Episode 329: How to Create Engaging Lessons That Don’t Take Hours to Plan

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Welcome back to Teaching Middle School ELA! In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes reflection on what I’d keep—and what I’d change—with writing instruction if I were still in the classroom next year. I dive into our Evidence-Based Writing (EBW) Approach, showing you how a clear, repeatable framework can simplify instruction and build confident writers without the overwhelm. Plus, I offer actionable strategies for integrating writing into every lesson, and invite you to join my free 3-day writing workshop in July for even more hands-on tips. Join me: https://ebteacher.com/writing-workshop

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Think you need to teach grammar daily to see results? Think again. In this episode, I share why less is more when it comes to grammar instruction—and how focusing on just two skills per month (using our 8-step EB Grammar Framework) leads to deeper understanding and stronger student writing. Tune in to learn how to make grammar meaningful, manageable, and impactful.🎧 Listen now + grab your seat for the free writing workshop at ebteacher.com/writing-workshop!

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Welcome back to Teaching Middle School ELA! Today we’re diving into the #1 writing skill to focus on during the first month of school — and it’s probably not what you think. If you want your students to grow as confident, capable writers this year, this is where it all starts. Let’s simplify your writing instruction and set the foundation for success, without the overwhelm. Save your spot at ebteacher.com/writing-workshop

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Planning engaging lessons shouldn’t take over your weekends. In today’s episode, I’m sharing our simple EB lesson planning framework—Into, Through, and Beyond—along with plug-and-play activities that save you time and help students master the standards. If you’re tired of starting from scratch each week, this one’s for you. Let’s dive in Sign up for the free workshop here: ebteacher.com/workshop🎯 Get on my newsletter, so you don't miss the info for my 3-Day Writing Workshop in July. You can do so by grabbing my free Mock Trial Murder Mystery at ebteacher.com/mysterytrial

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Getting students excited about writing doesn’t start with the “perfect” prompt — it starts with purpose. In this episode, Caitlin dives into how to create real buy-in by helping students understand why writing matters, how to take ownership of their work, and what it means to see themselves as writers. You’ll walk away with tangible strategies to make writing more engaging, effective, and empowering — for both you and your students.🎯 Get on my newsletter, so you don't miss the info for my 3-Day Writing Workshop in July. You can do so by grabbing my free Mock Trial Murder Mystery at ebteacher.com/mysterytrial

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Feeling overwhelmed by everything you’re expected to plan, prep, and grade as a middle school ELA teacher? You’re not alone — but there is a better way.In this episode, Caitlin breaks down the 80/20 Rule (aka the Pareto Principle) and how applying it to your classroom can help you work smarter, not harder. You’ll learn how to identify the 20% of strategies and routines that create 80% of your impact — and how to let go of the rest without guilt.Plus, she’ll show you how batch planning fits perfectly into this mindset and invite you to a free 3-day workshop that will help you simplify your planning, boost engagement, and walk into next year with confidence.Sign up for the free workshop here: ebteacher.com/workshopCheck out the YouTube video on grading an essay: https:/

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin flips the script on traditional first-day activities by making the case for launching your writing unit on day one — yes, really! While students may still be groggy and navigating the chaos of a new school year, Caitlin shares how to spark curiosity and get them excited about writing right from the start. You’ll learn a simple yet powerful strategy to build engagement and confidence before diving into structure and essays, setting the tone for meaningful writing all year long. To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin tackles a topic many teachers may feel tempted to brush off—planning ahead. With the end-of-year chaos in full swing, thinking about next school year might seem impossible. But Caitlin shares why carving out just a bit of time now to plan can make a huge difference come August. Drawing on her own classroom experience and insights from thousands of ELA teachers, she walks you through simple, manageable strategies to ease your future workload, reduce stress, and set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable start to the new school year. To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In this upbeat episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin shares how short and sweet can still be powerful! Discover how mini lessons can make a big impact—especially during the busy end-of-year days—while giving you more breathing room and keeping students engaged. Make sure you're on our email list, so you know when/if I host a Writing Workshop in July! You can grab our free Batch Planning Guide at the link below, and you'll automatically be added to our list! https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-PlanningTo stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin shares how you can make the most of your summer without letting school take over. Learn which planning tasks are truly worth your time, what you can skip, and how batch planning can set you up for a smooth fall—while still enjoying your well-deserved break! Join me for my June workshop focused on the EB Batch Planning Approach! This is a workshop you do NOT want to miss. Reserve your free spot here: ebteacher.com/workshopYouTube Links Mentioned: The Perfect Classroom Management Strategy for Middle School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZkdeEZL8rw&t=13sHow to Improve Student Behaviors in Middle School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBzAqEiOsgk&t=53sTo stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal