Boost Student Focus with Reading Sprints for Independent Reading [Ep. 62] Artwork

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

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

Boost Student Focus with Reading Sprints for Independent Reading [Ep. 62]

October 07, 2025 • Carolyn Wahl - Middle School ELA • Episode 62

Stamina is harder than ever for middle schoolers, and independent reading often feels like an uphill climb. In this episode, you’ll learn how reading sprints, short, focused bursts of reading, can help students strengthen attention, build confidence, and develop the endurance they need for longer texts.

In this episode, we’ll explore different ways to bring reading sprints into your classroom, whether it’s starting class with a quick warm-up, building community through partner shares, or helping students discover new favorites with short genre previews. We’ll also talk through common challenges like restlessness and fake reading, and how to keep students genuinely engaged as they build stamina.