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.
Teaching Middle School ELA
Episode 318: Low-Prep Ways to End the Year with Deep Thinking
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In this episode, you’ll discover simple yet powerful strategies to spark curiosity and connection in your classroom—all while keeping things manageable for you. Let’s flip the script on end-of-year burnout and finish strong with purpose, clarity, and heart. You’ve poured so much into your students all year—now let’s wrap it up in a way that honors that work. You’re almost there, and you’re doing amazing.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Jenna Copper Blog Post on Discussion Panels: https://jennacopper.com/panel-discussions-make-your-students-the-experts-in-five-simple-steps/
Discussion questions mentioned in episode:
- Here are some ideas for this or that to spark discussion—make sure you choose ones that are appropriate for your class, so please use your discernment.
- It’s better to take a risk and fail vs. It’s better to play it safe and succeed
- People can change who they are vs. People stay the same deep down
- It’s more important to be honest vs. It’s more important to be kind
- The past shapes who we are vs. We decide who we become
- Leaders should always listen to others vs. Leaders should trust their own judgment most
- Everyone deserves a second chance vs. Some actions can’t be forgiven
- Rules are meant to be followed vs. Rules are meant to be questioned
- Success is based on hard work vs. Success is based on opportunity
- One person can make a big difference vs. Real change takes a group
- It’s more important to win vs. It’s more important to grow
Reflection Letter Prompts:
- “What’s one belief I’ve changed this year?”
- “If I were to go back in time and give myself advice at the beginning of 8th grade, here’s what I’d say…”
- “What advice would I give to next year’s students?”
- "What was my favorite classroom moment?"
- "What is one thing that was extremely hard for me to do this year, but I did it anyhow."
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