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Are you finding it challenging to keep your students focused and excited during your ELA class period? We’ve got you covered in this episode where we explore three captivating short stories, along with interactive activities that will grab your students' attention and keep them on their toes. You’ll hear about how to use a treasure hunt, a fun prediction activity, and a game of knockout to engage your students in short story units in your classroom!

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Today we are re-airing a past episode where I dive into the thought-provoking concept of  "Compassionate Emptiness." As educators, sometimes we can fall into the trap of simply acting as problem solvers. I challenge this way of being and discuss the idea of listening with compassion and nothing else. In doing this, we can provide our students with the space they need to be heard without judgment or immediate solutions. This practice can be helpful not only in our classrooms, but also as we interact with colleagues, family, and friends. Sometimes all others need is someone who is willing to listen. 

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

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In this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we’re re-airing a past episode that is a teacher favorite! Listen in as we dive into an activity that will transform your pre-reading experience with your students. Get ready to discover the power of Anticipation Stations and how they can elevate your students' understanding, engagement, and critical thinking skills for any text. We'll walk you through the setup, provide examples using Lois Lowry's The Giver, and offer insights on why this activity is a game changer in your ELA classroom. 

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Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!  To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

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Today we’re airing a past Monday Mindset episode where I discuss the concept of going above and beyond in our relationships and connections with others. Giving, not just in terms of time, but also in offering kindness, compassion, and support to others, is a powerful tool. When we give without expecting anything in return, we can positively impact our lives, experiencing deeper connections and meaningful relationships with others. 

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

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Welcome back to another episode of Teaching Middle School ELA! In today's podcast, we are re-airing one of our all-time favorite episodes, "Setting Yourself Up for Success During Winter Break." As the holiday season approaches, we know how important it is for you to fully enjoy your time off from school without the worry of lesson plans and grading. We will be sharing three strategies to help you relax, recharge, and come back in the new year with renewed energy and excitement. So sit back, hit play, and get ready to make the most of your winter break. 

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!  To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

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Today’s Monday Mindset is one of our listeners’ favorite past episodes all about discipline. I highlight the value of discipline in both our work and personal lives, discussing how our future selves will thank us when it comes to practicing discipline. I challenge listeners to identify areas in their own lives where discipline may be lacking, and I encourage you to make a commitment to yourself. By keeping promises to ourselves, we build self-confidence and begin to see positive results in our lives. 

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

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Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast where we are diving into a simple hack for teaching student-friendly short stories. We all know the struggle of trying to engage our students with complex texts that may be challenging for them. But fear not, because we have some strategies to make those required texts more accessible and enjoyable for your students. Listen in as we explore this topic and begin to ignite interest in challenging texts.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!  To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

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In today’s Monday Mindset, listeners will hear a favorite past episode all about a concept called “Quiet Quitting” that has been making waves in the education community. While we acknowledge the challenges that educators face in an imperfect educational landscape, our focus today is on supporting your mental health and well-being. Join me as I discuss how controlling your thoughts and reactions can lead to a more fulfilling career and life. 

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

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In today’s episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we're diving into the tricky standard of analyzing conflicting information. With the overwhelming amount of media that students consume and the need to determine what is credible information, this is a vital skill for them to develop. From understanding conflicting information to identifying shared and conflicting details among texts, evaluating source credibility, and developing critical thinking skills, we'll equip you with the tools you need to help your students become critical thinkers and analyzers of information. Join us as we break down this concept and explore ideas to teach students these skills. 

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!  To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

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In this Monday Mindset, we revisit a past episode where I explore the power of our surroundings and the impact they have on our lives and mindset. I unpack the concept of surrounding ourselves with “A+ players,” and the profound influence it can have on our personal growth and happiness. 

Intentionally choosing the company we keep and creating a positive environment for ourselves and our students can impact our lives in a truly positive way. 

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin