Teaching Middle School ELA
401 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 254 ratingsWelcome 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.
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Episodes
Episode 280: Episode 280: What These Five Countries Are Doing to Support Their Teachers (Share This with Your Principal!)
April 16, 2024 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBOn 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 Ze...
Monday Mindset: Open the Doors
April 15, 2024 09:00 - 5 minutes - 3.62 MBHave 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 perspect...
Episode 279: A Research Unit Your Students Will Actually Enjoy
April 09, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBGet 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 organiz...
Monday Mindset: Celebrate Today
April 08, 2024 09:00 - 8 minutes - 5.76 MBAre 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 ...
Episode 278: A Simple Hack for Helping Students Find the Main Idea in Informational Text
April 02, 2024 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBOn 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 ...
Monday Mindset: The Real Luxuries in Life
April 01, 2024 09:00 - 6 minutes - 4.57 MBGet 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 ...
Episode 277: Intentionally Bringing Joy Into Our Classrooms with Dr. Deonna Smith
March 26, 2024 09:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBOn 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 ulti...
Monday Mindset: You Didn't Miss Your Boat
March 25, 2024 09:00 - 6 minutes - 4.28 MBIn 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, w...
Episode 276: A Simple Hack to Differentiate Your Lessons
March 19, 2024 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBEver 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...
Monday Mindset: Pay Attention
March 18, 2024 09:00 - 6 minutes - 4.43 MBIn 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 shi...
Episode 275: Teaching Beyond Tests A New Approach
March 12, 2024 09:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBOn 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,...
Monday Mindset: A New Way of Overcoming Obstacles
March 11, 2024 09:00 - 5 minutes - 3.88 MBGet 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...
Episode 274: How to Differentiate With Whole Group Instruction
March 05, 2024 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBOn 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 ...
Monday Mindset: Stop the Judgement
March 04, 2024 10:00 - 6 minutes - 4.31 MBGet 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 ourselv...
Episode 273: Research Behind Great Teachers
February 27, 2024 10:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBOn 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 y...
Monday Mindset: Live Abundantly
February 26, 2024 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.19 MBIn 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....
Episode 272: Learning to Admire Annoying Behaviors
February 20, 2024 10:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBOn 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, sh...
Monday Mindset: Prove Yourself Wrong
February 19, 2024 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.21 MBIn 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 chall...
Episode 271: "Funds of Feeling" - A Feeling-Based Approach to Literature with Stanford's Sarah Levine and Chris Mah
February 13, 2024 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBOn 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 engage...
Monday Mindset: Bending Time
February 12, 2024 10:00 - 9 minutes - 6.35 MBIn 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...
Episode 270: Science of Reading - Building Reading Comprehension at the Middle School Level
February 06, 2024 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBOn 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 dow...
Monday Mindset: Create Newness
February 05, 2024 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.32 MBIn 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 Interested in joining the EB Teachers' Cl...
Episode 269: Easy to Implement Activities to Improve Vocabulary and Comprehension (Takeaways from The Ron Clark Academy)
January 30, 2024 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBOn 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 abo...
Monday Mindset: How Much Better Can It Actually Get?
January 29, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.64 MBIn 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 encoura...
Episode 268: The Science of Reading in Your Classroom
January 23, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBOn 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, vocabu...
Monday Mindset: Judgement Will Kill Your Bravery
January 22, 2024 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.57 MBIn 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 ho...
Episode 267: Prepare for the Unexpected (when students are absent)
January 16, 2024 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBOn 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 fo...
Monday Mindset: Joyful Anticipation
January 15, 2024 14:00 - 2 minutes - 1.82 MBIn 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 ...
Episode 266: Interview with Grace Stevens on Setting Healthy Boundaries
January 09, 2024 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBEpisode 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 fosteri...
Monday Mindset: Positive Self-Talk
January 08, 2024 14:00 - 7 minutes - 4.94 MBIn 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 to...
Episode 265: Use Your Prep Period for Grading (Not Planning)
January 02, 2024 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBWelcome 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 ...
Monday Mindset: Be Curious About Your Greatness
January 01, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 4.09 MBIn 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 great...
Best of: Move Past Overwhelm and Start Batch Lesson Planning TODAY
December 26, 2023 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.78 MBJoin 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...
Monday Mindset: Be About It
December 25, 2023 14:00 - 3 minutes - 2.26 MBToday 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 aspir...
Best of: Transform Your Planning Process and Take Back Your Time: 2 Simple Steps to Start Batch Planning Today
December 19, 2023 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBToday’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...
Monday Mindset: Decision Making
December 18, 2023 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.47 MBIn 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 Interested in joining the EB Teachers' Club with thousands of other middle school ELA te...
Best of: Publishing Parties: A Critical Part of Your Writing Unit (That is Often Overlooked)
December 12, 2023 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.32 MBIn 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 ...
Monday Mindset: Read More
December 11, 2023 14:00 - 5 minutes - 3.82 MBToday 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 Interested in joining the EB Teachers' Club with th...
Best of: Engaging Activities to Add to Short Story Units
December 05, 2023 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.74 MBAre 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 ...
Monday Mindset: Compassionate Emptiness
December 04, 2023 14:00 - 2 minutes - 1.92 MBToday 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 i...
Best of: Anticipation Stations: Your New Go-To Pre-Reading Activity
November 28, 2023 14:00 - 14 minutes - 9.71 MBIn 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 wh...
Monday Mindset: Radical Generosity
November 27, 2023 14:00 - 4 minutes - 3.36 MBToday 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 In...
Best of: Set Yourself Up for Success During the Holiday Season
November 21, 2023 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBWelcome 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, ...
Monday Mindset: Discipline
November 20, 2023 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.43 MBToday’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 o...
Episode 254: Teach Student-Friendly Short Stories with this Simple Hack
November 14, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBWelcome back to another episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast where we are diving into a simple hack for teaching student-friendly short stories. We all know the struggle of trying to engage our students with complex texts that may be challenging for them. But fear not, because we have some strategies to make those required texts more accessible and enjoyable for your students. Listen in as we explore this topic and begin to ignite interest in challenging texts. Are you enjoying...
Monday Mindset: Quiet Quitting
November 13, 2023 14:00 - 4 minutes - 3.38 MBIn 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. C...
Episode 253: Master the Tricky Standard of Analyzing Conflicting Information with this Lesson
November 07, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBIn 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 ne...
Monday Mindset: A+ player
November 06, 2023 14:00 - 4 minutes - 2.95 MBIn 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. ...
Episode 252: Cut Back on Grading While Leaving Meaningful Feedback with Dr. Harper
October 31, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBIn 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 providi...
Monday Mindset: Be the Reason
October 30, 2023 13:00 - 5 minutes - 4.09 MBToday 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 Interested in joining the EB T...