Episode 386: Forget Spiraling Everything: The One Skill Your Students Actually Need Before Testing

We trade cram-heavy test prep for a focused plan that teaches test literacy so students think clearly under pressure. You’ll learn how to coach two-part multiple choice, structure short answers with EBW, decode vocabulary in context, and spot direction and critical words that change meaning.• why spiraling everything can backfire• what test literacy is and why it matters• two-part multiple choice feedback loop• short answer structure using EBW• vocabulary from context using cues• direction words that define the task• critical words that flip the question• simple routines that lower stress• resources to implement strategies fastTest Prep Sweets Stations Activity: https://www.ebteacher.com/test-prep

We share a station-based routine that keeps rigor high, lowers stress, and makes ELA test prep engaging with short passages about sweets from around the world. Students rotate, gather evidence, and solve an acrostic puzzle using a traveling candy journal while we model test-aligned questions.• why drill-and-kill test prep hurts engagement• what students actually need for test readiness• how Sweet Stations are set up and rotated• using short informational texts with test-style stems• building a candy journal for answers and keywords• solving an acrostic puzzle to drive accuracy• leveraging ChatGPT to draft passages and questions• keeping pressure low while preserving rigor• options to recreate or grab the done-for-you pack• preview of next week’s skill-focused episodeGrab Sweet Stations at 40% off during testing season via this link: https://www.ebteacher.com/test-prepIf you try this with your students, tell us inside the EB Teacher community or message us on Instagram @EBAcademics

The belief that “more equals better” can quietly run your classroom and your life. We challenge that script with a fresh, practical look at simplicity—how lean lesson plans, streamlined grading, and tight routines can boost learning while giving you back time and calm. If January feels heavy, this is your nudge to stop feeding the plan book and start focusing on what truly moves the needle.Ready to try it? Pick one simplification and commit to it this week. Then tell us how it goes—we’re cheering you on. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a colleague who needs the reminder, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find the show.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re being told to “do more writing” without anyone actually showing you where it fits, this episode is for you. Today, Caitlin is joined by a familiar voice—our membership manager, Genevieve and a real classroom teacher using a district-mandated curriculum and EB Academics side by side. We share a simple, three-layer framework for using EB resources with district-mandated ELA curricula without losing alignment, pacing, or sanity. • Keeping district texts while upgrading activities• Replacing weak writing lessons with the EB writing approach• Using writing as a thinking framework for discussion• Adding grammar games, vocabulary, and quick routines• Mapping the year around assessments and standards• Leveraging graphic organizers, sentence stems, and checks• Aligning with admin priorities and showing results• Low-risk pilot option for campus or team trialsGet all the details on our pilot program:  https://www.ebteacher.com/pilot-program  Join us now! 

Today’s Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode is all about turning chaos into calm. If transitions in your middle school classroom feel loud, rushed, or all over the place, this episode is for you. We’re breaking down one simple, repeatable procedure you can put in place to bring clarity, consistency, and calm to your transitions—without adding more to your plate. Small shift, big impact. Let’s get into it. 

Coming back from break can feel overwhelming—for you and your students. In today’s Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode, we’re sharing the very first writing routine you should teach when you return, and why this one simple shift makes everything feel easier. If you’re looking for a calm, confidence-building way to reset your writing block and set the tone for the weeks ahead, this episode is for you. 🎧✨ 

It’s our first podcast episode of the year, and we’re starting with a message so many of us need right now. If you’ve been stepping into the new year feeling behind, this Monday Mindset is for you. We’re talking about why that feeling shows up, what it really means, and how you might actually be far more ahead than you think. A grounding, encouraging reset to kick off the year. 🎧✨ 

Today’s episode is a special one because we’re welcoming back a familiar face—our very own Pat from the EB Team 🎉You’ve heard Pat before, and since then, we’ve gotten so many questions about how EB resources actually come to life. So today, we’re pulling back the curtain. From the first spark of an idea, to collaboration, revisions, teacher feedback… and yes—the step at the very end that almost no one guesses 👀If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at EB (or why our resources feel so thoughtfully built), this episode is for you. Let’s dive in! 🎧USC Program mentioned: https://rossier.usc.edu/programs/find-compare-programs/equity-educators-certificateFor any comments or suggestions, please message us on Instagram @ebacademics

Today’s Monday Mindset episode is your gentle permission slip to skip the pressure of traditional New Year’s resolutions and try something that actually works. We’re sharing a simple, joyful shift that helps you create a year that feels better, flows easier, and supports the version of you you’re becoming.If you’re ready for a fresh start without the overwhelm, this episode is your cozy little boost of clarity and encouragement. Tune in and step into the new year with intention — not stress. 💛✨

Looking for simple, high-impact routines that make teaching feel lighter and your classroom run smoother? In today’s episode, Caitlin shares five of her favorite practical routines that help create calm beginnings, peaceful endings, predictable pacing, better student behavior, and effortless paper management.These are routines you can implement tomorrow and use for the rest of the semester to save time, reduce stress, and help your students thrive.In this episode, you’ll learn:How a “Silent Start” routine sets the tone for the entire classA simple end-of-class reading ritual that makes transitions peacefulThe 15-Minute Classroom Management system that students can run for youA paper turn-in routine that eliminates missing work and confusionHow to use a daily timed agenda to improve pacing and structurePerfect for teachers heading into a new semester or looking to reset their classroom routines with confidence and clarity.✨ LINKS MENTIONED:Hanging Pocket Folders → https://www.amazon.com/Godery-Signatory-Cascading-Organizer-Classroom/dp/B075DCTJVR/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?...YouTube Video 15-Minute Classroom Management Strategy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZkdeEZL8rw