Beyond the Paragraph: Teaching Writing in Middle School with Structure

Robin Mellom
  • 5.0 (4)
  • COURSES

If you're tired of guessing how to teach writing in middle school, you're in the right place. Robin Mellom is a veteran ELA teacher and published author of over ten children’s books with Disney, HarperCollins, and Houghton Mifflin. She brings the clarity and structure you've been craving without the gimmicks. Hosted by Robin Mellom, author, middle school teacher, and creator of the Structured Writer’s Workshop™, each episode delivers practical, classroom-tested strategies that work in grades 4–8.  Learn how to implement evidence-based writing routines, like CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning), build lasting writing habits, and engage students in meaningful work that actually sticks.  Best of all, they will learn how to write like the pros!

  1. MAR 12

    Writing Test Prep That Actually Works: CER + Collaboration Ep. 26

    State testing season is coming… but test prep doesn’t have to mean endless practice tests. In this video, I share some of the most effective ways to prepare students for the writing portion of the state test, especially the performance task where students must write essays and constructed responses. Instead of rushing through digital practice tests, I’ll show you how to turn test prep into meaningful learning activities that build real writing skills. You’ll learn how to: • Use CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) to prepare students for constructed responses • Help students practice argument writing and thesis statements before the test • Turn digital questions into collaborative whiteboard activities • Use task card games like Scoot to review grammar and reading skills • Get students to explain their thinking and eliminate wrong answers These strategies help students go deeper with their learning, instead of skimming the surface during test prep. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the upcoming 5th Grade Structured Writing Curriculum and see examples of activities you can use right away. 📌 Resources mentioned in the video: Chicken Foot Thesis Writing Brain Battle Scoot Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

    25 min

  2. FEB 5

    RACE Writing Strategy vs C.E.R.: Which Strategy Works Better? Ep. 25

    In this episode, I compare the RACE writing strategy and the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) framework to help you decide which approach works better for students. I explain why I moved away from RACE and now use CER across all subjects, including ELA, science, and social studies. You’ll see how CER simplifies constructed responses, strengthens student reasoning, and creates one consistent writing system for the entire school day. If you’re looking for a clearer, more effective way to teach evidence-based writing, this shift might be the game changer you need. Looking for full-year writing programs that get results?? Go HERE.  Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

    22 min

  3. JAN 25

    How to Teach Writing with a "Skills First" Approach Ep. 24

    In this episode, I explain how I teach writing using a skills-first approach, and why strong writing instruction shouldn’t start with essays. Instead of working backward from essay types alone, I focus on building foundational writing skills that transfer to every genre, every subject, and every state test. I break down how I structure writing instruction across the year so students practice what matters most before essays ever begin. I share: What a skills-first writing program actually looks like in grades 4–8The six core writing skills my students practice all year (and why the first three matter most)How daily sentence combining improves grammar, sentence structure, and clarityWhy quick writes eliminate writer’s block and build writing staminaHow I use CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) instead of RACE across ELA, science, and social studiesHow I teach essay structure by deconstructing student writing, not memorizing formulasWhy short, focused essay cycles lead to stronger writing and less gradingHow this approach builds real confidence before state testingI also share one of my favorite end-of-year moments, when students rewrite a piece from the first week of school and see just how much their writing has changed. If you’re looking for a clearer, more effective way to teach writing in upper elementary or middle school, this episode walks you through the structure, routines, and mindset behind a skills-first writing classroom. Recommended for: Grades 4–8 teachers, ELA teachers, writing coaches, and homeschool educators Ready to dive into my full year curriculum? Go HERE. Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

    18 min

  4. JAN 18

    Curriculum Changes Coming in 2026 for Structured Writing (Grades 4–8) Ep. 23

    In this episode, I’m sharing what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what’s evolving in my Structured Writing program for 2026. After a short break, I reflect on where writing instruction feels different right now, especially as more teachers are rethinking digital tools, screen time, and the return to physical notebooks. I talk through new research that’s shaping my thinking, including insights from The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, and how it’s influencing the way I design writing instruction. You’ll hear updates on: The shift toward a One-Click Curriculum that makes materials easier to find and useHow daily warm-ups and quick writes are expanding to include story startersWhy creative writing and voice matter more than everA new Reading Lab format that brings structured discussion into reading instructionHow CER is being intentionally connected across ELA, science, history, and mathWhat’s coming next for grades 4 through 8This episode is especially helpful if you teach upper elementary or middle school and are thinking about how to balance structure, creativity, and meaningful writing practice in the year ahead. Interested in my full writing curriculum? Go HERE. Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

    23 min

  5. 11/30/2025

    How to Refresh Your Mid-Year Writing Routine Ep. 22

    If you teach writing in grades 4-8, you know the mid-year engagement slump is real! Here are 3 ways to get them energized again and back on track! Go here to grab your free month of editing tasks! https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/f1cxq5jv49 Prediction doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Px3b_U0zgjwmSxlxWejSdvlCsL8twtE4xAhsX8tGFqc/edit?usp=sharing 🚨Grab the first module of my PD for free here: https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/s960w0ymr9 Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

    14 min

  6. 11/16/2025

    Letting Students Use A.I. for Writing? Consider this... Ep. 21

    There is no one correct way to handle A.I. use in the classroom. But let's have grace with each other as we grapple with this huge issue facing educators. There is so much to consider... and that's what I'm tackling today. Here are some A.I. tools you may want to check out: Class Companion: https://classcompanion.com/ Snorkl: https://snorkl.app/ 🚨Grab my writing PD Crash Course for free here 📝 Looking for writing professional development? My 10-module video course will walk you through ALL the steps of an engaging writer's workshop. You'll see pictures of it in action, and I take a deep, deep dive into HOW to teach the 6 high-priority skills. A bonus module goes deep into the world of teaching essays in middle school. More details below Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

    25 min

  7. 11/03/2025

    Why Fun Writing Prompts Do Not = Engagement Ep. 20

    Sure, writing prompts are fun, but when it comes to true engagement, cute activities and digital games can only take your students so far. In this episode, I break down why short-term motivators are the “green tea diets” of writing instruction, and how to build something more sustainable. Learn what actually keeps students hooked all year long: ownership, structure, student leadership, and a workshop that feels like home.  Happy writing, Robin Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

    11 min

  8. 10/13/2025

    Why October Is the Secret Weapon for Your Writing Workshop Ep. 19

    October is pure magic for writing teachers...if you use it right. 🕯️ In this episode, I’m sharing why you should lean into spooky writing this month (and not just because it’s fun). You’ll learn how Halloween-themed prompts can teach real craft skills like suspense, pacing, and voice… and how they can completely turn around reluctant writers. I’ll walk you through my favorite October classroom activities: persuasive “Change My Mind” debates, Stranger Things-style story prompts, and a hilarious monster real-estate challenge your students will beg to do again. Ready to make this October unforgettable? Grab my Halloween Writing Bundle here 👇 🎃 Halloween Writing Prompts & Persuasive Writing Activities Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

    14 min
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About

If you're tired of guessing how to teach writing in middle school, you're in the right place. Robin Mellom is a veteran ELA teacher and published author of over ten children’s books with Disney, HarperCollins, and Houghton Mifflin. She brings the clarity and structure you've been craving without the gimmicks. Hosted by Robin Mellom, author, middle school teacher, and creator of the Structured Writer’s Workshop™, each episode delivers practical, classroom-tested strategies that work in grades 4–8.  Learn how to implement evidence-based writing routines, like CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning), build lasting writing habits, and engage students in meaningful work that actually sticks.  Best of all, they will learn how to write like the pros!

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