Teaching Middle School ELA
Caitlin Mitchell
Welcome to the Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, where we help English Language Arts teachers create dynamic, engaging lessons while balancing the everyday responsibilities of teaching middle school.I’m Caitlin Mitchell, a longtime ELA educator and curriculum creator, and I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage grading, planning, and student needs—while still trying to have a life outside the classroom. That’s why every Tuesday and Thursday, I bring you practical strategies, curriculum inspiration, and innovative teaching ideas to help you feel confident, prepared, and energized.Whether you're looking to revamp your writing instruction, streamline your planning process, or engage even the most reluctant readers and writers, you’ll find actionable support here. You'll also hear real classroom stories, fresh lesson ideas, and occasional interviews with other passionate educators.If you teach reading and writing to middle schoolers and want to stay inspired and up-to-date with best practices in ELA education, you’re in the right place. Tune in every week and let’s transform your teaching—together.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 24, 2024 • 15min
Re-Air Transform Your Planning Process and Take Back Your Time
Let's listen once again to one of our Podcast Favorites. This episode empowers middle school ELA teachers to plan an entire month or semester of lessons in advance, transforming the weekly grind into a streamlined, stress-free process. Learn to map out units, align with standards, and categorize lessons into 'into,' 'through,' and 'beyond' for maximum impact. Say goodbye to late-night planning and hello to high-quality lessons and personal time!
Dec 23, 2024 • 6min
Mindset Favorite: Accepting Honesty
What if embracing honesty and vulnerability could transform your life? Let's listen one more time to one of our Monday Favorite episodes, I explore how truthfulness fosters self-love and personal growth. Learn how honest feedback—whether from yourself or others—can spark meaningful change and help you align with your true aspirations.Dive into practical exercises and inspiring reflections to confront what holds you back and nurture what moves you forward.Listen now and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential!Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
Dec 17, 2024 • 18min
Episode 315: Ideas for Teaching Grammar in the Context of Reading
Discover how to make grammar lessons exciting by weaving them into the stories students love! Engage your class with mentor sentences that bring concepts alive and embark on grammar scavenger hunts. Dive into the exploration of nonstandard dialects, enriching language appreciation while reinforcing essential grammar skills. Learn creative techniques to connect literature and language, fostering a judgment-free environment where students thrive. Tune in for practical ideas that transform grammar from mundane to magical!
Dec 16, 2024 • 5min
Mindset Favorite: Whether You Think You Can... You're Probably Right
This is a flashback from one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!Imagine facing a challenge you once thought impossible—then conquering it with encouragement and the right mindset. This week, we explore how our beliefs shape our capabilities and the power of support in pushing past limits.Discover how shifting self-talk and embracing accountability can open doors to growth in all areas of life.Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
Dec 10, 2024 • 39min
Episode 314:Interview with Deonna Smith: culturally relevant learning environments
Join host Megan in this insightful episode as she welcomes back Dr. Deonna Smith, an inspiring advocate for educational equity. With experience as both a teacher and an administrator, Dr. Smith now collaborates with educators and school leaders to build vibrant, inclusive learning environments that support students from all backgrounds, especially those who are often marginalized. In today’s conversation, she shares practical tips on bringing culturally responsive teaching into your classroom and teaching in ways that are joyful, inclusive, and impactful. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to elevate your teaching and student engagement!Click here for a special JOY Freebie: https://purple-tiger-24284.myflodesk.com/kvrdy0ou0g
Dec 9, 2024 • 5min
Mindset Favorite: Moving Forward Despite Fear
Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!Facing fear can lead to unexpected joys and personal growth. Caitlin recounts a spontaneous UTV ride through the Arizona desert that challenged her preference for predictability and taught her the power of embracing the unknown. This adventure mirrors the daily challenges we all face, from tackling daunting tasks to having tough conversations, and how courage can transform our lives. Caitlin invites educators and listeners to reflect on applying these lessons in classrooms and personal lives, fostering meaningful discussions about confidence and resilience. Join her as we explore how small acts of courage can unlock deeper joy and inspire growth.Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
Dec 3, 2024 • 20min
Episode 313: Say Goodbye to Popcorn Reading: 4 Engaging Read Aloud Strategies (You’ll Love the Last One!)
In this episode, Jessica and Megan tackle the challenge of helping middle school students strengthen their reading fluency. Although students begin building these skills in elementary school, the complexity of middle school texts often requires extra support. Tune in as they share three powerful methods—choral reading, echo reading, and paired reading—plus a creative twist for making individual read-alouds engaging and low-pressure. It’s a must-listen for any teacher eager to enhance fluency, deepen comprehension, and boost student confidence in reading!After listening, you'll have some simple, practical fluency practice strategies that you can start implementing today, with any classroom text your students are reading!
Dec 2, 2024 • 5min
Mindset Favorite: Receiving vs. Going After It
Ever feel like you're always chasing the next goal? Let's have a recap on our Monday Mindset favorite episode, Caitlin shared a revelation from a mastermind interview that changed her perspective on success. For years, she thrived on drive and determination, but this year, she embraced the word "receive." This shift opened her eyes to the beauty of balancing hustle with acceptance, allowing life's abundance to flow naturally. Discover how this mindset can transform your personal journey and relationships.Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
Nov 26, 2024 • 19min
Episode 312: Grab a Soccer Ball and Try this Discussion Activity Immediately
Ready to have a ball during story and book discussions? In this episode, learn how to use a soccer or beach ball to create dynamic, engaging discussion experience with your students. We’ll walk you through all the steps, from creating prompts to guiding student conversations with discussion stems. Plus, hear about the researched benefits of adding movement to your lessons, like improving focus and classroom management.Tune in for a fun, practical idea that you can "kick off" right away in your classroom!
Nov 25, 2024 • 5min
Mindset Favorite: Overcoming Self-doubt
Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes! In this episode, we tackle self-doubt and the path to intentional living. If you've ever felt held back by insecurities despite the success around you, you're not alone. I'll share strategies and stories to turn small wins into big breakthroughs, building a "bank of evidence" that you’re more capable than you think.I invite teachers to not only shift their own mindsets but also inspire their students to do the same. From handling batch planning to personal growth, we’ll guide you toward a life filled with confidence and purpose. Tune in and Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
