Episode 364: Make Writing Feel Easy Again: 3 Simple Systems That Actually Work

If your students seem “allergic” to writing — or if teaching writing feels like it’s eating your entire prep time — today's Teaching Middle School ELA episode will completely shift how you see the problem. Caitlin breaks down the simple structure-behind-choice system that skyrockets engagement, eliminates chaos, and actually saves you time. If you’ve ever tried choice boards and felt overwhelmed, this new approach will change everything about the way your students write (and how you teach it). 

If you’ve ever felt the slow creep of burnout — the shrinking energy, the growing to-do list, the joy that quietly slips away — this episode is going to hit home. Caitlin opens up about her own “burnout wake-up call” in the classroom and the simple but powerful non-negotiables that helped her reclaim her time, energy, and purpose.Whether you’re a teacher feeling stretched too thin or a student pushing toward perfection, this episode will help you identify the boundaries you need before you hit the wall.This week’s reflection: What non-negotiables do you need to protect your energy and show up with purpose — instead of exhaustion?

Teaching writing doesn’t have to feel hard — it just takes one mindset shift and a clear framework. In today's Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode, Caitlin shares how to trust yourself, your system, and your students so teaching writing feels calm, confident, and easy. Tune in and discover how to step into your power as a writing teacher! 

You know that uncomfortable middle space — where you can see the vision of who you’re becoming, but you’re not quite there yet? That’s what today’s episode is all about.Caitlin opens up about her own season of “in-between,” where growth felt slow and uncertain — and how she learned to see that space not as wasted time, but as sacred ground for transformation.If you’re in a chapter that feels unfinished — whether it’s in your classroom, your career, or your personal life — this episode is your reminder that the in-between is proof you’re growing. 🌱

In today’s episode, Caitlin dives into why the RACE formula falls short for essay writing—and how the EBW Approach takes students from “answering questions” to thinking like real writers. You’ll learn how to recognize when your students are ready to level up, and what simple steps to take to help them move from summary to true analysis. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------👉YouTube Video on How to Grade an Essay Quickly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOpcjGPIRTw&t=2s👉Past Podcast Episodes: Episode 338: How to Feel More Confident Teaching Writing (Even If You Don’t Love It)https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2071023/episodes/17499844-episode-338-how-to-feel-more-confident-te...Episode 248: Stop Writing Sample Essays with Your Students; Do THIS Insteadhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2071023/episodes/13669702-episode-248-stop-writing-sample-essays-wi...Episode 238: Increase Students' Writing Scores in 30 Minutes or Lesshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2071023/episodes/13132908-episode-238-increase-students-writing-sco...👉Grab your free download for the Case of the Missing Pearls: ebteacher.com/pearls

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!