Teaching Middle School ELA
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.
Teaching Middle School ELA
Episode 353: The Shortcut Narrative Unit: How to Get Powerful Stories in Just 10 Days
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Narrative writing is such an important skill for middle schoolers—but let’s be honest, it often feels like it takes forever to teach. Before you know it, weeks (or even months!) are gone, and you’re scrambling to fit in argument and informational writing.
In this episode, I discussed how to make narrative writing powerful and effective—without letting it hijack your calendar. You’ll learn:
✅ Why narratives don’t have to take six weeks
✅ How to treat narrative writing as a skill-builder, not a time-sink
✅ Quick, practical strategies to streamline your instruction
✅ A sample two-week timeline that actually works
Give yourself permission to simplify while still giving your students the creativity, structure, and voice they need. 🎉
👉 Tune in now and take back your instructional time!