I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Jan 22, 2024•7 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 fo...
Jan 16, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 267
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 j...
Jan 15, 2024•3 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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, Grac...
Jan 09, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 266
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 ...
Jan 08, 2024•7 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 efficien...
Jan 02, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 265
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 jo...
Jan 01, 2024•6 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 lif...
Dec 26, 2023•13 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 ...
Dec 25, 2023•3 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 transf...
Dec 19, 2023•17 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Dec 18, 2023•6 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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? Ma...
Dec 12, 2023•14 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Dec 11, 2023•5 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Dec 05, 2023•11 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 on...
Dec 04, 2023•3 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 Lowr...
Nov 28, 2023•14 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 ...
Nov 27, 2023•5 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 renew...
Nov 21, 2023•18 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Nov 20, 2023•6 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 ...
Nov 14, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 254
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 an...
Nov 13, 2023•5 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Nov 07, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 253
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 an...
Nov 06, 2023•4 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 gra...
Oct 31, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 252
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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. Cai...
Oct 30, 2023•6 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Oct 24, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 250
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 ...
Oct 23, 2023•8 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Oct 17, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 250
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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 trans...
Oct 16, 2023•6 min
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! 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...
Oct 10, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 249
