Teaching Middle School ELA

Excuses. All they are is an argument for our limitations. They’re just a reason as to why we can’t hit our goals and grow. I think so many of us do this without even realizing it because it is so much a part of who we are. So, I want you to stop and think about all of the times you are saying,” Well, but…” Hold yourself to the fire, and watch yourself achieve all of your goals. You’re going to love the change that comes with it.  

Here’s to another week of living intentionally. 

Caitlin

In today’s episode, Caitlin and Jessica share the second part of their discussion on how to implement student-led and student-created escape rooms in your classroom. This type of activity is perfect to use at the end of the school year when everyone is needing a break from typical classroom activities. We hope you try this out with your students before the school year ends!

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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!

Have you noticed that as you grow and change over the years your friendships may change too? That’s okay. It’s important to remember that people are a part of our lives for certain seasons and for certain reasons. As we grow, change, and achieve our goals, it may be necessary to find new and different people who represent our new selves. Give yourself permission to do that. 

Here’s to another week of living intentionally. 

Caitlin

Escape rooms have become all the rage, and they’re awesome for team-building and fun! They have also become popular as a classroom activity, and in today’s episode, Caitlin and Jessica share a unique spin on using escape rooms in the classroom. This is the first episode in a two-part series that you won’t want to miss as you motivate your learners at the end of the school year.

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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!

Goals are great, but as soon as we reach one we create another. So, we are always chasing a goal or a dream. There is no end result here; instead, it's about who we become in pursuit of that end result. So try looking at it as the journey of becoming. How are you changing along the way? Who are you developing into? Focus on how you are changing for the better. 

Here’s to another week of living intentionally. 

Caitlin

As English teachers, seeing a word misused in a sentence can be cringe-worthy, and you probably catch mistakes in your students' writing where they have confused two words that sound similar but have very different meanings. Today’s podcast is all about helping your students get a grasp on these most commonly misused words, and this is a grammar lesson they won’t forget! Caitlin and Jessica share how to set up a rousing game of “Homophone Hit” that will help your students master these tricky words once and for all!

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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!

If you are always placing the blame on someone else, then you have a victim mentality. The problem is actually about you. There’s something underneath this surface issue that is coming up for you that you need to work through in order to move on. Once you have done the work and gone through the healing process, you’ll realize that you have control over your own thoughts and emotions. And what a freeing place that is! So, what do you think about taking some time to reflect on your own thoughts and actions? It just might change your life. 

Here’s to another week of living intentionally. 

Caitlin

Teachers know just how important engagement is in a classroom. Not only do students need to be engaged to learn, but engaging lessons are also essential to successful classroom management. While there are TONS of strategies out there, Caitlin and Jessica offer listeners one very simple way to create engagement in the classroom: use music! We think these practical and fun ideas will be just what you need to add some spark and wonder to your lessons as this school year comes to a close!

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!

When I’m doing something new, I usually have serious doubts. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to accomplish whatever the task may be. This belief system is super limiting, so I needed to start creating evidence for myself that I actually can do it. How do you do that? You show up everyday to prove to yourself that you can do it, and you are doing it. This evidence will then help us to create a new identity of who we are. This is when your beliefs about yourself will begin to change. 

Here’s to another week of living intentionally. 

Caitlin

Using games in the classroom can be an easy way to motivate students to review numerous concepts in ELA. To round out April’s four-part series discussing engagement in the classroom, Caitlin and Jessica share details about two of their favorite games to use with students. While these games are both easy to prep and fun, they also provide valuable review time for your learners as the school year winds down.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

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

Make sure to Subscribe 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 and scroll down to Rating and Reviews. Click on "Write a Review" and let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Other episodes you might enjoy:

• Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback
• Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: H