45 episodes
Annotated ELA Melissa Burch, Tips for ELA Teachers
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- Education
Annotated ELA is the podcast for ELA teachers. It’s a show that will help you enjoy teaching writing and reading with activities and strategies that will engage and motivate students to be better writers and readers!
Twice a month, Melissa Burch will share tips and actionable strategies you can use in your classroom. You’ll get the inspiration you need to bring writing and reading alive because the magic is in the process.
Melissa Burch is a middle school ELA teacher with 20 years of experience. You can follow her on Instagram @annotatedela. To join her weekly email newsletter and get all the magic, head to annotatedela.com/free.
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43. [Writing Feedback Series] Three Ways to Save Grading Time When You Get Laser Focused
Welcome to the first episode in our summer series on writing feedback! This week, we're diving into three strategies that will change how you approach grading. Join Melissa as she explores how getting laser-focused can save you precious time while providing meaningful feedback to your students. From using single-point rubrics to breaking writing assignments into manageable chunks, these methods will streamline your grading process and enhance student learning.
In this episode, Melissa unpacks the benefits of single-point rubrics, a game-changer for both teachers and students. Learn how focusing on specific skills or standards can reduce overwhelm and provide targeted, actionable feedback. Melissa shares practical examples and tips on how to implement these rubrics effectively, ensuring your students know exactly what they need to work on and why.
The conversation continues with a discussion on chunking writing assignments and the power of writing conferences. Discover how breaking assignments into smaller parts and providing feedback in real-time can significantly improve student outcomes. Melissa also highlights the importance of writing conferences, offering insights on how to make them efficient and impactful. Tune in for a wealth of strategies to transform your feedback process and elevate your students' writing skills.
For additional support and resources, check out
Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela
Mentioned in this episode:
Annotated ELA Book Study 2024
Don’t forget to join us for our book club this summer at annotatedela.com/bookstudy.
I promise, it is not just another thing. This book provides actionable steps to help your students effectively collaborate. And did I mention it touches on helping our students be better LISTENERS?
Who doesn’t want students who listen?
Join us for the summer book study! We are reading Hacking Group Work by Connie Hamilton. Get all the details at annotatedela.com/bookstudy! -
42. How to Grade Writer's Notebooks to Make it Meaningful
In this episode of Annotated ELA, Melissa tackles the often daunting task of how to grade writer's notebooks. For secondary ELA teachers who regularly integrate writing into their classrooms, assessing these notebooks can seem overwhelming. Melissa shares her approach to making this process not only manageable but also rewarding for both teachers and students. She emphasizes the importance of clear criteria and expectations, demonstrating how these can motivate students and improve their writing skills. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to learn how to grade writer’s notebooks effectively.
Melissa begins by discussing the necessity of checking students' writing, while also respecting the confidentiality of their entries, with mandatory reporting as an important consideration. She offers practical suggestions for setting up writer's notebooks, such as keeping them organized and ensuring that students write thoughtfully and engage with various writing strategies. Melissa also highlights the value of using rubrics and checklists to simplify the grading process and to provide meaningful feedback that helps students grow as writers. Understanding how to grade writer’s notebooks with these tools can transform a once daunting task into a streamlined and efficient process.
Throughout the episode, Melissa provides actionable tips for creating a writing community in the classroom. She shares her methods for giving constructive feedback, managing the grading workload, and fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable experimenting with their writing. By the end of the episode, teachers will be equipped with strategies to make grading writer's notebooks a task they can look forward to, ultimately helping their students become more confident and skilled writers. Tune in to discover how to grade writer’s notebooks in a way that benefits both you and your students.
For additional support and resources, check out
Show notes: annotatedela.com/episode42
Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela
Engagement Tracker
Notebook Tabs - coming soon
Notebook Rubric + Checklist - coming soon
Episode 36: Writer's Notebooks: 7 Powerful Decisions for Success
Episode 38: How to Set-Up Writer’s Notebooks for Success
Mentioned in this episode:
Annotated ELA Book Study 2024
Don’t forget to join us for our book club this summer at annotatedela.com/bookstudy.
I promise, it is not just another thing. This book provides actionable steps to help your students effectively collaborate. And did I mention it touches on helping our students be better LISTENERS?
Who doesn’t want students who listen?
Join us for the summer book study! We are reading Hacking Group Work by Connie Hamilton. Get all the details at annotatedela.com/bookstudy! -
41. Literary Analysis: A Writing Process that Works with Becca from The Teacher Rewrite
In this episode, we are discussing teaching literary analysis to middle and high school students with expert educator Becca Rice from The Teacher Rewrite. She shares her tried-and-true strategies for breaking down the complex process of literary analysis, making it accessible and engaging for students. Becca discusses the importance of starting with short stories and constructed paragraphs, scaffolding the writing process, and using collaborative tools to enhance learning.
Listeners will gain insights into effective techniques such as creating discussion boards for theme-based evidence collection, implementing timed in-class writing exercises, and utilizing self-editing checklists. Becca shares her innovative approach to teaching thesis statements, body paragraphs, and the often dreaded introductions and conclusions.
Tune in to discover how to make literary analysis fun and engaging, from theme-based competitions to selecting novels that resonate with students' interests. Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching methods or seeking fresh ideas to inspire your students, this episode is packed with practical advice and creative solutions for ELA teachers.
For additional support and resources, check out
Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela
Find Becca from The Teacher Rewrite:
Grab the FREE Essay Toolkit
Visit The Teacher Rewrite TPT Store
Mentioned in this episode:
Annotated ELA Book Study 2024
Don’t forget to join us for our book club this summer at annotatedela.com/bookstudy.
I promise, it is not just another thing. This book provides actionable steps to help your students effectively collaborate. And did I mention it touches on helping our students be better LISTENERS?
Who doesn’t want students who listen?
Join us for the summer book study! We are reading Hacking Group Work by Connie Hamilton. Get all the details at annotatedela.com/bookstudy! -
40. Four Reasons Why Novels in Verse are Perfect for All Reading Levels
Looking to explore novels in verse for middle grades with you students during poetry month, or any time of the year?
Novels in verse provide an opportunity for reluctant readers to find books they love and more advanced readers can explore new genres. Let’s get started and dive into novels in verse for middle grades because they are perfect for all reading levels.
No matter what level your students are reading at, novels in verse have the ability to provide an entrance to reading and engage reluctant readers. While also providing opportunities for deeper analysis and higher order thinking for students who are not reluctant to read and engage.
Novels in verse are often an overlooked and underrated genre; providing a possible new genre for students who love graphic novels or prefer short engaging texts.
For additional support and resources, check out
Show notes: annotatedela.com/episode40
Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela
Blog post: Twenty Engaging and Relatable Novels in Verse for Middle Grades for 20 novels in verse to check out with your students at annotatedela.com/episode40
Take a listen to Episode 39: Five Dynamic Poetry Month Activities to Engage Middle Schoolers is a great companion episode because it has lots of ideas for activities that will engage your students in poetry and pairs well with novels in verse.
Resources for the Classroom
Poetry Explore board (freebie)
Poetry Exit Tickets
Poetry Analysis Stations
Mentioned in this episode:
Annotated ELA Book Study 2024
Don’t forget to join us for our book club this summer at annotatedela.com/bookstudy.
I promise, it is not just another thing. This book provides actionable steps to help your students effectively collaborate. And did I mention it touches on helping our students be better LISTENERS?
Who doesn’t want students who listen?
Join us for the summer book study! We are reading Hacking Group Work by Connie Hamilton. Get all the details at annotatedela.com/bookstudy! -
39. Five Dynamic Poetry Month Activities to Engage Middle Schoolers
Poetry Month is April and I've curated a list of Poetry Month activities designed to deepen your students' appreciation for poetry while making it an engaging and accessible experience in the classroom.
From poem a day and poetry explore boards to poetry analysis stations and illustrate a poem; having poetry month activities up your sleeve will engage students in a way that is meaningful and worth the time.
Poetry activities middle school aims to benefit students by fostering creativity, critical thinking, appreciation for literature, and collaborative learning.
Until next time, friends, embrace the magic in the process of making poetry come alive in your classroom. Happy Poetry Month!
For additional support and resources, check out
Show notes: annotatedela.com/episode39
Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela
Poetry Explore board (freebie)
Poetry Exit Tickets
Poetry Analysis Stations
Mentioned in this episode:
Annotated ELA Book Study 2024
Don’t forget to join us for our book club this summer at annotatedela.com/bookstudy.
I promise, it is not just another thing. This book provides actionable steps to help your students effectively collaborate. And did I mention it touches on helping our students be better LISTENERS?
Who doesn’t want students who listen?
Join us for the summer book study! We are reading Hacking Group Work by Connie Hamilton. Get all the details at annotatedela.com/bookstudy! -
38. How to Set-Up Writer’s Notebooks for Success
Does setting up writer’s notebooks with your students have you stumped? Have you tried all the ways and still feel like nothing works?
Let’s talk about intentionally setting up writer’s notebooks so it will work for you and your students.
Choosing the ‘right’ notebook
The seven key considerations will get you thinking about all aspects of the notebook - from portability to structure, ensuring your students' writing space is both productive and inviting.
Learn more about these considerations in Episode 36: Writer's Notebooks: 7 Powerful Decisions for Success and find tips on setting up writer's notebooks.
To Decorate or Not to Decorate
This is a personal decision, not only for the teacher, but also for the students. Personalization encourages ownership, allowing students to make their notebooks special. From simple touches to wild imaginations, find inspiration and essential supplies for decorating.
Notebook Expectations
Laying the foundation for how, when, and why writer’s notebooks are used will create the path for successful notebook use. Involving students in creating the expectations will develop motivation and ownership in the process.
Notebook Organization
Organization should be simple - from labeling sections, numbering pages, and creating a table of contents. Discover a two-section approach that works from both ends of the notebook to meet in the middle. And give students the freedom to choose their preferred organizational strategies.
Make Time to Write
Despite the demands on our time, regular opportunities for students to write will build a valuable collection of work and endurance.
Remember that setting up a writer's notebook is a personal journey tailored to you and your students.
For additional support and resources, check out
annotatedela.com/episode38
Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela
Resources
Tabs - coming soon
Rubric - coming soon
On the Podcast
Episode 36: Writer's Notebooks: 7 Powerful Decisions for Success
On the Blog
7 Key Decisions for Writer's Notebook Success in the Classroom
How to Set Up a Writer’s Notebook for the School Year Effectively
Mentioned in this episode:
Annotated ELA Book Study 2024
Don’t forget to join us for our book club this summer at annotatedela.com/bookstudy.
I promise, it is not just another thing. This book provides actionable steps to help your students effectively collaborate. And did I mention it touches on helping our students be better LISTENERS?
Who doesn’t want students who listen?
Join us for the summer book study! We are reading Hacking Group Work by Connie Hamilton. Get all the details at annotatedela.com/bookstudy!