Teaching Middle School ELA

On today’s Monday Mindset episode, I discuss the benefits of focusing on “the good stuff.” Our brains have a natural tendency to remember negative events more easily than positive ones. However, most of our day is actually neutral, without extreme emotions. But often, if there are a couple of negative events, we tend to label the entire day as "bad." That's where consciously focusing on the things that went well can truly make a difference. I invite you to deliberately recognize and appreciate the good stuff to enhance your life satisfaction.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

In today's episode, Caitlin and Jessica dive into an engaging activity that will have your students strategizing and debating on an uninhabited island. But don't worry, there's no plane crash involved! We'll be discussing the details of this exciting back-to-school activity and how it fosters skills like justification, evidence-based thinking, and critical analysis.

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Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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!

In today's Monday Mindset episode, I delve into the powerful concept that transforming our lives begins with a shift in our own perspectives. There is no better time than now to start making changes from within. We'll explore the idea of taking radical responsibility for our own lives, shaping our experiences, and the world around us.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

This episode of Teaching Middle School ELA is part two of a miniseries on breakthroughs in grammar instruction. We explore the three pillars of effective grammar instruction, which include effective direct instruction, engaging games, and application to writing. Approaching grammar instruction with a framework allows students to master the grammar standards and also apply these skills to their writing.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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!

In this Monday Mindset episode, I explore the importance of recognizing your own worth as a teacher. It's no secret that teachers often forget their own value, consumed by the demands of their profession. But today, I want to remind you that you are valuable, and it's essential to prioritize yourself and your well-being. By taking care of yourself, you can offer better support and care to your students. Embrace your own value and witness the positive impact it can have on your life. 

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we are excited to kick off the month of August with our listeners as we delve into the world of grammar and back-to-school topics. In this first episode of our two-part series, we will explore breakthroughs in grammar instruction and provide practical tips for implementation that will bring both rigor and engagement to your classroom.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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!

Today I discuss the power of movement versus allowing our moods to dictate our life. Instead of allowing your mood to dictate your actions, try operating like someone who isn't feeling that way. Taking action, even when we don't feel like it, can lead to the creation of a positive mood. Don't let your emotions dictate your reality - take the first step towards a better future.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Confession time: Do you dread teaching writing? Do you struggle to teach writing and do your students struggle to produce anything passable that doesn’t take you hours to grade? If so, consider what might be your biggest struggle with writing. Whatever the struggle, has writing become your least favorite part of teaching English because it’s just SO. MUCH. WORK?

We want to change that. At EB, we actually focus on 4 pillars that will truly help you look forward to teaching writing because you are confident in HOW to actually teach it and your students are confident in HOW to actually write. Listen in today as we share one of our favorite pillars with you. 

Tune in now to hear:

• [1:25] Caitlin starts off today's topic with what makes us dread teaching writing and how much work there is in doing so.
• [2:46] Jessica goes on to list some of the struggles teachers face when it comes to teaching writing.
• [4:23] Jessica touches on one of the 4 pillars that we use at EB that will help you look forward to teaching the subject.
• [4:58] Caitlin goes on to share how providing students with teacher writing samples help them get a better idea on how to formulate their essays.
• [7:10] Jessica talks about the common mistakes we make in teaching writing.
• [8:38] Caitlin touches on the simple yet effective idea of writing a sample essay in advance; she goes on to share how this has become a game-changer in her writing classes
• [13:48] Jessica discusses setting guidelines when providing your students writing samples and some engaging ways you can do it such as breaking down a paragraph sentence by sentence and letting your students creatively construct the paragraph themselves.
• [17:58] Caitlin continues speaking on  the importance of this strategy. The sample essays you write can be used for years to come, and you also get to practice your writing skills while you're at it.
• [20:20] If you're interested in learning more about our writing program, you may visit www.ebwritingprogram.com.

Click here to listen now!

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Caitlin and Jessica dive into the frustration of students not meeting writing standards in this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA. Strategies to improve writing, including using a proven writing framework called the EBW approach is discussed. Tune in for practical ways to incorporate the EBW approach into your classroom and elevate your students' writing scores in just 30 minutes or less.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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!

Today I discuss how we often get distracted by the world around us. We live in a “noisy” world, making it hard for us to just sit and be. Oftentimes that noise distracts us from being present to our purpose in this world–what we were put on this earth to do. I encourage you to go to that dark room, take the time to remove yourself from all the noise, and just sit with your thoughts to consider what you truly want and what your life’s purpose is.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin