Looking for a meaningful way to keep students engaged in reading—at the end of the year or really any time? In this episode, I’m sharing how student-led book talks can build confidence, spark authentic reading conversations, and create a classroom culture where students want to read. You’ll learn how I structure book talks to keep things low-stress and flexible, how they differ from traditional book reports and book clubs, and how to handle common challenges like unfinished books or off-track readers. Whether you're wrapping up the year or starting fresh, this episode will help you make book talks a powerful part of your reading routine.

Read more in the show notes. 

Resources you may be interested in:

• Student Led Book Talks
• Book Clubs for Secondary ELA

Related blog posts: 

• Unlocking the Power of Student-Led Book Talks
• Book Talks- Engaging Students in Reading Through Peer Discussions

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

If you’ve ever wondered how to make vocabulary instruction more engaging and effective without adding to your packed schedule, this episode is for you! In part two of our vocabulary mini-series, we explore low-prep strategies that help students truly learn, use, and remember new words—making vocabulary a consistent and meaningful part of their learning.

Read more in the show notes. 

Let me help you with these FREE Vocabulary ideas!
Don't forget to listen to Part 1: Teaching Vocabulary with Purpose

Helpful Resources:

• Vocabulary Activities for Any Unit
• Academic Word Walls
• Word of the Week
• 6th Grade Context Based Vocabulary Activities - Full Year
• 7th Grade Context Based Vocabulary Activities - Full Year
• 8th Grade Context Based Vocabulary Activities - Full Year

Related podcast episodes: 

• Vocabulary Instruction: Is it Still Relevant?
• Three Strategies for Vocabulary Instruction
• Get Creative with Vocabulary Review
• Vocabulary Instruction: The Key to Comprehension 

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Is vocabulary instruction getting enough attention in your classroom? We’ve moved away from traditional word lists—but have we gone too far? Vocabulary is key to reading, writing, and confidence, yet many students struggle simply because they don’t know the words they need to understand or express ideas.

In this episode, we’ll cover why vocabulary matters and how to make it a natural part of your lessons—without adding to your workload. Hit play to learn simple ways to bring vocabulary back in a way that benefits your students.

Read more in the show notes. 

Let me help you with these FREE Vocabulary ideas!
Don't forget to listen to Part 2: Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary with Purpose

Related Resources:

• Vocabulary Activities for Any Unit
• Academic Word Walls
• Word of the Week
• 6th Grade Context Based Vocabulary Activities
• 7th Grade Context Based Vocabulary Activities
• 8th Grade Context Based Vocabulary Activities

Related episodes and blog posts: 

• Vocabulary Instruction: The Key to Comprehension
• Vocabulary Instruction: Is it Still Relevant?

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

How do we hold students accountable for independent reading without turning it into a chore? In this episode, I’m sharing creative, low-pressure strategies that promote reading engagement while still helping you track progress. You’ll hear practical ideas like peer-to-peer book recs, simple reflection tools, and interactive activities that make accountability feel fun and meaningful—even for reluctant readers. Whether you’re building a reading culture from scratch or just want fresh ideas to spark motivation, this episode will help you strike the balance between joy and responsibility in your ELA classroom.

Read more in the show notes. 

Resources to Get You Started

• Book Reviews and Recommendation Templates
• Cootie Catchers Reading Reflections and Story Elements
• Reader Response Task Cards 
• Weekly Reading Accountability Sheets

Related episodes and blog posts: 

• Reading Reflection VS Reading Logs – What’s the Better Choice?
• 4 Ways to have your Students Share their Reading – Episode 8

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Welcome to the first full episode of our relaunched podcast! In this episode, we’re exploring the importance of independent reading and its place in the classroom, even when a canned curriculum is in play. With a focus on flexibility and consistency, we’ll discuss how to create space for student choice and foster a love of reading in a structured environment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether independent reading can coexist with curriculum demands, this episode offers inspiration and actionable ideas to help you balance both. Tune in to discover how even small changes can make a big difference in building lifelong readers.

Read more in the show notes. 

Check out this resource to help students recommend books to peers

• Easy Book Review and Recommendation Templates

Related episodes and blog posts: 

• 4 Strategies for Productive Independent Reading
• Independent Reading Q&A (Episode #31)
• How to Create a Culture of Reading in your Classroom (Episode #2)

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

After an extended hiatus, the Middle School Café Podcast is back! In this special relaunch episode, I’m sharing why I took a step away, the lessons learned during this time, and what’s ahead for the podcast in 2025. Tune in to hear about the new format, a renewed focus on actionable strategies for middle and high school ELA teachers, and my mission to help all students grow as readers. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to the classroom, this episode will set the stage for an exciting new chapter. Subscribe now and join me on this journey of transforming our students' reading experiences!

First relaunch episode airs February 4th—mark your calendar!

See all episodes of the Middle School Cafe Podcast here. 

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Helping students find their “just right” book is one of the most powerful ways we can nurture lifelong readers. In this episode, I’m sharing practical strategies to match students with books that fit both their reading level and personal interests—so reading feels enjoyable, not like a task. You’ll learn how to use book talks to build anticipation, how to make the most of your classroom and school library, and why access and choice matter more than levels alone. Whether you're launching independent reading or supporting students who haven’t found their “thing” yet, this episode will help you create a reading culture that inspires curiosity and confidence.

Read more in the show notes. 

Helpful Resources:

• Finding Just Right Books
• Building Reading Stamina
• Reading Challenges for Independent Reading

Related episodes and blog posts: 

• Choosing the Best Books for Middle School Book Clubs
• Get Your Class Excited About Reading With First Chapter Fridays
• 7 Ways to Help Middle School Students Who Struggle with Reading Comprehension
• 12 Ways To Encourage a Culture of Reading
• 7 Amazing ELA Strategies to Reach Today’s Student

If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow!

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

 In a world full of distractions—social media, video games, and viral content—getting students excited about reading can feel tough. But teacher book talks might be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, I’m sharing how teacher-led book talks act like movie trailers for books, sparking curiosity, building anticipation, and showing students that reading can be just as exciting as their favorite screen time. You’ll learn practical tips for choosing the right books to talk about, how to deliver engaging teasers, and ways to weave book talks into your weekly routine. Whether you're looking to hook reluctant readers or build buzz around your classroom library, this episode will help you ignite a passion for reading that lasts. 

Related resources and information for this episode

• Teacher Book Talks: A Great Way to Engage Reluctant Readers
• 12 Ways To Encourage a Culture of Reading
• Book Talks – Engaging Students in Reading Through Peer Discussions
• Choosing the Best Books for Middle School Book Clubs
• Building Classroom Community in the ELA Classroom: Strategies for Success
• Student Led Book Talks
• Book Clubs

Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. 

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Today, we are exploring the importance of establishing consistent routines and procedures in the classroom and how they will help us in building a classroom community. While focusing on middle school students, the ideas provided are relevant to all grade levels. Discover how well-defined routines and procedures create a thriving learning environment. We explore the impact these practices have on student comfort, engagement, and community building. By intentionally teaching procedures, we ensure a focused and efficient classroom, promoting active participation. From managing materials to handling emergencies, we emphasize the essential routines that lay the foundation for an academic year filled with success and a harmonious community of learners.

Read more in the show notes. 

Related blog posts: 

• How to Get Started with Routines and Procedures in Your Middle School Classroom
• The Power of Daily Warm Ups: A Simple Shift with Big Impact

Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow!

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

This episode explores the importance of building strong teacher-student relationships that extend beyond getting to know you activities. I discuss the misconception that teachers need to be friends with their students, emphasizing instead the value of creating a professional and caring connection. These relationships foster a sense of belonging, individualized learning, trust, and motivation. I also provide practical strategies for maintaining these connections throughout the school year, from sharing interests to involving students in the learning process. Discover how cultivating relationships contributes to a positive classroom atmosphere and sets the foundation for academic success and personal growth.

Read more in the show notes. 

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Back to School Activity Pack for ELA 

Related episodes and blog posts: 

• 12 Activities to Build Community During Back to School Season
• 12 ELA Back To School Activities
• 12 Engaging First Day Activities In Secondary ELA

Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group.  If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow!

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/
TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe