How to Start Reading Conferences in Your ELA Classroom [Ep. 7] Artwork

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Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers

How to Start Reading Conferences in Your ELA Classroom [Ep. 7]

December 13, 2022 • Carolyn Wahl - Middle School ELA • Episode 7

0:00 | 22:45

Reading conferences are one of the most powerful tools we have to move the needle for student growth—but they can feel overwhelming at first. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to get started with reading conferences in a way that feels manageable and impactful.

I’ll walk you through how to structure these one-on-one conversations, what kinds of questions to ask, and how to provide on-the-spot support based on student needs. I’ll also share how I simplified my record-keeping process so I could actually focus on the conversation instead of scrambling to write everything down.

Reading conferences allow students to reflect, share insights, and stay engaged in their books. When students feel seen and heard as readers, they grow—both in skill and in confidence.