Episode 364: The Real Reason Writing Feels So Hard (and 3 Simple Systems to Make It Fun Again)

Today, on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin breaks down exactly why writing feels overwhelming — and how the problem isn’t you, it’s the system. You’ll discover three simple, teacher-tested frameworks that will help you: ✅ Simplify writing instruction without reinventing the wheel ✅ Give faster, more meaningful feedback ✅ Bring fun (and confidence!) back into your students’ writingIf you’re ready to feel calm, confident, and joyful teaching writing again — this episode is your roadmap.

When we think of courage, we often picture grand, dramatic moments — standing up to someone, taking a huge leap, or making a bold change. But in today’s Monday Mindset episode, we’re exploring a different kind of courage — the quiet, everyday kind that often goes unseen.Caitlin shares her own story of rebuilding confidence and identity after a long recovery, and how real courage sometimes looks like simply showing up — doing the small, hard things no one else notices.This episode is a powerful reminder that courage isn’t always loud… sometimes, it’s just choosing to keep going.

Ready to turn ordinary review time into pure excitement? In today’s episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, we’re bringing you another hit from our Classroom Games Series: Mystery Baskets 🧺✨This activity works with any ELA concept—grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, root words, you name it—and adds just the right amount of suspense and competition to get your students hooked. They’ll be answering questions, placing their “bets,” and holding their breath to see which basket holds the big points!Tune in to learn how to set it up, how to keep it fast-paced and fair, and why this game is always a classroom favorite.

Your classroom culture starts with you. 💛 In this week’s episode, Caitlin shares three powerful mindset shifts that can completely transform how you show up—for yourself and your students. Tune in to discover how small inner changes can create big outer results. From Mark Traver's article:A Psychologist Shares The ‘90-Second Rule’ To Survive Emotional Waveshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2025/03/10/a-psychologist-shares-the-90-second-rule-to-surv...

Welcome back to our Games Series! Today, we’re bringing the energy with one of the most exciting review games you’ll ever play in your ELA classroom—Knockout.This game transforms any concept—whether it’s text structures, grammar, or figurative language—into a high-stakes, fast-paced classroom battle. Students aren’t just answering questions; they’re defending their spaces, protecting their wins, and trying to knock each other out as they review key skills.In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to set it up, play it, and customize it for any ELA topic. Get ready to turn quiet review time into pure, focused fun—and watch your students beg to play again!

Halloween week in middle school can feel like complete chaos—costumes, candy, and zero focus. But what if you could channel that energy into something productive and fun?In this special bonus episode, Caitlin shares a free, done-for-you Haunted Forest Escape Room that keeps your students engaged, practicing key ELA skills, and (miraculously!) on task during one of the wildest weeks of the year.You’ll learn how this activity follows our signature Into–Through–Beyond framework—starting with a high-energy Plot Structure Showdown, moving into an interactive escape room challenge, and ending with a rigorous Response to Literature.Forget the stress of planning for Halloween week. Grab your free Haunted Forest Escape Room, https://www.ebteacher.com/haunted-forest press play, and discover how to make this spooky season both fun and academically meaningful!

Welcome back to our Games Series! Today’s episode is all about Digging for Treasure — a review game that brings all the excitement of Battleship straight into your ELA classroom. With every correct answer, students get to “dig” for hidden treasures on their grids, turning grammar, vocabulary, and figurative language practice into a fast-paced, strategy-packed adventure.This game is fun, competitive in the best way, and completely customizable to any ELA topic. Plus, if you’re an EB Teacher, you can find a ready-to-use version of Digging for Treasure in our Grammar Program under Low-Prep Games!If your students usually dread review days, this game will change that forever — guaranteed. ⚓💎

In this episode, we’re tackling something every teacher faces — comparison. Whether it’s classroom decor, lesson ideas, or student success stories, it’s so easy to look at others and feel like we’re falling short.But here’s the truth: your classroom doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Your journey doesn’t have to match another teacher’s path.Join me as we unpack how comparison quietly steals our joy, how to shift from comparison to celebration, and how embracing your own teaching style can empower both you and your students.If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and felt that “not enough” feeling — this one’s for you. 💛

In this episode, Caitlin breaks down exactly how to bring this hilarious, energy-packed game into your ELA classroom — from simple icebreakers and vocabulary swaps to full-on academic reviews. You’ll learn creative ways to adapt the rules, sneak in rigorous practice, and keep your students begging for “just one more round.”So if you’re looking for a way to make learning stick — and have your students obsessed with vocabulary and grammar — grab your cards (or just your imagination) and tune in. This is hands-down one of the most fun ways to mix engagement with real academic impact!

Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate—lesson planning, grading, or just making it through the week? You’re not alone. In this Tuesday episode, Caitlin shares a powerful mindset shift that can completely change how you approach both teaching and life: the power of micro-wins.Instead of staring at the mountain in front of you and feeling stuck, learn how to take small, meaningful steps that build momentum, confidence, and joy in your work. You’ll discover how tiny victories—whether it’s finishing one lesson plan or simply drinking your coffee while it’s still hot—can transform your mindset and your classroom.Tune in and get inspired to stop chasing perfection and start celebrating progress—one micro-win at a time.