All in One Podcast for Middle School Language Arts Teachers

Linda from "All in One Middle School"

Calling all middle school language arts teachers!  Teaching has become so overwhelming.  It can be isolating at times, and it is sometimes difficult to get help when you need it.  In this podcast, we will discuss the many complexities that middle school language arts teachers face.  There will be tons of actionable ideas to help you simplify your planning, streamline your teaching, and enjoy more free time.

  1. Jul 10

    How to Plan Lessons for Middle School ELA: 5 Easy Steps

    If you’ve ever spent an entire Sunday planning lessons only to feel behind again by Wednesday, you’re not alone. One of the questions I hear most often from teachers is how to plan lessons efficiently while still creating meaningful learning experiences for students.  After 34 years in the classroom, I learned that effective lesson planning doesn’t have to take hours. In fact, once you have a simple system in place, you can plan an entire week of middle school ELA lessons in less time and with much less stress.  If you’re wondering how to plan lessons that are organized, standards-aligned, and engaging, these five steps can help. We will discuss: Starting with standards and learning goalsPlanning the End before the BeginningLesson Plan TemplatesChoosing Resources to Support Your GoalsBatching Similar Tasks Let's connect!  Full Year ELA Curriculum on TPTTeaching Writing Workshop Course – Available on TPTSubscribe: Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products: Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store: All in One Middle School – TPTYouTube: Teach My Class with All in One Middle School – free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  linda@allinonemiddleschool.com Helpful Links: Companion Blog PostYear-Long ELA CurriculumIndividual Monthly ELA UnitsOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

    How to Plan Lessons for Middle School ELA: 5 Easy Steps
  2. Apr 17

    5 Powerful End of Year Activities for Middle School ELA

    The end of the school year is a unique mix of excitement, exhaustion, and unpredictability—especially in middle school ELA. Between assemblies, schedule changes, and restless students, it can be tough to keep learning meaningful without burning yourself out. That’s why having a set of low-prep, high-engagement end of year activities is essential. In this podcast, you’ll find simple, effective end of year ELA activities that help you review key skills, celebrate student growth, and keep your classroom running smoothly—without requiring hours of planning.  We will discuss: Celebrating Books with Book AwardsA Quick and Easy GameMemory BooksSummer-Themed ActivitiesIndependent Work IdeasLet's connect!Full Year Curriculum on TPTTeaching Writing Workshop Course – Available on TPTSubscribe: Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products: Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store: All in One Middle School – TPTYouTube: Teach My Class with All in One Middle School – free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  linda@allinonemiddleschool.comHelpful Links:Companion Blog PostComplete Monthly Curriculum on TPT End of Year Activities in my TPT StoreSummer-Themed Activities in my TPT StoreFree End of Year Poetry ActivityOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

    5 Powerful End of Year Activities for Middle School ELA
  3. Apr 16

    5 Perfect Middle School Novels for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, making it the perfect time to introduce students to powerful stories that highlight diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives. These novels not only build empathy and cultural awareness, but they also engage middle school readers with relatable characters and meaningful themes. We will discuss: I Am Kavi by Thushanthi PonweeraIn the Tunnel by Julie LeeInside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà LạiAmina’s Voice by Hena KhanBlackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly Let's connect!Full Year Curriculum on TPTTeaching Writing Workshop Course – Available on TPTSubscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School – TPTYouTube:  Teach My Class with All in One Middle School – free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  linda@allinonemiddleschool.com Helpful Links:Companion Blog PostComplete Monthly Curriculum on TPT Asian American Pacific Islander Choice BoardYouTube Channel – Free First Chapter Friday and ELA Lessons!Character Identity Mini LessonHexagonal Thinking for Any NovelDigital Notebook for Any NovelOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

    5 Perfect Middle School Novels for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  4. Apr 3

    5 Powerful Earth Day Activities for Your ELA Class

    Earth Day is more than just a calendar date—it’s a chance for students to connect with the natural world, think creatively, and practice essential reading and writing skills. Middle schoolers in particular benefit from hands-on, reflective activities that combine literacy with environmental awareness. Whether you’re looking for low-prep, free activities or structured lessons that guide students step by step, these Earth Day Activities are perfect for your ELA classroom. We will discuss: 1. Using short stories for Earth Day 2. Poems for Earth Day 3. Poetry Writing for Earth Day 4. Found Poetry 5. Nature Observation: Writing with Sensory Images Let's connect!Full Year Curriculum on TPTTeaching Writing Workshop Course – Available on TPTSubscribe:  Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products:  Follow me on TPTMy website:  www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store:  All in One Middle School – TPTYouTube:  Teach My Class with All in One Middle School – free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  linda@allinonemiddleschool.com Helpful Links:Companion Blog PostComplete Monthly Curriculum on TPT Asian American Pacific Islander Choice BoardYouTube Channel – Free First Chapter Friday and ELA Lessons!Character Identity Mini LessonHexagonal Thinking for Any NovelDigital Notebook for Any NovelOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

    5 Powerful Earth Day Activities for Your ELA Class
  5. Mar 20

    How to Write Poetry: 5 Engaging Poetry Writing Activities

    April is National Poetry Month, and it’s the perfect time to inspire middle school students to explore their creativity with words. If you’ve ever wondered how to write poetry in a way that’s fun, accessible, and engaging, these five activities are a great place to start. Each encourages self-expression, creativity, and a love for language, while giving teachers easy-to-use tools to guide students. There are practical tips to get started, plus I’ve given you some resources from my TPT store as well as a free product if you want extra support. We will discuss: 1. "I Am" Poems 2. Color Poems 3. Acrostic Poems 4. List Poems 5. Shape/Concrete Poems Let's connect!Full Year ELA Curriculum on TPTFull Year Social Studies Curriculum on TPTTeaching Writing Workshop Course – Available on TPTSubscribe: Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products: Follow me on TPTMy website: www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store: All in One Middle School – TPTYouTube: Teach My Class with All in One Middle School – free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail: linda@allinonemiddleschool.comHelpful Links:Companion Blog PostPoetry products in my TPT storeFree poetry lessons on my YouTube channelOne-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons Teaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

    How to Write Poetry:  5 Engaging Poetry Writing Activities
  6. Mar 1

    5 Engaging Women's History Month Books

    Women's History Month is an important opportunity for middle school students to engage with stories that highlight women's voices, experiences, resilience, and contributions throughout history and today. The following Women's History Month books are meaningful, engaging, and well-suited for middle school readers. Each title encourages reflection, discussion, and deeper understanding — making them excellent choices for classroom or independent reading. We will discuss these books: Hidden Figures – Margot Lee ShetterlyI Am Malala – Malala YousafzaiFlygirl – Sherri L. SmithThe Evolution of Calpurnia Tate – Jacqueline KellyA Light in the Storm: The Civil War Diary of Amelia Martin – Mary Jane AuchLet's connect!Full Year Curriculum on TPTTeaching Writing Workshop Course – Available on TPTSubscribe: Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products: Follow me on TPTMy website: www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store: All in One Middle School – TPTYouTube: Teach My Class with All in One Middle School – free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  linda@allinonemiddleschool.comHelpful Links:Companion Blog PostWomen’s History Products in my TPT ShopYouTube Channel – Free First Chapter Friday and ELA Lessons!Reading Mini LessonsCharacter Identity Mini LessonReading CentersHexagonal Thinking for Any NovelDigital Notebook for Any NovelTeaching Writing Workshop CourseClick here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

    5 Engaging Women's History Month Books
  7. Jan 27

    5 Engaging Black History Month Books

    Black History Month is an important opportunity for middle school students to engage with stories that highlight Black voices, experiences, resilience, and contributions throughout history and today. The following Black History Month books are meaningful, engaging, and well-suited for middle school readers. Each title encourages reflection, discussion, and deeper understanding — making them excellent choices for classroom or independent reading. We will discuss these books: 1. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson 2. The Lions of Little Rock by Kristine Levine 3. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson 4. The Parker Inheritance – Varian Johnson 5. Out of My Mind – Sharon M. Draper Let's connect!Full Year Curriculum on TPTTeaching Writing Workshop Course – Available on TPTSubscribe: Get updates and free products when you subscribeFacebook Group:  Middle School Language Arts TeacherInstagram: @all.in.one.middle.schoolInfo on products: Follow me on TPTMy website: www.allinonemiddleschool.comMy TPT Store: All in One Middle School – TPTYouTube: Teach My Class with All in One Middle School – free lessons and First Chapter FridaysEmail:  linda@allinonemiddleschool.com Helpful Links:YouTube Channel – Free First Chapter Friday and ELA Lessons! Reading Mini Lessons Reading Centers Hexagonal Thinking for Any Novel Black History Month Products (TPT Store) Digital Notebook for Any Novel Teaching Writing Workshop Course Click here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group

    5 Engaging Black History Month Books

About

Calling all middle school language arts teachers!  Teaching has become so overwhelming.  It can be isolating at times, and it is sometimes difficult to get help when you need it.  In this podcast, we will discuss the many complexities that middle school language arts teachers face.  There will be tons of actionable ideas to help you simplify your planning, streamline your teaching, and enjoy more free time.