Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers

As the school year starts to wind down, this episode focuses on helping students recognize how much they’ve grown since the beginning of the year. Without time to reflect, a lot of that progress goes unnoticed. Today’s conversation looks at why reflection matters and how it helps students see themselves as learners who have made real progress, not just students completing assignments. It also addresses why common reflection questions tend to lead to surface-level answers and how small s...

After spring break, it’s common to see a shift in student focus, especially in reading. In this episode, we’re talking about how to rebuild reading stamina without starting over or adding more tasks to your already long list of To Dos. You’ll walk away with practical ways to reset routines, re-engage students, and build stamina back through structured discussion. We’ll focus on using classroom discussion to support reading, including strategies like purposeful turn and talks, stop-and-jot, s...

As testing season approaches, many middle school ELA teachers feel pressure to shift everything into test-prep mode. But strong reading instruction is still strong reading instruction, even in the weeks leading up to state assessments. In this episode, I’ll explore how short, complex texts can help strengthen students’ critical reading skills without turning your classroom into a test-prep factory. Mid-year isn’t about introducing new standards. It’s about tightening the skills students have ...

In this episode, we continue the research series by focusing on how students learn to recognize bias in informational texts. Instead of treating bias as a separate lesson, the episode explores how it grows from the reading habits students already use— noticing what’s emphasized, what’s left out, and how language shapes the way information comes across. You’ll hear practical, grounded strategies that help students understand how author decisions influence meaning. We also look at why this awar...

Research is a core part of ELA, but it’s also where many students feel stuck and unsure how to begin. In this episode, I break down why research feels challenging for students and reframe it as familiar reading and writing skills students already know how to do. Instead of focusing on quick fixes, this episode helps teachers understand the thinking work behind research and why overwhelm is often a cognitive issue, not a motivation problem. This episode kicks off a short mini-series on t...

This is a rerelease of Episode #54 Think independent reading has to disappear with a canned curriculum? Not so fast. In this episode, I’m sharing how flexible, low-pressure reading challenges can help you keep independent reading alive—even when you're tied to a scripted program. You’ll get ideas for tying challenges to curriculum themes, recognizing effort without rewards, and giving students meaningful roles that promote ownership. Whether you already use independent reading or want a manag...

In this episode I’m talking about those familiar one-line reading responses like “I liked it” or “I don’t know” and how we can help students move beyond them. Students are capable of deeper thinking, and sometimes they just need a few simple routines to help them slow down, notice more, and explain what they’re seeing in a text. We’ll explore practical, low-pressure ways to strengthen student conversations around reading and create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable shari...

Nonfiction doesn’t have to be dry or something students just “get through.” In this episode, we’ll share how high-interest nonfiction can spark curiosity, build confidence, and help even the most reluctant readers see themselves as capable readers. You’ll hear why nonfiction belongs in everyday reading instruction, not just as a single unit, and how small, intentional shifts can make it feel relevant and engaging for your students. We’ll also share practical ideas you can use right away...

Stamina is harder than ever for middle schoolers, and independent reading often feels like an uphill climb. In this episode, you’ll learn how reading sprints, short, focused bursts of reading, can help students strengthen attention, build confidence, and develop the endurance they need for longer texts. In this episode, we’ll explore different ways to bring reading sprints into your classroom, whether it’s starting class with a quick warm-up, building community through partner shares, or help...

Peer recommendations are one of the most effective ways to spark interest in reading. Students are much more likely to pick up a book when a classmate suggests it. In this episode, I share ten practical ways you can bring student voices into your classroom and help create a living TBR list that students will actually use. These ideas make reading feel less like an assignment and more like a community experience. You don’t need to try all ten ideas at once, just choose one or two that fit your...

In this episode, we are talking about reading anxiety, how to recognize it, why it holds students back, and six practical reading strategies you can start teaching right away to help move students past it. You’ll hear ideas for creating a safe, supportive classroom environment, giving students concrete steps to try when they get stuck, and building their stamina and confidence with challenging texts. These strategies are designed to reduce reading anxiety, support struggling readers, and make...

In this episode, we’re tackling a challenge many ELA teachers face—students struggling with reading stamina. With canned curriculum, short excerpts, and fast-paced instruction, students often lack the focus and endurance to finish full-length texts. We’ll dig into why reading stamina matters for critical thinking and long-term academic success, and I’ll share practical, classroom-tested strategies to help students stay engaged. From building curiosity and creating a reading-friendly classroom...

Think genre review is just for younger grades? Think again. In this episode, I’m breaking down why a simple genre review at the start of the year is one of the best ways to build reading confidence, spark student choice, and set the tone for meaningful reading conversations. You’ll get practical, low-prep ideas—including one of my favorite mystery-based review games—that help students reconnect with what they already know and start the year with a win. Whether you're prepping for back-to-scho...