.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.overlyhonestteacher.com/

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    A Creative & Engaging Way to Assess Students at the End of Your Poetry Unit - 116 Apr 20, 2021

    Listen to this episode where we describe how to effectively assess students with shape, found, or blackout poetry. Better yet--give students a choice in their assessment to improve buy-in and enhance learning. Today, we share our best tips for making these assessments work in the classroom so that you can start planning your assessment today!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://ebacademics.com/2017/01/found-poetry-activity.html

    https://ebacademics.com/2016/01/two-poetry-activities-your-students.html

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Combine Poetry and Research to Push Your Students’ Reading and Writing Skills - 115 Apr 13, 2021

    Today, we share our Elements of Poetry Mini Research Project so that you can consider including a research component in your next poetry unit. We explain the purpose and framework of the assignment, giving you the strategies and tools to do this project in your class with any poems of your choice!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Elements-of-Poetry-Poetry-Research-Project-PRINT-AND-DIGITAL-3124454

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Stations Are the Key to Getting Your Students to Enjoy Poetry - 114 Apr 06, 2021

    Today, we walk you through our favorite poetry resource--poetry stations. In just five stations, we explain how to get every student analyzing word choice, rhyme scheme, theme, and more! You can say goodbye to class periods where students zone out and stay silent as you do the hard work of breaking down a poem. Listen in to hear how you can get students doing the thinking and talking about any poem in your curriculum.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Poetry-Activity-Poetry-Stations-for-Any-Poem-4493578

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Make One-Pagers Rigorous and Meaningful - 113 Mar 30, 2021

    Through our own trial-and-error, we were able to create a rigorous one-pager assignment that gave students the opportunity to showcase their best thinking and creativity every time. Listen in to hear how we completely redesigned our one-pagers so that students could enjoy the task and teachers would be proud of the results.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/DIGITAL-and-PRINT-One-Pager-for-Reading-Activity-Choice-Board-Distance-Learning-4282241?utm_source=EB%20Blog&utm_campaign=One-Pager%20Blog%20Post

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Are Your Assessments REALLY Assessing the Standards? - 112 Mar 23, 2021

    Today, we wrap up our three-week series on the EB lesson-planning framework and share how we create and assign end-of-unit “Beyond” lessons. Not only do we discuss why “Beyond” lessons are so simple to create, but we also give you our best strategies for assigning these lessons based on decades of trial-and-error. Listen in to reevaluate how you’re assessing your students.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Our Favorite Activities to Help Students Master ELA Standards - 111 Mar 16, 2021

    Today, we discuss how looking closely at the standards will provide you with the exact topics and framework for your lesson plans. We share specific lesson ideas and strategies for developing your lesson plans (that we refer to as “Through” lessons), and we offer practical tips for cutting down on time spent planning so that you can feel more confident and energized each day in the classroom.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Are You Making This Mistake At the Beginning of Your Units? - 110 Mar 09, 2021

    Today, we share some of our favorite engaging “Into” lesson plan ideas that can be repurposed over and over again throughout the year so that your planning can be efficient, and your students will be excited to start each new unit. We also share why it is so essential to begin your units in this way. Listen in to get a lesson-planning formula that will save you time and get you better results!

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Meaningfully Celebrate Women’s History Month in an ELA Classroom - 109 Mar 02, 2021

    Today, we share our tried-and-true Women’s History Month Brochure Project that will engage students and push their thinking. Whether you want to just listen in and get ideas for a similar project, or buy our read-to-teach resource, we know this episode will provide you with a timely and meaningful learning experience for your students.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.amazon.com/Little-Leaders-History-Vashti-Harrison/dp/0316475114/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KSGZX56UQK3I&dchild=1&keywords=little+leaders+bold+women+in+black+history&qid=1613768267&sprefix=little+leaders%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-1

    https://www.amazon.com/Little-Dreamers-Visionary-Around-Harrison/dp/0316475173/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GR11FYVI3U50&dchild=1&keywords=little+dreamers+visionary+women+around+the+world&qid=1613768284&sprefix=little+dreamers%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Womens-History-Month-Research-Activity-for-Middle-School-DIGITAL-and-PRINT-2409535?st=9d39f5e7f1fe01750f1a9bb74cd888da

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why Your Writing Units Aren’t Giving Your Students the Results You Want (and What You Can Do About it) - 108 Feb 23, 2021

    If you want to see your students make genuine writing growth, it’s time to abandon the full-length essay craze, give yourself a break from non-stop grading, and instead assign targeted writing responses. Listen to today’s episode to hear our personal mistakes, and the strategies we use now to get real results in students’ writing.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Finding Your Teacher Community Will Make You a Better Educator - 107 Feb 16, 2021

    Whether you work with toxic teammates, are teaching online and feeling disconnected, or enjoy your coworkers but are just struggling to find “your people,” this episode is for you! Today we share how to surround yourself with people who will help you build a life and career you love. We get personal about our teaching experiences and offer some simple and practical strategies for finding the right teaching community, no matter where you are right now.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Actually Get Students Excited at the Beginning of a Writing Unit - 106 Feb 09, 2021

    In today’s episode, we share our favorite engaging introductory lesson activities for several different genres of expository writing. Listen in to hear how you can create these activities in your classroom to get your students eager and excited about your next writing unit. Engagement is more than half the battle in helping students reach their full potential as writers.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/0879234059/ref=bseries_primary_1_0879234059

    https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-detective-free-lesson

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Channel Students' Valentine's Day Energy and Excitement Into Great Writing - 105 Feb 02, 2021

    In today’s episode, we share our all-time favorite Valentine’s Day lesson that we’ve used in fifth grade, all the way up to high school! We explain, step-by-step, how we use Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 and conversation heart candies to help students write a love letter using textual evidence and love-induced zest. Whether you want to create the lesson on your own, or snag ours here, this activity is sure to be a hit with your students. We want you to capitalize on the holiday instead of calling it a “wasted day” and putting on a movie. Try it out and share the results! Your students will thank you.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shakespeare-Sonnet-18-Writing-Activity-Great-for-Valentines-Day-2985174

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    A Reluctant Batch Planner Shares Her Success Story - 104 Jan 26, 2021

    Today, EB team member and full-time teacher, Kara Wojick, shares her experience both resisting batch planning and giving it a try. She talks with us about the massive transformation she experienced in her work satisfaction and personal life after finally deciding to make the time to batch lesson plan.

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Our Favorite F Word In the Classroom - 103 Jan 19, 2021

    In today’s episode, we ask you to consider a few important questions: How do you spend your prep periods? How often do you analyze student data? And how is teaching affecting your personal life? If you don’t like the answers to these questions, we’re here to help you start working smarter, not harder. Hello batch planning, and goodbye stress, resentment, and burnout.

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Move Past Overwhelm and Start Batch Lesson Planning TODAY - 102 Jan 12, 2021

    In today’s episode, we share exactly how to begin batch lesson planning by first looking at your entire school year, then getting more granular by focusing on individual units, and finally planning daily lessons. We discuss all of our best strategies in this episode so that you can learn from our many years of practice!

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Protect Your Peace in 2021 - 101 Jan 05, 2021

    In today’s episode, we share the best strategy to make your teaching life manageable and enjoyable. You will kiss burnout goodbye and stop planning day-by-day. Using our best techniques for batch planning, you will change your teaching life forever--seriously! Batch planning changed our teaching experiences, and now, we batch plan just about everything.

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Celebrating Our 100th Episode With Stories From Our EB Teachers - 100 Dec 29, 2020

    In today’s episode, you will hear from members of the EB Teacher’s Club and the EB Writing Program. These fabulous educators share how becoming an EB teacher changed their careers and lives for the better. The transformations they experienced are motivating, inspirational, and the perfect way to close out the year 2020. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Is Your Narrative Unit Really Improving Students’ Writing Skills? - 099 Dec 22, 2020

    Fortunately, over the years, we’ve learned what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to teaching narrative writing. And today, we share the three questions you should ask yourself about your narrative writing units to make sure your students are really mastering the writing standards.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Writing-Activity-for-Middle-School-Gingerbread-House-for-Sale-2867123

    https://ebacademics.com/detectivelesson

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why Being a “Perfect” Teacher Isn’t What Your Students Need - 098 Dec 15, 2020

    In today’s episode, we share exactly why a perfectionist or comparison-driven mindset is so harmful to your students’ learning outcomes and your own professional development. We also give you the tools and encouragement to leave your comfort zone, try something new, mess up, and try again. A teacher who unafraid to fail, and willing to be flexible, is the teacher your students truly need.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detectivelesson

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How One Writing Teacher Got Her Life Outside of School Back - 097 Dec 08, 2020

    When Mindy found the EB Writing program, her life changed. She is now able to spend more time with her husband, she feels confident about the writing instruction her students are receiving, and she has a newfound love of writing, herself! Listen to today’s episode to hear about Mindy’s transformation after implementing the EB Writing Program. Plus, learn how she took a narrative writing publishing party to the next level by involving her community! You won’t want to miss this episode.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detectivelesson

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How Empowered Educators Find Solutions Instead of Setbacks - 096 Dec 01, 2020

    And today on the podcast, we’re going to talk through the most common stressors that teachers experience--everything from last-minute lesson planning to grading burnout--and we’ll give you multiple solutions or strategies for each so that you can focus your time and energy on what WILL work instead of what won’t. You deserve to love your job and have a life outside of teaching. Listen in to today’s episode to learn the simple changes we made that dramatically improved our lives in--and outside--the classroom.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detectivelesson

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    A Life-Saving Holiday Activity That Will Get you To Winter Break - 095 Nov 24, 2020

    You’re exhausted, and you’re probably just barely making it through these last few weeks before break. We’ve been there, and that’s why we created an incredible holiday writing activity years ago that we’ve used every December for ages!

    It is always a huge hit because it’s rigorous, highly engaging, and it gets everyone in the holiday spirit. Listen to today’s episode to hear all about our Gingerbread House Writing Activity and how we successfully implemented it in our classrooms, year after year. Plus, if you listen in until the end, you’ll get an opportunity to win this resource for FREE! Find out how!

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H


    Playing to Win Matters More Than Curriculum - 094 Nov 17, 2020

    In today’s episode, we encourage you to step into a new mindset. We encourage you to nurture a new and improved thought process. We invite you to step into the role of an empowered educator--an educator who creates the life she wants to lead, and isn’t just a victim of circumstance. We all have challenges, but the teachers who succeed in the classroom--feel organized, prepared, confident, and at ease--they play to win. They develop game-plans while others are complaining or scrolling their phone. Listen in to hear how you can play to win in your school, no matter what you’re up against this year.

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Empowered Educators Know the Power of Baby Steps - 093 Nov 10, 2020

    Thousands of teachers have discovered the mindset and strategies to avoid burnout, feel accomplished each day, and be resilient to change in the classroom. These teachers are empowered educators, and you can be one, too. Listen to today’s episode where we help you transform your overwhelm into efficient productivity and a positive outlook on life. Because, really, life is too short to dread each day and feel buried beneath stress. Today, we share the tools you need to love your job and abandon the negativity that’s holding you back.

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    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Make Every Lesson a Success With the Daily Plan That Caitlin and Jessica Swear By - 092 Nov 03, 2020

    Listen to today’s episode to learn the four habits that we swear by. These simple habits that you can easily start practicing today, transformed our teaching experience into one that was calm, enjoyable, predictable, and manageable. It provided us the ability to leave school at three o’clock each afternoon and arrive at school not long before the first bell, our hot chocolate in hand and at ease, knowing our room and lessons were perfectly prepared for the day ahead. This can be your experience, too! Listen in to learn how.

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Why Taking the Time to Reignite Your Passion for Teaching Will Make You More Effective - 091 Oct 27, 2020

    There is so much power in where we choose to direct our attention, and in today’s episode, we discuss some simple shifts you can make, right now, to change your mind and your life--in and outside of the classroom. Today’s podcast will leave you feeling rejuvenated and empowered, and the best part is that you can start implementing our tips the minute the episode ends! Happy listening!

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    The Difference Between a Good and a GREAT Lesson Plan - 090 Oct 20, 2020

    Listen to today’s episode to learn three strategies to give your lesson planning an extra boost, plus, get a step-by-step breakdown of how we, at EB Academics, create engaging and rigorous content for students, even when dealing with a “boring” topic like punctuation. You’ll leave today’s podcast with your brain swirling with ideas and a new way to plan that is both efficient and effective.

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    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    3 Reasons to Prioritize Grammar Instruction Now - 089 Oct 13, 2020

    Too often (and we’re guilty of it too!), teachers blame their students for not knowing something, but they don’t take the time to teach it! Let’s change that. It’s October, you’ve seen where your students struggle with writing, and it’s time to implement some targeted grammar instruction. Tune in to hear three reasons grammar is the most underrated topic to teach in ELA and learn why you just might fall in love with it this year. Plus, get some incredibly creative ideas to make grammar your students’ favorite part of class.

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    How to Cut Your Time Spent Grading Essays in Half - 088 Oct 06, 2020

    With a few, easy-to-implement strategies, you will be able to cut the time you spend grading students’ work in half! Tune in to hear the simple adjustments you can make to your next writing unit--even if it starts tomorrow--to radically shift the quality of your students’ work as well as the time you spend grading it. Sometimes, less really is more!

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    A Mini Narrative Writing Activity To Spiral Into Your Curriculum - 087 Sep 29, 2020

    Tune in to hear Jessica describing how she uses the beautiful picture book, Tar Beach, by Faith Ringgold, to engage students and enhance their descriptive writing skills. When we can find fun and simple ways to weave the different writing genres into our curriculum throughout the year, we provide students with the critical opportunities to learn and build upon what they already know.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.amazon.com/Tar-Beach-Faith-Ringgold/dp/0517885441

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    The Real Reason Lesson Planning is Taking Too Long - 086 Sep 22, 2020

    In today’s episode, we break down the exact process that we use at EB Academics to plan every single lesson for our EB Teacher’s Club members. Using this framework to plan your lessons will completely change the game for you. You can kiss late-night planning goodbye, and say hello to stress-free strategizing and kick-butt lessons that your students will love! Listen to today’s episode to hear how we do it and how you can do it, too!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/engagingela

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Teachers Who Use Engaging Lessons Get the Best Results for Their Students - 085 Sep 15, 2020

    The problem with this is that it separates engagement from rigor, and at EB Academics, we believe that every standard can (and should) be taught with both. Today we share an exciting way to teach students how to write a strong claim and prepare for an evidence-based essay using a mystery picture book. Students absolutely love this lesson, and you will too because your students’ results will blow you away! We can’t wait for you to try this lesson in your own classroom!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/engagingela

    https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Celeste-Unsolved-Mystery-History/dp/0689851227

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    What's Preventing You From Having Your Best School Year Yet - 084 Sep 08, 2020

    Today, we want to offer a little tough love so that you feel empowered rather than defeated and paralyzed. We believe that this year can be better than any other--yes, really! In this episode, we share the four reasons you’re holding yourself--and your students--back, and we offer you the pep talks you might need to get your mind refreshed and refocused on all that is possible. I promise that you will leave this episode feeling inspired and motivated to make incredible change.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/engagingela

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Shake the Dirt Interview with Michael Arterberry - 083 Sep 01, 2020

    We sat down with Michael Arterberry, a motivational speaker and award-winning youth encourager, to discuss how we can improve our relationships with students, see the whole child, and create stronger communities in our classroom. He had incredible stories to tell, some of which brought tears to our eyes, because Michael has overcome so much and teaches students and teachers how to do the same.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.shakethedirtexperience.com/free-book

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Students Engaged Remotely - 082 Aug 25, 2020

    Today’s episode will help! We explain three simple and incredibly engaging strategies you can implement tomorrow to make your digital classroom more fun and productive for your students. Engaging content and delivery is more important now than ever, so we take the overwhelm out of the equation to help you and your students enjoy each day online just a little bit more. And, if you’re not online, these strategies work perfectly in the classroom, too!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingguide

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    More Quick and Easy Tips to Get Your Students Mastering the Writing Standards - 081 Aug 18, 2020

    2020 is putting us all through the wringer, but we are here to support you in every way we can. Let’s focus on the joy we can bring to our day-to-day lessons, no matter where we are this fall. Use these engaging strategies--in person OR online--to help your students gain confidence and build skills in ELA. The best part of today’s tips? No essays required!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingguide

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    Quick and Easy Tips to Get Your Students Mastering the Writing Standards - 080 Aug 11, 2020

    In this episode, we’ve got your back. We share strategies to simplify the standards and make them engaging for your students. Plus, we offer you a FREE writing guide that will be the perfect resource to keep on hand as you go about planning all your writing units. Let’s make teaching writing stress-free and fun!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingguide

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    4 Things The Bachelor Can Teach You About Creating Engaging Lessons - 079 Aug 04, 2020

    Today on the podcast, we share four strategies for making any lesson more engaging. And fortunately, they’re simple! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need tons of time or hundreds of props to create an unforgettable lesson for your students. We share tips to take your current plans to the next level. Listen in to get your students more excited about learning this year.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    4 Easy Tips for Leaving Meaningful Digital Feedback with Shana Ramin of Hello Teacher Lady - 078 Jul 31, 2020

    Shana’s tips will be particularly helpful if you use Google Classroom, but even if you don’t, she shares some awesome tips and tricks to help your students get the most out of an assignment. Shana is always about efficiency and effectiveness, which is just one of the reasons we love her so much. I’m so excited for you to catch this fantastic episode!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/ebwritingprogram

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How to Differentiate Your Writing Instruction Without Any Extra Work! - 077 Jul 28, 2020

    So, with that being said, today on the podcast we have several differentiation strategies for you that will work, and that you will find easy to implement. Remember, a strategy is only useful if it’s practical and manageable, and we understand how much is on every middle school teacher’s plate.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/ebwritingprogram

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H
    How We Cut Our Stress Levels in HALF During the School Year - 076 Jul 21, 2020

    Thankfully, over the years, we found that a little preparation goes a long way. In fact, spending just a few hours now could change your ENTIRE year. Listen to this episode to hear why we strongly encourage you to create a scope and sequence for your year. Plus, hear how we scheduled different units into our own! Whether you use our timing, or adjust and do what works for you, creating a scope and sequence for your school year today will completely change the way you teach all year long.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingmasterclass

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    How Breaking the Rules Just Might Improve Test Scores - 075 Jul 14, 2020

    In today’s episode, we do something a little unconventional. We actually encourage you to break the rules, raise the bar, and take your students to new heights. Caitlin shares her experience defying (and then quickly exceeding) the expectations of her school administration when she knew in her heart that she could produce better results than the provided writing curriculum.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingmasterclass

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    What Can Beverly Hills 90210 Teach Us About Improving Students’ Success in Writing? - 074 Jul 07, 2020

    Today on the podcast, we share three unique and engaging ways to get your students analyzing and writing about literature without even realizing it! Plus, if you’re looking to take your entire writing instruction approach to the next level, join us for our FREE live masterclass and learn our proven strategies to get your students writing like never before!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://eb-academics.ck.page/48d6b29028

    ebacademics.com/writingmasterclass

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Are You Still Teaching Writing This Way? Enough Already! - 073 Jun 30, 2020

    When Jessica and I changed the way we taught writing to the EBW Approach, our students’ outcomes wildly improved. No matter how inexperienced your students may be with academic writing, the simple framework and approach we created will elevate your students’ writing and help them achieve results you can’t yet imagine.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    A Clear Timeline for Spiraling Narrative Writing Throughout the Year - 072 Jun 23, 2020

    In today’s episode, Jessica and I share five simple opportunities to get your students practicing narrative writing throughout the year. With just a little bit of planning, these ideas can easily be woven into any curriculum, and the results in your students’ writing will definitely be worth it!

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Does Narrative Writing Have Middle Child Syndrome? - 071 Jun 16, 2020

    The importance of narrative writing is often glossed over because it can feel like a less academic genre to some teachers. However, today, Jessica and I make the argument that well-organized and thoughtful narrative writing instruction builds writing skills that will serve your students all year long, and in all other genres of writing.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/narrativetraining

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    A Counterintuitive Tip to Uplevel Your Narrative Writing - 070 Jun 09, 2020

    In today’s episode, I share my best tip for focusing students’ narrative writing so that the plot of their stories is engaging and organized--all the way through the end. Listen in to hear the simple strategy that changed everything for me.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/narrativetraining

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    An A-ha Moment from a One-Room Schoolhouse That Will Change the Way You Teach Narratives - 069 Jun 02, 2020

    On the podcast, Melissa shares how the EB Narrative Writing Course changed not only her experience teaching writing, but also the academic outcomes of her students. She discusses how the strong and logical mini lessons in the course, accompanied by the recommended mentor texts, helped transform her students’ writing.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/narrativetraining

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Why You Have to Throw a Publishing Party - 068 May 26, 2020

    We make the argument that hosting a publishing party--and telling your students about it beforehand--will actually improve your students’ writing and make the entire writing process run more smoothly. We also offer tips for going big with your publishing party or keeping it quick and simple. Either way, you will be wow-ed with the results, and your students will feel accomplished and engaged.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Two Changes to Make Right Now for Teaching Narrative Writing - 067 May 19, 2020

    In today’s episode, Jessica and I unpack two reasons your students’ narrative writing isn’t meeting your expectations, and we share exactly how you can change that! Prepare to put your ego aside and learn some simple strategies to dramatically improve your instruction and get you and your students the writing results you’ve always wanted.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Why Our Way of Teaching Narratives Gets Results - 066 May 12, 2020

    In today’s episode, Jessica and I share our approach to narrative writing. Not unlike our approach to almost all Language Arts content, we recommend a spiral approach. I know that I certainly can’t remember something if I’m taught it once and then never practice it again. The same is true for our middle schoolers!

    Today we share our best tips for incorporating narrative writing throughout your school year--and no, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Plus, we explain our favorite narrative writing game, and how to adapt it for online distance learning.

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    We're Celebrating Our Birthdays! A Get-to-Know-Us Episode - 065 May 05, 2020

    Our journey as colleagues and business partners began almost a decade ago, and today we share a bit about our backgrounds, how we met, and our answers to three surprise questions in order to delve a bit deeper into who we are as educators, business owners, and women.

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    A Special Narrative Writing Project For The End of The Year - 064 Apr 28, 2020

    In today’s episode, Jessica shares the model text that changed the way she taught narratives. She discusses her experience using the short story, Up North at the Cabin, to help her students structure their own narratives and hone their figurative language and transition writing skills. Jessica even shares her favorite way to publish students; finished narratives and guess what? It’s online-friendly, too!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.amazon.com/North-Cabin-Marsha-Wilson-Chall/dp/0688097324

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Cheat-Sheet-2146679

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    The 6 Must-Do Habits of a Kick-Butt Lesson Planner - 063 Apr 21, 2020

    Today we share our best tried-and-true tips for thinking big picture, staying ahead of the game, shifting your lesson-planning mindset, and strategically reusing lesson activities. Tune in to get all the details and transform your relationship with lesson planning forever!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    The Emergency Substitute Binder: https://ebacademics.com/2017/06/the-sub-binder-why-its-important-how-to.html

    Emergency Sub Lesson Plans for ELA from EB Academics:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ELA-Emergency-Sub-Plans-for-Middle-School-2340227

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Three Tips to Start Batch Planning Your Lessons Now - 062 Apr 14, 2020

    Though tricky at first, batch planning will completely change the game for you when it comes to the quality of your lessons and life outside of school. So pull out your calendar and get ready to learn the benefits of batch planning as well as three tips to make it work for your classes today.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detective

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    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Breaking Curriculum Traditions with Amanda and Marie - 061 Apr 07, 2020

    So much about teaching is growing through exploration, listening to your intuition, and being willing to try, fail, and try again. In today’s episode, Amanda and Marie are open and honest about their experiences being brave in their classrooms, and they offer practical advice on how to get started in your own.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    Brave New Teaching Podcast: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/

    Amanda at Mud and Ink Teaching: https://www.mudandinkteaching.org/

    Marie at the Caffeinated Classroom: https://www.thecaffeinatedclassroom.com/

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Where Do We Go From Here? - 060 Mar 31, 2020

    In today’s episode, Kara shares her experience with school closure, moving to distance learning, and balancing teaching content with looking after her students’ wellbeing. Kara offers several fun ideas to nurture relationships and joy, even in this difficult time, plus we discuss two ELA activities that are creative, meaningful, and easily transferred to the online world we find ourselves in.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.rileyreadsya.com/blog/15-creative-ideas-to-build-community-in-your-online-classroom

    https://www.instagram.com/rileyreadsya/

    https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Instagram-Activity-An-Evidence-Based-Resource-1786460

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    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Why You Need to Bring Creativity in the Classroom with David Rickert - 059 Mar 24, 2020

    Today’s guest, David Rickert, shares his expertise regarding incorporating creativity in the classroom. With over twenty years of educational experience, he has a wealth of knowledge to share. In this episode, David offers simple mindset shifts that will help you approach standards, assessments, and daily lesson plans creatively.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    http://davidrickert.com/2020/03/02/creative-activities-in-ela/

    https://www.instagram.com/rickertdraws/

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    The Power In Classroom Libraries with Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog - 058 Mar 17, 2020

    In today’s episode, middle school reading expert Kristy, from 2 Peas and a Dog, shares her perspective on how having a classroom library enhances the quality of reading engagement in the classroom. She also shares how to choose the right books for your library, because as Kristy notes, a classroom library is a curated collection of texts arranged with your students in mind.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    Blog https://2peasandadog.com/category/classroom-library

    TPT https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/2peasandadog

    IG https://www.instagram.com/2peasandadog/

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/2peasandadog

    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/2peasandadog/

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Essential Tips to CRUSH Your Teaching Interview - 057 Mar 10, 2020

    Today, I have asked Carrie to share with you her best tips on how to set yourself up for success during your next teaching interview. With spring right around the corner, some of you might be peeking at openings in other districts or positions, and even if not, it never hurts to be prepared because you just never know when your dream job could pop up. The tips she shares are golden, so grab your notepad and let’s dive in!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    https://www.educators2educators.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/educators2educators/

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Engaging Grammar Ideas with Lauralee Moss from Language Arts Classroom - 056 Mar 03, 2020

    When you think about grammar instruction, do you feel excited and passionate or shudder and groan? I find that the topic of grammar elicits very strong and often opposing responses among ELA teachers. Basically, you either love it or you hate it.

    For those of you who love grammar instruction, you are in luck because today’s podcast episode is all about how to knock it out of the park in your classroom. And if you currently despise teaching grammar, or just don’t find the time to fit it into your curriculum, this episode is going to give you some fun, simple, and creative ways to incorporate it more.

    Lauralee Moss is a bit of a grammar guru, and she takes a wonderfully unique approach to teaching it. She believes that grammar should be more than a ten minute mini-lesson and practice session each day. She believes in teaching students that grammar is the art of using language precisely, and she weaves it into almost every component of her Language Arts class.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/grammar

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Help Eliminate Classroom Behavior Problems with This Easy and Engaging Activity - 055 Feb 25, 2020

    Have you ever considered that one reason your students misbehave in the classroom is because they are not engaged? You may be working your butt off to ensure that they’re meeting the standards and becoming the best readers and writers they can be, but if your lessons aren’t engaging, there’s bound to be some classroom management issues you’re facing.

    When students are engaged in their learning, their attention and focus increase, they’re motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills, and they enjoy school more!

    We're sharing a super simply, highly-engaging activity that hits on NUMEROUS ELA standards that you can implement today!

    If you're ready, we're ready for you. Become an EB Teacher today and join The EB Teachers' Club right here -> https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-teachers-club

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/membership

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Case Study with Chelsey Cabarrubias - 054 Feb 20, 2020

    "I have a confidence and a calmness to me knowing that I’m meeting standards, but I’m also making them have fun. I don’t have to go into tomorrow thinking they may not like this because I know that they’re going to love what we’re doing. It’s an overall happiness."

    Those are just a few of Chelsey's transformations that she's seen as a result of joining The EB Teachers' Club.

    If you've been feeling like your lessons are disjointed and pieced together, and that you don't know how to truly elevate your students' learning and mastery of the standards through engaging and rigorous content, then listening to Chelsey's case study will give you the encouragement you need to realize that truly, anything is possible.

    We just have to be courageous and bold enough to step out and make a change in our lives.

    If you're ready, we're ready for you. Become an EB Teacher today and join The EB Teachers' Club right here -> https://ebacademics.mykajabi.com/eb-teachers-club

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/membership

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    The Best Way to Start and End Your ELA Class - 053 Feb 17, 2020

    Teachers consistently reach out to us asking how to make their classrooms run more smoothly because they are struggling to accomplish everything that needs to get done in a single period.

    Think about it. Teachers are expected to manage taking attendance, checking homework, chatting with students about missing work or grades, passing out all the things, and collecting others--all while keeping twenty to thirty kids learning. In a 45 minute period, we are expected to do it all!

    Luckily, this problem of classroom chaos is probably one of the few things in teaching that has a shockingly simple solution. And I mean SO simple. I promise you, if you give my suggestions today a try, you will see massive improvements in not only your students’ focus and productivity, but also in your ability to be calm and accomplish all the logistical and organizational pieces that make a great classroom.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/freebellringers

    ebacademics.com/engaging

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Case Study with Alexa Borota - 052 Feb 12, 2020

    I’m sure you can all relate to a feeling that Alexa so openly shared with me today. Sometimes, as teachers, we find ourselves in a rut--lacking inspiration, energy, or confidence in the classroom.

    It could be due to a particular unit that isn’t clicking, some classroom personalities that aren’t quite jiving, or simply a time when life outside of school is so hectic, draining, or challenging that our happiness and success at work are affected.

    While these feelings and seasons in teaching are totally normal, they still completely suck. There is no doubt about it. Fortunately, Alexa stumbled upon our podcast during one of these very seasons, and in her words, the rest is history!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detective

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Surviving Valentine's Day in Middle School - 051 Feb 10, 2020

    There is no doubt about it--Valentine’s Day is one of the craziest days of the school year in a middle school classroom. Hormones and red carnations fly, and I will tell you from my own experience that the day can either be incredible or a complete nightmare.

    Today, I will share my tips and tricks for creating a lesson on Valentine’s Day that will engage your students, feed on their energy and enthusiasm, and still teach rigorous content.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/engaging

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    EB Teachers' Club Case Study with Monica Jayasinghe - 050 Feb 06, 2020

    In today's episode, I'm interviewing one of our EB Teachers' Club members, Monica Jayasinghe. Monica is a 6th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher in Watts, California, which is located in Los Angeles.

    Hear what Monica has to say about her experience as an EB Teacher:

    "When I come home, I don’t have to stress about what I’m going to do tomorrow and are they [my students] going to like it, and am I going to hit all my standards, because I KNOW these units are going to work! The first bundle that I opened ... Oh my gosh! It was everything I could have asked for, and right away, I felt really good about my decision. Engagement and rigor could be the tag lines for the club ... My principal walks in, and I just look like I’m a genius! These are topics [my students] are interested in, and I’m interested in. It’s fun for me to see each month ... Ooh, what’s the next bundle? I feel like I’m opening a gift!"

    If you're ready to learn more about the EB Teachers' Club, add your name to our waitlist and grab a free murder mystery, whodunnit activity to use right away with your students!

    ebacademics.com/detective

    Other episodes you might enjoy:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    How to Shave Off Time Spent Lesson Planning - 049 Feb 03, 2020

    Can you name a single teacher who doesn’t wish they could spend less time planning?

    Yeah… I didn’t think so. Honestly, who wants to be spending their free time working when they could be enjoying their hobbies, family, or friends? No one!

    I get it, and I am all about working smarter, not harder. So today, I want to share a strategy with you that TOTALLY shifted the way I think about managing my time. Truly, it has been a game-changer for me, and I know it will help you, too.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/membership

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Are You Someone's Ms. Neilan? - 048 Jan 28, 2020

    Today I want to talk a little about my story and why engaging lessons are at the forefront of everything I do in EB Academics. Along with one of our team members, Kara, I create a lot of the content, or monthly lesson plans for our teachers in the EB Teachers’ Club. It’s super important to me that the lessons are rigorous and standards-aligned and yet are so much fun for the students that they are practically jumping out of their seats to see what they’ll be learning next.

    All of which brings me to my story that I want to share with you today and where this passion for creating engaging lessons came from. So let’s go all the way back to my time as a student ...

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detective

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Why Rigorous Lessons Are Not Enough - 047 Jan 21, 2020

    If our students are not engaged in their learning, then we’ve lost them already. They’ve tuned out and they’re thinking about all the other pressing concerns preteens and teenagers face. So all of your incredible academic goals for them are going to be really hard to accomplish.

    I know that’s not how any of us imagined our classroom when we decided to become teachers. We became teachers to be creative, have fun with kids, and change lives. But too many teachers are drowning - we hear it all the time, and we totally get it.

    So, what can you do about it? Well, we have to start creating not just rigorous lessons, but engaging lessons. This episode makes the case for just that.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/waitlist

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Let's Have More Fun in the Classroom, Shall We?! - 046 Jan 14, 2020

    Okay, let me ask you, have you ever wanted to have just more fun in your ELA classroom, but thought to yourself, “Well, I’m not creative enough to come up with a fun lesson. Or, "I don’t have the time for creating all the materials for an engaging lesson.” You know, those thoughts that hold us back?

    But still, deep down you know you want to have more fun in your classroom with your students and with your lessons.

    Well, one of the biggest objections we see many middle school ELA teachers making is thinking it’s too much work to make their lessons fun and make sure students are learning.

    In today's episode, we discuss this limiting belief and what we can do about it.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/detective

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Is It Good Teaching Practice to Use Sentence Starters? - 045 Jan 07, 2020

    As a long-time writing teacher and instructional coach, I’ve learned about this great debate among ELA educators: to provide sentence starters or to not provide sentence starters. I’ve been shocked to hear that many teachers are very resistant to using sentence starters because they have the belief that sentence starters make students’ writing “too easy, too formulaic, or too boring.”

    But I have one question for you. What’s the alternative?

    This episode dives deep into the benefits of using sentences starters and might even challenge some of your current beliefs surrounding them.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/jugglingjustification

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Your Limiting Beliefs Are Holding You Back - 044 Dec 31, 2019

    As we round out 2019, let's talk about how our limiting beliefs are holding us back from being the best version of ourselves, and ultimately, the best teacher for our students.

    This episode is short, but powerful, and we urge you to spend some time thinking about what we've brought up and the questions that we leave you with. How can you show up in 2020 that will have the biggest impact in your classroom?

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/livetraining
    ebacademics.com/course

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Two Big Decisions I Wish I Had Made Sooner and Why You Should Make Them Now - 043 Dec 24, 2019

    As teachers, of course, we’re constantly adjusting our lessons and even our curriculum. There’s a last minute assembly we have to attend, so our Socratic seminar for Wednesday is rescheduled or the short story we chose for our kids totally backfired and there was little engagement, so we’re scratching it for next year. We’ve grown used to this aspect of our profession. But, what about the things that we need to change that we may not even realize need changing? Whoa, there! There are things I need to change that maybe I don’t even know I should change? Let that soak in for a second …

    What if you had an aha moment, a lightbulbs flashing, confetti dropping moment when you realized there were some changes that could be made that would make your writing curriculum better and produce stronger, more confident student writers, all while making your job a whole lot easier? And you might not even be aware of it right now!!

    Well, after spending quite some time reflecting, I’ve identified two big decisions I wish I had made sooner because once I made them, my teaching felt more streamlined and less choppy. I felt more confident with my instruction and saw BIGGER and BIGGER results. I’m going to break down those decisions for you and why they were so transformative!

    We'd also love to invite you to join us in our Free Live Training, "4 Proven Strategies for Teaching Writing Like a Pro!" where we will be walking you through many important aspects of the EBW Approach and how you can become a kick-a** writing teacher so that the best writers come from YOUR classroom! Reserve your free spot here: ebacademics.com/livetraining

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/livetraining

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    BONUS Episode: From Elementary to Middle School Writing - 042 Dec 19, 2019

    In today's bonus episode Tara, one of the teachers in our Online Professional Development Course Writing Instruction: A Proven Approach, outlines what it was like for her moving from elementary school to middle school English Language Arts and writing. Her journey is one so many teachers can relate to, as many of us are asked to change grade levels throughout the course of our careers. Tara shares why she chose to dive right into the EBW Approach and what it has been doing for her students and their writing!

    We'd also love to invite you to join us in our Free Live Training, "4 Proven Strategies for Teaching Writing Like a Pro!" where we will be walking you through many important aspects of the EBW Approach and how you can become a kick-a** writing teacher as well. Reserve your free spot here: ebacademics.com/livetraining

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/livetraining

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    How TAG and the EBW Approach Changed Everything for One Teacher - 041 Dec 17, 2019

    In today's episode Sarah, one of our students in our Online Professional Development Course, Writing Instruction: A Proven Approach, outlines the many successes she's seen in her classroom as a result of using the EBW Framework and the entire EBW Approach. Sarah mentions one of the biggest game-changers for her, TAG, and why she can't imagine teaching this first sentence of an essay any other way.

    We'd love to invite you to join us in our Free Live Training, "4 Proven Strategies for Teaching Writing Like a Pro!" where we will be walking you through many important aspects of the EBW Approach and how you can become a kick-a** writing teacher as well. Reserve your free spot here: ebacademics.com/livetraining

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/livetraining
    Teaching TAG Podcast Episode
    ebacademics.com/jugglingjustification

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    BONUS Episode: Case Study with Amy Cawthon Dec 12, 2019

    Join me in this bonus episode while I interview one of our EB Teachers, Amy Cawthon, who has been implementing and successfully utilizing our EBW Framework with her middle school students. Amy discusses many of the struggles she used to face as a writing teacher and how her students' writing has transformed in just a four short months.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Growing as a Teacher During Your First Years - 039 Dec 10, 2019

    Jennifer, a second year high school English teacher, shares her journey of being hired 5 days before the first day of school to where she is now in her second year - a much more confident writing teacher. Her journey is one focused on inspiration, growth, self-realization, and taking the initiative.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    How One Teacher Stepped Into the Mindset of What's Possible - 038 Dec 03, 2019

    Nancy's journey as a writing teacher is one that shows us the beauty in what is possible for us as teachers. When we want to grow, when we see the opportunity for change, and when we come from the mindset of what IS possible, everything can change for us and for our students.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

    Book mentioned in this episode: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

    Are you enjoying the podcast?
    Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

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    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Caitlin and Jessica: Our Teaching Stories - 037 Nov 26, 2019

    This episode is extra special as both Jessica and I share our teaching stories with you. From bad teaching experiences to great principals, quitting teaching and the in-between, we're sharing the whole enchilada with you.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Why Student Writing Sometimes Sucks and What We Can Do About It - 036 Nov 19, 2019

    Do you know what sucks? Grading crappy student writing. There. I said it.

    But I’m guessing you didn’t need me to tell you that.

    You’ve probably been there, and I have too. I know the emotional roller coaster and tremendous time suck that accompanies scoring this kind of writing.

    Fortunately, this week's episode is all about what we can do to combat this elephant in the room. Let's dig in together!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

    ebacademics.com/jugglingjustification

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    A Common Mistake You Might Be Making - 035 Nov 12, 2019

    It is very possible that today’s podcast episode will completely contradict a major component of the way you teach literary analysis.

    In the episode, we reveal our third game-changing strategy for teaching evidence-based writing, and we’re asking you to take a breath, suspend judgement for a moment, and allow us to walk you through exactly why we believe in this strategy, even though it goes against the grain.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

    ebacademics.com/jugglingjustification

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD - Eliminate Writer's Block - 034 Nov 05, 2019

    This episode is the second part of our Mini Series PD for Evidence-Based Writing on the podcast. In this episode, we'll be covering the idea of eliminating writer's block. All too often, we can make the mistake of solely relying on teaching "hook," and this gets our students STUCK.

    Use this simple and incredibly effective strategy to completely eliminate writer's block and give your students the confidence to write a kick-a** paper!

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/writingwaitlist

    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:

    • Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
    • Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students
    Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students - 033 Oct 29, 2019

    This episode kicks off a Mini Series PD for Evidence-Based Writing on the podcast. In this first episode, I'll be talking all about how you can hook your students and get them interested and engaged with evidence-based writing (also known as literary analysis writing) through a fun detective activity.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    ebacademics.com/memberwaitlist

    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: Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback.

    Picture Books in Middle School ELA with Jenna from Doc Cop Teaching - 032 Oct 22, 2019

    In today's episode we have Jenna Copper from Doc Cop Teaching to share exactly how we can effectively utilize picture books in our middle school ELA classrooms to enhance our current curriculum.

    Links mentioned in today's episode:

    • Jenna's VIP Library: ebacademics.com/jennapodcast
    • Jenna on Instagram

    We would love to hear from you! Please take a moment to leave us a review in iTunes. Your review helps us reach even more Middle School ELA Teachers just like you!

    Making Vocabulary Meaningful with Melissa from Reading and Writing Haven - 031 Oct 15, 2019

    In today's episode we're talking all about vocabulary with Melissa from Reading and Writing Haven. She's going to help us with different strategies, fun and engaging ideas, and just an overall approach that we should consider adopting in our own classrooms.

    Links mentioned in today's episode:

    • Melissa's Blog Post about Vocabulary: ebacademics.com/melissapodcast
    • Flocabulary
    • Melissa on Instagram and Twitter

    To learn more about The EB Teachers' Club and become a member before enrollment closes on October 21st, just visit ebacademics.com/membership.

    A Look Inside Another Teacher's Classroom with Ashli Cassidy - 030 Oct 08, 2019

    This episode gives us a glimpse into another Middle School ELA Teacher's classroom. Ashli Cassidy is a 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade ELA Teacher from New Jersey. She shares with us some great strategies that have been working well for her this year as well as lesson plan ideas that we can take back to our own classrooms. Ashli is also a member of our EB Teachers' Club.

    To learn more about The EB Teachers' Club, add your name to the waitlist, and grab a FREE sample lesson plan from the club, just visit ebacademics.com/memberwaitlist.

    Bringing Podcasts into Your Classroom with Ashley from Building Book Love - 029 Oct 01, 2019

    This is SUCH a great episode that walks you through the how and WHY for bringing podcasts into your Middle School ELA classroom. Ashley Bible from Building Book Love is here to teach us everything we need to know. She even has a great blog post all about podcasts with an incredibly helpful free download for you to utilize as well.

    Check out her blog post here: ebacademics.com/ashleypodcast

    Make sure you also grab a copy of our FREE ebook called Your Balanced Year. We give you all kinds of strategies, structures, lesson plans, and so much more to help you find balance in your teaching life.

    Download the free ebook here: ebacademics.com/yourbalancedyear

    Also, be sure to mark your calendars for October 7, 2019, which is when we release our 3-part video series called The Balanced Teaching Approach.

    You can also find us on Instagram @ebacademics

    Simple Steps for a Better Year: Mindfulness with Kailey from Educalme - 028 Sep 24, 2019

    In today's episode we're talking about some very simple steps you can take for a better year, using mindfulness practices and strategies. Kailey from The Balanced Educator Podcast is sharing her brilliant insights with us, so we can find more joy in our teaching practice.

    Learn more about Kailey, The Balanced Educator, and Educalme by visiting https://www.educalme.com/home.

    You can also find us on Instagram @ebacademics

    Games in ELA: Part 2 of 2 - 027 Sep 17, 2019

    In today's episode we're talking about 4 different games you can use in your middle school ELA classroom. These are great to have in your back pocket as easy go to activities!

    This is part 2 of 2 about Games in ELA - you can listen to part two in next week's episode #026.

    Links mentioned in today's podcast:
    - Your Balanced Year Free eBook: ebacademics.com/yourbalancedyear
    - Balderdash Blogpost: ebacademics.com/balderdash

    Please be sure to leave us a review if you're loving the podcast!

    You can also find us on Instagram @ebacademics

    Games in ELA: Part 1 of 2 - 026 Sep 10, 2019

    In today's episode we're talking about 4 different games you can use in your middle school ELA classroom. These are great to have in your back pocket as easy go to activities!

    This is part 1 of 2 about Games in ELA - you can listen to part two in next week's episode #027.

    Please be sure to leave us a review if you're loving the podcast!

    You can also find us on Instagram @ebacademics

    Easy Lunch Ideas - 025 Sep 03, 2019

    Today's episode is lighthearted but also very helpful! We're sharing 4 awesome and easy lunch ideas for the school year. There's nothing worse than having NOTHING to bring to school for lunch. Take these 4 lunches and start making them this week! :)

    Make sure to follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ebacademics

    Incorporating Informational Text in Easy and Meaningful Ways - 024 Aug 27, 2019

    In today's episode we're talking about four strategies you can begin implementing right away to help you incorporate informational text into your classroom in easy and meaningful ways.

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    The EB Teachers' Club: ebacademics.com/membership
    Informational Text Graphic Organizers: ebacademics.com/informationaltext

    Make sure to follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ebacademics

    First Day of School Activities - 023 Aug 20, 2019

    In today's episode we're covering two fun and engaging first day of school activities. Use one or both of these ideas in your classroom this year or save them for next year!

    Link for the Classroom Scavenger Hunt: ebacademics.com/scavengerhunt

    Make sure to follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ebacademics

    23 Pieces of Advice for the First Year Teacher - 022 Aug 13, 2019

    Today's episode focuses on 23 pieces of advice we would tell our first-year teacher selves. Whether you're a first year teacher or starting your thirtieth year in the classroom, these are excellent reminders we just might need to hear :)

    Make sure to follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    Make the Most of the TpT Sitewide Sale - 021 Aug 06, 2019

    Let's make sure you make the absolute MOST of the Teachers Pay Teachers Back to School Sitewide Sale that's happening today, August 6th and tomorrow, August 7th!

    All of our resources (including bundles) are already marked down 20%! Then, use the code BTS19 at checkout to get an extra 5% off of your purchase from our store and many others.

    You can shop our store through this link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Eb-Academics-By-Caitlin-And-Jessica

    See you at the sale!

    3 Simple and Easy Classroom Organization Habits - 020 Jul 30, 2019

    Today's episode is all about 3 simple and easy classroom organization habits that will make a big impact in your classroom!

    Grab your three free weeks of bell ringers here - ebacademics.com/freebellringers

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    Habits You Can Form Now to Build Classroom Community - 019 Jul 23, 2019

    Today's episode is all about three simple habits you can begin thinking about and forming now in order to build a positive classroom community for your students.

    These are easy and actionable steps that are going to make a big difference in your classroom environment!

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    The Benefits of Using a Writing Framework - 018 Jul 15, 2019

    Today's episode is all about the benefits of utilizing a clear writing framework. This strategy will help you transform writing for all of the students in your classroom - from those who really struggle to those who need more structure!

    Make sure to join us for our FREE Live Masterclass on the Four Foolproof Strategies to Teaching Literary Analysis Writing Like a Pro! Register and grab your free spot here -> ebacademics.com/writingmasterclass

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    Elevate Your First Chapter Fridays - 017 Jul 09, 2019

    Today's episode is all about taking the First Chapter Friday concept to the next level!

    To learn more about The EB Teachers' Club and how we're working hard to help Middle School ELA Teachers ameliorate some of the stress and overwhelm in their lives, please visit ebacademics.com/membership.

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    The Instagram Classroom - 016 Jul 02, 2019

    In this episode we talk about how the Instagram classroom can have a potentially negative effect on your teaching psyche - and what to do about it.

    To learn more about The EB Teachers' Club and how we're working hard to help Middle School ELA Teachers ameliorate some of the stress and overwhelm in their lives, please visit ebacademics.com/membership.

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    Why We Left the Classroom - 015 Jun 25, 2019

    In this episode, I'm talking honestly and openly with you about why we both decided to leave the classroom this year and what we're doing. Plus, we have a pretty darn exciting announcement to share with you!

    To become an EB Teachers' Club Member, simply visit this link -> ebacademics.com/membership

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    Actionable Lesson Planning Strategies - 014 Jun 18, 2019

    Today's episode is all about 3 specific strategies you can use to streamline your lesson planning process. Join our free lesson planning workshop by visiting ebacademics.com/workshop. Can't wait to see you there!

    To join our FREE workshop, visit ebacademics.com/workshop to sign up!

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    How to Create Bell Ringers that Work - 013 Jun 11, 2019

    Today’s episode is all about bell ringers. I’ll be talking quite honestly about my experience using them in the past, and what I did this year that really made them a game changer in my classroom.

    To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/13.

    To grab your Three FREE Weeks of ELA Bell Ringers, simply visit ebacademics.com/freebellringers

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    How I Completely Changed My Summer Reading Assignment - 012 Jun 04, 2019

    About three years ago, I made the switch to an evidence-based writing packet for a short story for my summer reading assignment. (I also gave students the option to challenge themselves and read at least one other book of their choosing! I provide them with a list as well if they don’t know where to start. This also helps parents out over the summer, too, if they really do want their child reading - which hopefully they do!)

    So I want to walk you through WHY I chose to move to this model for my summer reading assignment and why it’s been so incredibly effective.

    To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/12.

    To sign up for our free Narrative Writing Masterclass, Three Game-Changing Ideas for How You Teach Narrative Writing, go to ebacademics.com/narratives

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    A Counterintuitive Tip to Uplevel Your Narrative Writing - 011 May 28, 2019

    In today’s episode we’re going to be covering narrative writing, but more specifically how to easily incorporate one strategy that’s going to help your students compose a strong narrative. And if you’re already finished with school, which I am so jealous about (!), today’s episode is still relevant because you can take this simple and effective strategy and implement it at the beginning of the school year as well.

    To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/11.

    To sign up for our free Narrative Writing Masterclass, Three Game-Changing Ideas for How You Teach Narrative Writing, go to ebacademics.com/narratives

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    Surviving the End of the Year - 010 May 20, 2019

    In today’s episode we’re going to be talking about some easy things you can begin implementing in your classroom to help you survive the end of the year. Because, let’s be honest, that can really be what it feels like sometimes at this point - SURVIVAL. So, let’s get through the end of the year together using these 3 simple ideas you can use today if you’d like!

    To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/10.

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    Classroom Environment with Holly Hodges from Research and Play - 009 May 13, 2019

    In this episode, we get deep into talking about the all important classroom environment with Holly Hodges from the blog Research and Play. Although Holly is a Kindergarten teacher, her knowledge of the Reggio-Emilia and Responsive Classroom approaches provides us as middle school ELA teachers with some great takeaways.

    This episode will give you a lot to think about when preparing for the next school year. I promise there will be areas of your teaching practice that you'll want to revisit and revamp after hearing what Holly has to share. I know I sure do!

    To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/9.

    You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics and Holly @researchandplay.

    Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!

    9 Best Short Stories to Teach - 008 May 07, 2019

    I’m going to walk you through my school year month by month and share the short stories I like to use within that month. To preface this, I will say that I don’t get to all of these short stories every year, but I have them in my back pocket to break out at any moment where I can fit them in!

    Thanks for listening to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! We appreciate you!

    Visit us here at: https://ebacademics.com/

    If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find us at @ebacademics on Instagram!

    Mindfulness for YOU - 007 Apr 30, 2019

    Today we’re going to be jumping into talking about Mindfulness for YOU. We’ve seen this idea of mindfulness for our students time and again, but I think it’s really important for us as teachers to be practicing mindfulness as well.

    Now, I know we’re all super busy all the time. So you may ask, when on earth am I going to find time to fit mindfulness into my day?

    Well, to that I say, you can my friend. And you must. The two simple strategies I’m going to give to you today have been the two that have had the biggest impact on my life, and I know they absolutely can have that same impact on your life.

    Thanks for listening to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! We appreciate you!

    Visit us here at: https://ebacademics.com/

    If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find us at @ebacademics on Instagram!

    Easy Way to Keep Students Engaged through the End of the Year - 006 Apr 23, 2019

    Today we’re going to be talking about how to keep students engaged through the end of the school year. I know those last few weeks and days of the year can be a challenge to maintain student interest, so let’s go ahead and get started!

    Thanks for listening to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! We appreciate you!

    Visit us here at: https://ebacademics.com/

    If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find us at @ebacademics on Instagram!

    The Problem With One-Pager Assignments - 005 Apr 16, 2019

    Today we’re going to discuss one of the MAJOR problems with one-pagers. But more importantly, we’ll also be talking about how to ensure we don’t make this big mistake again.

    Thanks for listening to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! We appreciate you!

    Visit us here at: https://ebacademics.com/

    If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find us at @ebacademics on Instagram!

    4 Powerful Results from Using a Clear Writing Framework Apr 11, 2019

    Teaching writing is TOUGH. But today, we’re going to take a deep look at 4 powerful results you can quickly begin to see in your classroom if you use a very clear writing framework with your students.

    Thanks for listening to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! We appreciate you!

    Visit us here at: https://ebacademics.com/

    If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find us at @ebacademics on Instagram!

    Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback - 003 Apr 01, 2019

    Today's episode is all about growing as a teacher, but more importantly not being AFRAID to grow. We’ll be talking about 3 specific ways you can grow in your craft without feeling nervous about or threatened by feedback from administrators.

    Thanks for listening to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! We appreciate you!

    Visit us here at: https://ebacademics.com/

    If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find us at @ebacademics on Instagram!

    How to Overcome 3 Writing Mistakes You Might be Making - 002 Apr 01, 2019

    Today our focus is on 3 mistakes you might be making as a writing teacher. But we’re not solely focusing on those mistakes. We’ll also be talking about what you can do to easily fix those mistakes if you are making them.

    Thanks for listening to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! We appreciate you!

    Visit us here at: https://ebacademics.com/

    If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find us at @ebacademics on Instagram!

    3 Simple Ways to Create Student Buy In - 001 Apr 01, 2019

    We're going to focus on three specific strategies you can use in your ELA classroom to create that ever important student buy-in before starting a new unit.

    Thanks for listening to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! We appreciate you!

    Visit us here at: https://ebacademics.com/

    If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find us at @ebacademics on Instagram!

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