Teaching Middle School ELA

The RACE writing formula simply stands for “restate, answer, cite, and explain”. This is widely used by middle school ELA teachers teaching writing as it makes a great tool to help learners construct their answers in a clear, logical format. However, this formula proves to be challenging when students need to move into essay writing.

If you’re one of the middle school ELA teachers who’s seeking help with teaching writing, but are required to use the RACE writing formula or a mashed up version of it, then listen in as Caitlin and Jessica share what we call the Evidence-Based Writing Approach that they developed to address the gaps in using the RACE writing formula.

Tune in now to hear:

• [1:36] Jessica starts off with how the RACE formula works and how it’s a great starting tool to teach students how to write short, constructed responses. However, writing essays consist of more than just jumping straight into their thesis or claim.
• [2:54] Caitlin touches on how students need to know how to formulate an introductory paragraph, several body paragraphs that support their claim, and a well-thought out conclusion to end their essays — all of which the RACE formula does not teach.
• [4:47] Jessica introduces the EBW Approach that includes 10 steps for your students to follow to be able to write well-thought out, text-dependent essays.
• [6:49] Caitlin discusses how the same writing struggles show up time and again with using RACE. You’re essentially left reading identical essays that only repeat the question and answer it with some random quotes and the same piece of supporting evidence afterwards.
• [7:42] Jessica pinpoints that these struggles are present when the writing tool you’re using no longer meets the needs and expectations of your students as the questions become more complex. You can learn more about introducing a more advanced framework in podcast Episode 159: The 2 Game-Changing Sentences That Will Instantly Improve Your Students’ Essays.
• [9:49] If your students are stuck writing basic paragraph after basic paragraph and if they are capable of more than just summarizing an evidence rather than explaining it, then you will want to hear more about our EBW Framework in our EB Writing Program. We have a free resource available that you can use to start teaching your students writing beyond using the RACE formula

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On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica discuss a fun and engaging lesson called "The Case of the Stolen Pearls" that can help middle school students enjoy writing. The activity involves solving a mystery to figure out which teacher stole a pearl necklace using an evidence-based writing approach. They discuss the importance of teaching literary analysis as the foundation of every other writing style and share tips for improving student writing scores.

The Case of the Missing Pearls
https://www.ebteacher.com/free-argumentative-writing-activity-SM

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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 this episode, I delve into the concept of forgetting what you think you need. Life happens for us, not to us, and releasing the desire for unnecessary wants can bring about peace and happiness in the present moment. By questioning our perceived needs and taking responsibility for our own happiness, we can embrace a sense of inevitability in our success. I encourage you to let go of expectations, allowing a deeper understanding that happiness is within our control.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Caitlin and Jessica discuss their EBW approach to literary analysis writing in this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA. This proven framework was developed by Caitlin and Jessica when they were middle school ELA classroom teachers. This writing approach provides a basis for other writing genres, offering students a clear structure that helps them become confident writers.

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 delve into the power of staying brave. Inspired by Brene Brown's advice, I reflect on a recent batch planning event and the concept of staying brave in moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. Despite the acknowledgement that certain parts of the teaching process can be difficult and challenging, I encourage you to embrace the discomfort. So, when faced with challenging situations, we should stay brave, lean into it, and not give up, because we are capable of overcoming them. 

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica focus on teaching writing and share a proven approach to teaching literary analysis. They discuss the positive impact of this approach on student growth and test score results. The episode emphasizes the importance of consistency and using text-dependent writing prompts to create a framework for students to build upon and respond to complex questions and text. Listeners will hear Caitlin and Jessica share personal stories and experiences from the classroom, giving valuable insights into the teaching process.

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’m delving into our expectations of others. Whether it's our partners, kids, or friends, we all have certain expectations. But what happens when these people let us down and fail to meet those expectations? Ultimately, people's behavior reveals their true selves, and it's important to let them be who they are. Remember, others' actions should not impact our own happiness or self-identity. 

Here’s to another week of living intentionally.

Caitlin

On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we explore expert hacks for saving time and streamlining planning while maintaining quality instruction. We introduce Chat GPT, a tool that can save time on the front end of planning, and share hacks for finding a go-to place for lessons and creating a distraction-free environment. We also discuss the benefits of using timers and setting reasonable time limits for completing tasks. 

Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

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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!

On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin and Jessica discuss the benefits of batch planning–a practice that involves lesson planning for a certain period of time to create lessons for an extended period. Successful batch planning can allow teachers to leave school on time and prevents teachers bringing work home. It also allows for more intentional planning to ensure high-quality, engaging lessons. Listeners are given tips for how to structure large units using the EB Lesson Planning Framework. 

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’m exploring the topic of embracing discomfort as a means of personal growth and change. Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks often leads to a more fulfilling life. Even in the classroom, teachers can bring in new ideas and methods that challenge them and bring positive results for students. By owning your discomfort and using it as a tool for growth, you can improve yourself and your classroom. 

Here’s to another week of living intentionally. 

Caitlin