Middle School Café - A Podcast for Secondary ELA Teachers

One of the most essential aspects of teaching ELA is nurturing a lifelong love of reading in our students. In this episode, we'll explore how to help students discover that elusive "just right" book – the one that not only matches their reading level but also aligns with their interests. Listen in as I uncover the secrets to creating a reading experience that captures your students' imagination, boosts their confidence, and sparks their curiosity. I’ll discuss the power of book talks and how they can build anticipation and excitement before your students even pick up a book. Discover the importance of getting books into your students' hands, whether through your classroom library or your school's resourceful library. It's time to find those "just right" books and cultivate a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Helpful Resources: Finding Just Right BooksBuilding Reading StaminaReading Challenges for Independent Reading Related episodes and blog posts: Choosing the Best Books for Middle School Book ClubsGet Your Class Excited About Reading With First Chapter Fridays7 Ways to Help Middle School Students Who Struggle with Reading Comprehension12 Ways To Encourage a Culture of Reading7 Amazing ELA Strategies to Reach Today’s Student Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

In a world filled with distractions like video games, social media, and viral TikTok videos, inspiring a love for reading in students can feel like an uphill battle. However, in this week's episode, we dive into a powerful tool that can captivate even the most reluctant readers: teacher book talks. Think of teacher book talks as the trailers of the literary world. Much like a movie trailer teases the most exciting parts of a film without revealing the entire plot, a book talk does the same for literature, showing students that reading can be as thrilling as any other form of entertainment. In this episode, I am dedicated to creating podcast content that you are interested in and helps you with in the classroom! That’s why I’ve put together a quick survey to get to know you and your needs a little bit better. It would be a HUGE help if you could head here to fill out the survey. It will only take 1-2 minutes of your time. The chance to fill out the survey will close on September 18,2023. As a thank you, if you complete the survey, I’ll enter your name into a drawing to win an Amazon or Starbucks gift card. Thank you! You can access the survey right here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxMWIh6kG6RBTiqRrbzHzYYQ5vgO9bmHQsZefMtEGeml1zOQ/viewform Related resources and information for this episode Teacher Book Talks: A Great Way to Engage Reluctant Readers12 Ways To Encourage a Culture of ReadingBook Talks – Engaging Students in Reading Through Peer DiscussionsChoosing the Best Books for Middle School Book ClubsBuilding Classroom Community in the ELA Classroom: Strategies for SuccessStudent Led Book TalksBook Clubs Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Today, we are exploring the importance of establishing consistent routines and procedures in the classroom and how they will help us in building a classroom community. While focusing on middle school students, the ideas provided are relevant to all grade levels. Discover how well-defined routines and procedures create a thriving learning environment. We explore the impact these practices have on student comfort, engagement, and community building. By intentionally teaching procedures, we ensure a focused and efficient classroom, promoting active participation. From managing materials to handling emergencies, we emphasize the essential routines that lay the foundation for an academic year filled with success and a harmonious community of learners. I am dedicated to creating podcast content that you are interested in and helps you with in the classroom! That’s why I’ve put together a quick survey to get to know you and your needs a little bit better. It would be a HUGE help if you could head here to fill out the survey. It will only take 1-2 minutes of your time. The chance to fill out the survey will close on September 18,2023. As a thank you, if you complete the survey, I’ll enter your name into a drawing to win an Amazon or Starbucks gift card. Thank you! You can access the survey right here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxMWIh6kG6RBTiqRrbzHzYYQ5vgO9bmHQsZefMtEGeml1zOQ/viewform Related episodes and blog posts: How to Get Started with Routines and Procedures in Your Middle School Classroom Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

This episode explores the importance of building strong teacher-student relationships that extend beyond getting to know you activities. I discuss the misconception that teachers need to be friends with their students, emphasizing instead the value of creating a professional and caring connection. These relationships foster a sense of belonging, individualized learning, trust, and motivation. I also provide practical strategies for maintaining these connections throughout the school year, from sharing interests to involving students in the learning process. Discover how cultivating relationships contributes to a positive classroom atmosphere and sets the foundation for academic success and personal growth. Resources mentioned in the episode: Back to School Activity Pack for ELA Related episodes and blog posts: 12 Activities to Build Community During Back to School Season12 ELA Back To School Activities12 Engaging First Day Activities In Secondary ELA Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Imagine turning your classroom into a hip coffee shop or observing your students actively browsing through your classroom bookshelves to create poetry. This is exactly what we are talking about in this episode! Katie Saj from Mochas and Markbooks stops by for a fun interview about creative ideas she uses to engage her students in reading! Katie shared her amazing classroom transformation inspired by the cozy vibes of Tim Horton's, the beloved Canadian coffee shop. She creatively turned her classroom into a unique coffee shop experience that entices students to immerse themselves in the world of books. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a coffee shop, students feel comfortable exploring new genres, selecting books for their personal reading pleasure, and above all, experiencing the sheer joy of reading without any pressure or judgment. Additionally, Katie introduced an engaging activity called Book Spine Poetry, where students arrange book spines to create poems. This activity not only allows students to connect with the class library but also encourages their creativity to soar and ignites their imaginations. Episode Highlights Connect with Katie Mochas and Markbooks on InstagramTim Bookends Book Tasting KitVirtual Record Shop Slides Don’t forget to play along in the Summer Series Challenge. You can find all the details on Instagram @middleschoolcafe -look for the highlight! Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation about fun, engaging activities to entice teens to read! Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Escape rooms are inclusive and engaging activities that consist of games and puzzles aimed at fostering critical thinking and creativity. In this week’s episode, Lyndsey from Lit with Lyns shares her experience in both creating and presenting digital escape rooms in her secondary ELA classroom. Escape rooms can be tailored to introduce or review various topics, making them the perfect activity any time of year. Regardless of students' skill levels, escape rooms are highly motivating for students. A success story shared by Lyndsey highlights the positive impact of escape rooms on student performance, as her first test prep escape room led to noticeable growth in students' state testing outcomes. In this episode on Digital Escape Rooms: Interested in learning how to make your own escape room? Lyndsey has provided a “how to” presentation just for listeners of the podcast! Get to Know Lyndsey from Lit with Lyns Hi everyone! I'm Lyndsey Gresehover, and I have been teaching middle school ELA for going on 20 years! I love all resources that are tech-infused, and one of my favorite things is creating digital escape rooms. I have a TpT store called Lit with Lyns and a blog by the same name. Check my blog out for tips, FREE resources, and ideas on middle school ELA & Reading Comprehension. Connect with Lyndsey Lit with Lyns' BlogLit with Lyns' InstagramLit with Lyns' Pinterest Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation on incorporating digital escape rooms and other ways to gamify learning. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

In this episode, we explore the benefits of book talks and their impact on students' motivation as students promote books they loved to their peers. Join me as I interview Mary Pat from Just Add Students, who shares her firsthand experience with implementing book talks in the classroom. Unveiling the secrets of effective book talks, Mary Pat unravels the art of captivating hooks, genre introductions, concise summaries, insightful analysis, and compelling selling points. Through these persuasive presentations, students become advocates for their favorite books, creating a reading buzz that fosters curiosity and a genuine interest in reading. Book talks can be a powerful tool for getting students excited about reading and inspiring them to develop an appreciation for literature. Discover how book talks can foster a culture of reading in your classroom. In this episode on book talks: Connect with Mary Pat Just Add Students Blog.Ready-to-use book talk templatesGrab a free reading teacher toolbox here. Don’t forget to play along in the Summer Series Challenge. You can find all the details on Instagram @middleschoolcafe -look for the highlight! Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation about the power of book talks! Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

The pandemic has left many middle school students with learning gaps in their writing abilities. Join me this week as I interview Lisa from Mrs. Spangler in the Middle, who has developed a writing program created specifically for middle school students that focuses on addressing those gaps. Discover the transformative power of Leveled Writing Labs, an innovative writing intervention program created by Lisa and tested by teachers. Tailored specifically for middle school students, this program addresses the common struggle of translating essay concepts into practical applications. With nine skill-based levels and seven comprehensive lessons in each level, Leveled Writing Labs ensures that students of varying abilities can improve their writing skills. By emphasizing accurate self-assessment through a user-friendly Google Form platform, students take ownership of their progress while teachers monitor their development and provide guidance as needed In this episode Lisa shares with us: Connect with Lisa Free Sample of The Leveled Writing LabShop Middle School ELA Solutions To Reach Every LearnerJoin the Journey on Instagram Don’t forget to play along in the Summer Series Challenge. You can find all the details on Instagram @middleschoolcafe -look for the highlight! Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will continue the conversation on how to fill in the writing gaps created by the pandemic. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Reading is a fundamental skill that forms the foundation for all other academic subjects and is an important life skill! In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer from Books, Babbles & Bows. We explore several strategies to promote reading and discuss practical methods for holding students accountable. Strategies such as assigning regular reading time, using book trailers and first-chapter Fridays to generate interest, allowing students to have choice in reading material when possible, and using accountability measures like tracking student progress using a quick Status of the Class activity. We also address challenges such as balancing different book genres and formats and finding ways to engage reluctant readers. Join us as we explore practical tips and techniques for creating a reading-friendly environment in middle school classrooms. A few of the ways Jennifer shares to hold students accountable for reading: Get to Know Jennifer from Books, Babbles & Bows Hey there! My name is Jen Marchione and I am a 5th grade ELA and History Teacher. This will be my 11th year in the classroom. You might also know me as Books Babbles and Bows. I am extremely passionate about finding ways to engage and excite my students. I have always loved reading and writing. One of my big goals is to instill that same passion with my students. Connect with Jen! Books Babbles & Bows WebsiteLiteracy Magic Mazes First Chapter Friday Book Suggestions & Graphic Organizers Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation on holding students countable for reading!. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

When students are given choices, their engagement and output increase, leading to a sense of ownership in their learning. Join me this week as I interview Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog about the importance and benefits of student choice. In this episode, Kristy and I discuss the power of student choice in the classroom and its impact on engagement and learning. We explore how offering choices, such as choice reading or topic selection for essays, leads to increased student motivation and higher completion rates. Kristy highlights the idea of scaffolding assignments by difficulty level on choice boards, allowing all students to participate and succeed at their level and in their style of learning. Kristy provides practical tips for incorporating choice, including starting small & offering alternative formats for assignments such as how to include choice without needing to create multiple different assignments for every task. In this episode Kristy shares with us: Get to Know Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog: Kristy is a middle school teacher in Canada. When she is not teaching, you can find her reading a good book, thrift store shopping or blogging at www.2peasandadog.com. Connect with Kristy 2 Peas and a Dog Rubik's Cube Lesson Independent Reading Journal Don’t forget to play along in the Summer Series Challenge. You can find all the details on Instagram @middleschoolcafe -look for the highlight! Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be brainstorming more ideas on how you can add student choices to your class! Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Centers, also known as learning stations, offer a structured approach to self-directed learning activities in the classroom. In today’s episode, Rachel from Uniquely Upper highlights several benefits of incorporating centers, with one key advantage being the ability to provide differentiated instruction for all students. In a classroom with diverse learning styles, abilities, and interests, centers allow teachers to accommodate these differences effectively. Centers promote active engagement, independence, and social interaction, which fosters confidence, cooperation, and collaboration among students. While traditionally seen as an elementary strategy, Rachel and I discuss how using centers in secondary ELA has the potential to individualize learning to meet the unique needs of today’s students. By providing practice for specific skills through centers, teachers can better address student needs and fill in their learning gaps. In this episode on incorporating centers in secondary ELA, Rachel highlights: Get to Know Rachel from Uniquely Upper Rachel is a busy mom of four who works full-time on creating grammar resources and providing teaching tips to help busy teachers. She taught for over 10 years before stepping out of the classroom full-time. She spent 2 of those years as an ELA interventionist for upper elementary, where she worked with students and teachers to bridge learning gaps. Rachel's passion for teaching grammar began when she recognized her students' struggles with skill mastery early on in her teaching career. Year after year, students seem to struggle with grasping the many skills within the grammar realm. This passion was amped up when her daughter (10th grade at the time) expressed concern about not knowing how to identify the various parts of speech. She recognizes the importance of bringing change that helps teachers and students. Through her resources and tips, Rachel hopes to bridge the gap between learning and time. Connect with Rachel Uniquely UpperConnect with RachelMonthly Grammar Centers Don’t forget to play along in the Summer Series Challenge. You can find all the details on Instagram @middleschoolcafe -look for the highlight! Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation on incorporating centers in the secondary ELA classroom. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Today is launch day for the book, Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post-Pandemic Era! In today’s episode, I share why I wrote the book and what I hope you will gain by reading the book. Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post Pandemic Era, is written for secondary ELA teachers. It acknowledges the challenges faced during the pandemic and emphasizes the need to address the learning gaps in student knowledge and adjust teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of today’s students. The book offers practical strategies, personal stories, and insights to engage students and bridge learning gaps. It advocates for a shift away from one-size-fits-all approaches, focusing on individualized education and student-centered learning. By leveraging existing knowledge and teaching methods, the book empowers teachers to make a positive impact for their students in the current educational landscape. The book aims to support secondary ELA teachers in adapting to the post-pandemic needs of students. It provides actionable steps, real-world examples, and proven strategies to address learning gaps and motivate students. By emphasizing individualized education, student-centered learning, and the power of teachers to make a difference, the book empowers educators to navigate the challenges of today's educational landscape and continue positively impacting their students. Where to find the book AmazonBarnes and NobleRelated episode: Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post Pandemic Era Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

In today’s episode, I’m sharing with you my reflections on this past school year. I share both the positive things I implemented that I’ll be keeping and a few areas where I want to make some changes. It is important to take some time at the end of the school year to reflect on the past year as it allows me to ponder the ideas over the summer and be ready to make adjustments in the fall. In this episode, I share my reflection from this past school year: Resources mentioned in the episode: Book Clubshttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Clubs-for-Secondary-ELA-4493910?utm_source=MSCPodcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2032Weekly Warm Ups https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ELA-Daily-Warm-Ups-or-Bell-Ringers-6231423?utm_source=MSCPodcast&utm_campaign=Episode%2032 Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

In this week's episode, I'm discussing independent reading in your secondary ELA classroom by answering five thought-provoking questions submitted by listeners. Join me as I share practical strategies and insights to make independent reading a more positive experience for both you and your students. In this Q&A episode on Independent Reading, I share: Resources mentioned in the episode: Reading ChallengesBuilding Reading StaminaReading Zone poster Related episodes and blog posts: Tips for Making Silent Reading More Productive12 Ways to Encourage a Culture of ReadingTeacher Book Talks: A Great Way to Engage Reluctant ReadersGetting Started with Reading ConferenceHow to Create a Culture of Reading in Your Class Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Summer break is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to rest, recharge, reflect, and invest in some relevant professional development. In today’s episode, I’m sharing books that have changed and inspired my own professional practices. If you're looking for ways to enhance your teaching skills and inspire best practices in reading instruction, I've got you covered. In this blog post, I've curated a list of professional development books that will re-energize your passion for teaching reading and equip you with practical strategies you’ll want to try when you return to the classroom this fall. 4 Professional Book Recommendations Book LoveIn the Best Interest of StudentsThe Joy of ReadingMotivating Readers Samantha in Secondary’s Tic Tac Toe Summer Reading Challenge (Details are shared in her highlights!) Related Episodes: 3 Steps to Incorporate Reader’s Workshop into Your ClassroomHow to Get Students to Connect with Books Through Choice Reading Units with Samantha HeilMotivating Readers: Teaching in the Post-Pandemic Era Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group and share your top professional development recommendations! Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

In this episode, I share the idea of productive struggle and its significance in education. Productive struggle is all about allowing students to tackle challenging tasks with limited adult intervention, enabling them to develop problem-solving skills, build confidence, and cultivate critical thinking abilities. Throughout the episode, I highlight the common tendency for both new and veteran teachers to provide answers too quickly, teaching them that if they wait long enough they don’t have to do the work. I discuss the importance of embracing productive struggle to improve student outcomes. As educators, it is crucial to reflect on our teaching practices and resist the urge to rescue students too quickly. Instead, we must cultivate an environment that values effort, provides specific feedback, and encourages a growth mindset. Through productive struggle, we empower students to overcome challenges, become active participants in their learning journey, and develop a lifelong love for learning. In this episode about productive struggle, I share: Get on the waitlist for Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post Pandemic Era to be the first to know when it goes live - I'll even send you a free gift! https://motivatingreaders.my.canva.site/ Resources mentioned in the episode: Growth Mindset lesson - Famous Failures - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Lesson-Famous-Failures-2604022 Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation around the idea of productive struggle. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

In this episode, I explore the importance of teaching students how to reflect on their learning and the impact it can have on their educational journey. By encouraging students to reflect, we shift their mindset from viewing education as something that happens to them to realizing that they have control over their learning. Reflection helps students understand how they learn, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set more specific goals. It fosters a growth mindset and improves the retention of information. In this episode about student reflections, I share: I also share how I introduce the concept of student reflection by modeling reflection questions and gradually integrating them into daily activities and until they become a natural part of our everyday conversations. By making reflection a regular part of the learning process, students become active participants in their education. Get on the waitlist for Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post Pandemic Era to be the first to know when it goes live - I'll even send you a free gift! Resources mentioned in the episode: Student Reflection Sheets (includes posters) Visual Student Reflections Weekly Reading Reflections ELA Daily Warm Ups (includes weekly reflection) Related posts: Empower Students with Reflection Opportunities Accountability Beyond Recording Pages With Reading Reflections - episode 10 Reading Reflection VS Reading Logs – What’s the Better Choice? Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation about student reflections. Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

A classroom library is important for improving literacy as it provides access to books and reading materials that are essential for developing reading skills. In this week’s episode, I discuss the value of having a classroom library and tips for keeping it updated by spending time reviewing it each year. Having a well-stocked classroom library is critical for student literacy development. Additionally, I will provide you with tips on how to maintain your classroom library and ensure that it is up-to-date, diverse, and engaging for your students. Regularly review and remove books that are no longer relevant or interesting to your students or are falling apart. I encourage you to involve students in the process by asking for their input. Keeping a classroom library up to date can be a challenge, I share several ideas for acquiring books both free and paid options. Get on the waitlist for Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post Pandemic Era to be the first to know when it goes live - I'll even send you a free gift! Related blog posts: The Importance of School Libraries for Middle and High School Students Why Classroom Libraries are Important in the Secondary Classroom: Improved Academic Success Ways to Restock Your Classroom Library Helping Students Find Just Right Books: How to Stretch Them Without Frustration Resources for classroom library books: Donor’s choose Looks for Books Book Love Foundation Goodwill Industries Books Check your local library for book sales Check your local Chamber of Commerce for education grants Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation on how to keep classroom libraries current and fresh! Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

In this episode, I share some end of the year tasks for teachers that will set you up for a smoother back to school in the fall. Teaching is stressful and there are many things to manage before you leave for summer break. I talk about how to close out the year, review your library, make copies of activities you'll use in the first few weeks, and remind you to take a moment to reflect on the successes from the year! It's important to be intentional about recognizing the positive things that happened and not let the negative overshadow the positive. The end of the year is also a good time to think about ways we can improve for next year. A few moments now will save us time and energy later on! In this episode about ending the school year, I share: Get on the waitlist for Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post Pandemic Era to be the first to know when it goes live - I'll even send you a free gift! Additional Information: 12 ELA Back to School Activities - https://thehumblebirdteacher.com/2022/08/06/12-ela-back-to-school-activities/ 6 ELA Activities to End the Year Strong Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be sharing ideas on how to close out your classroom for the year! Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

Teaching has significantly changed in the past few years! Students returned to the classroom with large learning gaps and teachers are left to pick up the pieces. The traditional methods of teaching are no longer as effective as they once were, and teachers are struggling to find ways to motivate students to engage. To help address these issues, I’ve written a book titled Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post Pandemic Era. In this episode, I share insights into the origin of the book and what teachers will find inside. The book offers practical strategies and techniques for creating a culture of reading and motivating students to re-engage in the learning process. I share in this episode how I needed to change my mindset and realize that some students really couldn’t do what I was asking them to do. The book is divided into 6 Chapters: Chapter 1 - A Shift in Education Chapter 2 - Creating a Culture of Reading Chapter 3 - Reigniting the Spark Chapter 4 - Motivation through Goal Setting Chapter 5 - Using Technology to Enhance Learning Chapter 6 - A Look to the Future Want to be notified when the book goes live? Join the waitlist! I’ll even send you a free gift you can use with your students this fall! https://motivatingreaders.my.canva.site/ Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe