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In this episode, we tackle one of the most common challenges for ELA teachers: holding students accountable for their reading without turning it into a chore. How do we inspire students to read for the sheer joy of it while also meeting our responsibility to track their progress? It’s all about creating meaningful, low-pressure strategies that celebrate reading and help students connect with books on a deeper level.
Join me as I share creative, practical ideas to encourage reading engagement and accountability, from peer-to-peer book recommendations to fun, interactive activities that even reluctant readers will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for quick strategies or tools to gamify your classroom, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for additional resources to bring these ideas to life!
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Welcome to the first full episode of our relaunched podcast! In this episode, we’re exploring the importance of independent reading and its place in the classroom, even when a canned curriculum is in play. With a focus on flexibility and consistency, we’ll discuss how to create space for student choice and foster a love of reading in a structured environment.
If you’ve ever wondered whether independent reading can coexist with curriculum demands, this episode offers inspiration and actionable ideas to help you balance both. Tune in to discover how even small changes can make a big difference in building lifelong readers.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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After an extended hiatus, the Middle School Café Podcast is back! In this special relaunch episode, I’m sharing why I took a step away, the lessons learned during this time, and what’s ahead for the podcast in 2025. Tune in to hear about the new format, a renewed focus on actionable strategies for middle and high school ELA teachers, and my mission to help all students grow as readers. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to the classroom, this episode will set the stage for an exciting new chapter. Subscribe now and join me on this journey of transforming our students' reading experiences!
First relaunch episode airs February 4th—mark your calendar!
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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 ReadingRelated 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!
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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,
We explore the essential steps of a successful teacher book talkWe discuss the importance of choosing the right book, starting with one you genuinely love and understand wellHow book talks provide that sense of anticipation by giving students a sneak peek into the captivating worlds of literatureI 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 ClubsBe sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues.
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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 ClassroomBe 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!
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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 ELARelated 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 ELABe 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!
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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
A book tasting is a room transformation activity where students sample books from different genres in a themed environment.Book spine poetry involves arranging books' spines to create a poem. First Chapter Friday is an activity where teachers read or play the first chapter of a book to engage students.Connect with Katie
Mochas and Markbooks on InstagramTim Bookends Book Tasting KitVirtual Record Shop SlidesDon’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!
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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:
Escape rooms are a series of games and puzzles that promote critical thinking and creativity.Escape rooms can be designed to introduce topics or review topics. Escape rooms are highly motivating for all levels of learning. Strategically grouping students will encourage collaboration and prevent students from skipping to the end.Lyndsey shares that the first escape room she created for test prep resulted in students showing growth on state testing.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' PinterestBe 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!
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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:
Book talks were implemented as a monthly activity to promote reading and generate excitement among students.Students were given the opportunity to give book talks multiple times per year.Audience surveys focused on their individual interest (or not) in the book and provide the teacher with valuable information about they type of books students are interested in. A rubric was used to assess and guide students' book talks, focusing on elements like a hook, book information, analysis, and selling points.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!
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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:
The Leveled Writing Lab aims to provide differentiated instruction and track students' progress, focusing on individual skill levels and growth.Through diagnostic assessments, students are placed at their appropriate level and progress at their own pace.Labs focus on teaching students the fundamentals of writing, including thesis statements, topic sentences, and supporting evidence.Lisa emphasizes the importance of progress over perfection.Connect with Lisa
Free Sample of The Leveled Writing LabShop Middle School ELA Solutions To Reach Every LearnerJoin the Journey on InstagramDon’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!
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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:
Book TrailersStatus of the ClassRACES: Use the RACES (Restate, Answer, Cite Evidence, Elaborate, Sum It All Up) strategy Choice BooksGet 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 - freebie!First Chapter Friday Book Suggestions & Graphic OrganizersBe 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!
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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:
Student choice increases engagement & output, leading to a sense of ownership in learning.Giving students choice helps students feel like they have some say in what takes place in the classroomNot every assignment needs to include multiple assignment optionsChoice allows for differentiation by offering tasks of varying difficulty levels to meet students' individual needs.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!
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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:
Centers provide a fun and engaging way for students to learn - getting students out of their seats and learning in a different way. Centers allow teachers to differentiate tasks to meet individual needs. Students can be working on different tasks (or different levels) at the same time making better use of class time and keeping all students engaged. How to get started with centers with your class.
Get to Know Rachel from Uniquely UpperRachel 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 CentersDon’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
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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 NobleThe book is available at most online retailers.Related episode:
Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post Pandemic Era - Ep #25
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!
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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:
Reflecting on the year before summer break is crucial for making necessary changes.The focus for the upcoming year is to tighten expectations and consequences for students.Individualizing instruction through small groups and centers is essential due to varying abilities and learning gaps.Choice boards will be implemented to give students autonomy in their learning and promote ownership.Incorporating spiral review warm-ups and using folders for organization have proven successful strategies.Resources mentioned in the episode:
Book Clubs - https://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%2032Be 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!
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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:
Prioritize reading to help students value it and develop a habit of reading.Set clear expectations for behavior during reading time and create an anchor chart to visually represent these expectations.Assist students who hate reading by helping them discover books they can relate to and enjoy. Offer graphic novels, books in verse, and audiobooks to promote reading. Offer reading challenges to help student self select reading outside of class.Resources mentioned in the episode:
Reading ChallengesBuilding Reading StaminaReading Zone posterRelated 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 Conference - Ep #7How to Create a Culture of Reading in Your Class - Ep 2Be 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!
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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 Love by Penny KittleIn the Best Interest of Students by Kelly GallagherThe Joy of Reading by Donnalynn Miller and Teri LesesneMotivating Readers by Carolyn WahlSamantha 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 Classroom Ep #3How to Get Students to Connect with Books Through Choice Reading Units with Samantha Heil Ep #19Motivating Readers: Teaching in the Post-Pandemic Era Ep #25Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group and share your top professional development recommendations!
Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google,
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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:
Productive struggle allows students to develop problem-solving skills, build confidence, and think deeply about tasks.Teachers should avoid jumping in too quickly to provide answers and instead guide students through questioning and partial support.Students need to understand that failure is part of the learning process and that they need to practice and work through difficulties.Specific feedback, not providing answers, helps students assess and improve their strategies and understanding.Celebrating effort, encouraging a growth mindset, and creating a safe environment for making mistakes are crucial for promoting productive struggle.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.
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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.
Teaching students to reflect helps students see they have control of their educationReflection promotes self-awareness, goal setting, and the ability to ask better questions for targeted support.Incorporating reflection enhances the retention of information and fosters a growth mindset in students.I provide practical strategies for implementing reflection in the classroom.
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
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