Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers

Carolyn Wahl - Middle School ELA
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Are you a middle school ELA teacher looking for practical, proven strategies to help your students grow as confident readers and writers? Middle School Café is your go-to podcast for engaging teaching ideas, classroom-tested tools, and real talk about what works in today’s ELA classroom. Each episode delivers actionable tips to help you close reading gaps, build student ownership, and create a classroom culture where literacy thrives. Whether you're navigating a curriculum, supporting struggling readers, or just looking for fresh ways to inspire your students, you'll find support, strategy, and a sense of community right here. Join a community of passionate middle school ELA teachers working to build confident, engaged readers. Visit www.middleschoolcafe.com for classroom tools, podcast extras, and resources to support every student on their reading journey. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Bias as a Research Skill: Helping Students See Author Choices [Ep 71]

    In this episode, we continue the research series by focusing on how students learn to recognize bias in informational texts. Instead of treating bias as a separate lesson, the episode explores how it grows from the reading habits students already use— noticing what’s emphasized, what’s left out, and how language shapes the way information comes across. You’ll hear practical, grounded strategies that help students understand how author decisions influence meaning. We also look at why this awareness strengthens students’ research skills. When students learn to spot how information is shaped, they become more intentional when selecting evidence, comparing sources, and making decisions in their own writing. This episode offers simple, realistic ways to build bias recognition into everyday instruction so students read, write, and research with more confidence and clarity. Read more in the show notes.  Get your FREE set of Reading Support Posters here! Join the FREE ELA community for ongoing conversations about building strong, confident readers. If you found this episode helpful, feel free to share it with a colleague. FREE ELA Community Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    12 min

  2. FEB 3

    Research Isn’t a Unit: Teaching Evidence Evaluation All Year Long [Ep. 70]

    Research often feels overwhelming because students are asked to read, take notes, decide what matters, paraphrase, organize ideas, and write—all at once. One of the biggest misconceptions about research is that these skills only belong inside a research unit. In reality, research is built on critical thinking skills students practice all year through everyday reading, writing, and discussion. This episode focuses on evaluating evidence as a core research skill that already shows up in daily instruction. You’ll hear practical classroom examples and simple ways to name this thinking so students can transfer what they already know when it’s time for formal research. The goal is to make research feel more manageable by building on the critical thinking students already use across content areas. Read more in the show notes.  Join the FREE ELA community for ongoing conversations about building strong, confident readers. If you found this episode helpful, feel free to share it with a colleague. FREE ELA Community Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    12 min

  3. JAN 20

    Rethinking the Way We Teach Research (Without the Overwhelm) [Ep. 69]

    Research is a core part of ELA, but it’s also where many students feel stuck and unsure how to begin. In this episode, I break down why research feels challenging for students and reframe it as familiar reading and writing skills students already know how to do.  Instead of focusing on quick fixes, this episode helps teachers understand the thinking work behind research and why overwhelm is often a cognitive issue, not a motivation problem. This episode kicks off a short mini-series on teaching research. Listeners will explore how focusing on one research skill at a time can bring clarity and confidence to students without lowering expectations or adding extra work. Upcoming episodes will take a closer look at evaluating evidence in reading and research and helping students spot bias in informational texts, all through a middle school lens. Read more in the show notes.  Check out the FREE ELA Community!   Related episodes and blog posts:  Add Nonfiction to Independent Reading FREE ELA Community Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    11 min

  4. JAN 6

    Why Nonfiction Belongs in Independent Reading [Ep. 68]

    Happy New Year! As the new term begins, many middle school ELA classrooms start to shift toward nonfiction, informational text, and research. In this episode, we talk about how to make nonfiction a natural part of independent reading—without turning it into a separate unit or disrupting the reading culture you’ve worked so hard to build. We explore why easing nonfiction into independent reading matters, how to lower student resistance to nonfiction, and simple, low-pressure ways to incorporate nonfiction articles, graphic nonfiction, and podcasts alongside novels. You’ll hear practical strategies for modeling real-world nonfiction reading habits, building curiosity, and helping students see nonfiction as a useful, everyday reading tool. This episode sets the foundation for upcoming conversations about nonfiction and research while keeping reading flexible, student-centered, and manageable. Read more in the show notes.  Check out the new FREE ELA Community!   FREE ELA Community Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    13 min

  5. 12/30/2025 · BONUS

    RERELEASE Using Reading Challenges to Engage and Stretch Student Readers

    This is a rerelease of Episode #54 Think independent reading has to disappear with a canned curriculum? Not so fast. In this episode, I’m sharing how flexible, low-pressure reading challenges can help you keep independent reading alive—even when you're tied to a scripted program. You’ll get ideas for tying challenges to curriculum themes, recognizing effort without rewards, and giving students meaningful roles that promote ownership. Whether you already use independent reading or want a manageable way to bring it back, this episode will help you re-engage mid to high-level readers and make reading feel relevant again.  Read more in the Show Notes FREE ELA Community Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    16 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Easy Ways to Celebrate Reading Wins and Motivate Readers [Ep 67]

    The days leading up to winter break can feel a little wild, and it’s easy to overlook all the quiet reading growth happening in your classroom. In this episode, we’re slowing down just enough to notice those moments. I’m sharing simple, low-pressure ways to celebrate reading wins—nothing fancy, nothing time-consuming—just meaningful moments that help students feel seen as readers. These small celebrations can bring a surprising amount of calm to the December classroom. They help students recognize their progress, feel proud of their efforts, and walk into break with a stronger sense of confidence in their reading. And the best part? These tiny boosts now can help set the stage for a smoother, more motivated return in January. See more in the show notes.  Related episodes and blog posts:  Embracing Holidays as Learning Opportunities in Middle SchoolHolidays in Secondary Resource RoundupHow to Celebrate the Holidays in Your ClassroomWinter Break Countdown: Easy, Inclusive Activities for Middle School ELABe sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! FREE ELA Community Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    10 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    Moving Students Beyond Surface-Level Reading [Ep 66]

    In this episode I’m talking about those familiar one-line reading responses like “I liked it” or “I don’t know” and how we can help students move beyond them. Students are capable of deeper thinking, and sometimes they just need a few simple routines to help them slow down, notice more, and explain what they’re seeing in a text. We’ll explore practical, low-pressure ways to strengthen student conversations around reading and create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing what they’re thinking. If you’re looking for small shifts that lead to more meaningful discussions, this episode will give you a few easy places to start. Read more in the show notes.  Get your FREE set of Reading Support Posters here! Resources you may find helpful: Reader Response CardsMore Reader Response CardsRelated episodes and blog posts:  Building a Reading Culture Where Students Feel They BelongTask Cards: An Engaging Tool for Middle SchoolersHow to Reduce Reading AnxietyBe sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! FREE ELA Community Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    15 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    How Nonfiction Pairings Build Understanding and Reading Success [Ep 65]

    Looking for new ways to make reading more meaningful? In this episode, we’ll explore how pairing fiction and nonfiction can benefit all readers, helping every student, from those who need a little more support to those ready for deeper analysis, make stronger connections and think more critically. Together, these texts can deepen comprehension, build empathy, and help students see how reading connects to the real world. You’ll hear easy-to-use ideas for blending the two, from short articles and infographics to full-length novels, along with examples you can try right away. Whether you’re following a set curriculum or designing your own lessons, this episode will help you use nonfiction to bring stories to life and strengthen your students’ understanding of what they read. Read more in the show notes.  Get your FREE set of Reading Support Posters here! Seasonal Nonfiction Holiday Traditions Reading/Writing ActivityHistory of the PoinsettiaHistory of New Years Eve in Times SquareResources you may find helpful: Reader Response CardsMore Reader Response CardsReading Reflection SheetsGenre Review Scavenger HuntTitanic Text Structures Related episodes and blog posts:  How to Use Nonfiction to Engage Reluctant ReadersBuilding a Reading Culture Where Students Feel They BelongHow to Build FREE ELA Community Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    14 min
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Are you a middle school ELA teacher looking for practical, proven strategies to help your students grow as confident readers and writers? Middle School Café is your go-to podcast for engaging teaching ideas, classroom-tested tools, and real talk about what works in today’s ELA classroom. Each episode delivers actionable tips to help you close reading gaps, build student ownership, and create a classroom culture where literacy thrives. Whether you're navigating a curriculum, supporting struggling readers, or just looking for fresh ways to inspire your students, you'll find support, strategy, and a sense of community right here. Join a community of passionate middle school ELA teachers working to build confident, engaged readers. Visit www.middleschoolcafe.com for classroom tools, podcast extras, and resources to support every student on their reading journey. 

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