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. 4D AGO · BONUS

    Quick Wins for Helping Students Pick a Just-Right Book [Bonus]

    September brings an extra Tuesday, which means you get a bonus episode! In this short and practical episode, I’m sharing quick wins to help your students pick out the just-right book for right now. Whether you’re planning your very first library visit of the year or heading back for another round, these strategies will make sure students walk out with a book they actually want to read, not one that ends up forgotten in their backpack. From setting the tone before you go, to teaching students the “right now” question, to normalizing abandoning books, these simple tips build confidence, independence, and momentum for your readers.  Get ready for simple, actionable strategies to help your students leave the library with books they can’t wait to open. Read more in the show notes.  Get your FREE set of Reading Support Posters here! Resources you may find helpful: Finding Just Right BooksIndependent Reading ChallengesRelated episodes and blog posts:  Helping Students Find Just Right BooksFinding Just Right Books: How to Stretch them without FrustrationHow to Keep the Reading Momentum Alive Beyond the First Month Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Amazon, Spotify, and more!  If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    9 min

  2. SEP 16

    10 Easy Ways to Encourage Student Book Recommendations in Your Classroom [Ep. 61]

    Peer recommendations are one of the most effective ways to spark interest in reading. Students are much more likely to pick up a book when a classmate suggests it. In this episode, I share ten practical ways you can bring student voices into your classroom and help create a living TBR list that students will actually use. These ideas make reading feel less like an assignment and more like a community experience. You don’t need to try all ten ideas at once, just choose one or two that fit your style and your classroom. Whether it’s building a recommendation wall, spotlighting student picks, or weaving in seasonal themes, these strategies will help you strengthen your classroom reading culture and keep students motivated to read all year long. Read more in the show notes.  Resources you may find helpful: Book Review and Recommendation TemplatesStudent Led Book TalksRelated episodes and blog posts:  Book Talks with Mary Pat (Episode #38)How to Increase Student Motivation Through Choice and Voice ( Episode #5)Student Led Book Talks:A Meaningful Way to Keep Students Reading (Episode #49)Unlocking the Power of Student Led Book TalksBe sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    11 min

  3. SEP 2

    How to Keep Reading Energy Alive Beyond the First Month [Ep. 60]

    The first few weeks of school often bring a real buzz around reading—students are exploring the shelves, setting goals, and diving into new books. But as the back-to-school excitement fades, that momentum can slip, and independent reading starts to feel more like just another assignment. In this episode we share fresh, practical strategies to keep students engaged well beyond the first month of school. From spotlighting new book choices and mixing up routines, to incorporating quick reflections and building a stronger reading community, you’ll find simple ways to make reading time feel meaningful again. We also dig into the deeper benefits of reading challenges, how to give reluctant readers “quick wins,” and why it’s powerful to let students share the books they didn’t finish. Whether your students are eager readers or still finding their way, this episode will give you tools to re-energize your classroom and keep reading momentum going strong all year long. Resources you may find helpful: Reading ChallengesBook Review and Recommendation TemplatesBuilding Reading StaminaFinding Just Right BooksRelated episodes and blog posts:  How to Reduce Reading Anxiety (Episode 59)Using Reading Challenges to Engage and Stretch Readers (Episode 54)How to Use Choice Reading to Boost Engagement (Episode 19)How to Support Struggling Readers Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    14 min

  4. AUG 19

    How to Reduce Reading Anxiety: 6 Strategies for Confident Readers [EP. 59]

    In this episode, we are talking about reading anxiety, how to recognize it, why it holds students back, and six practical reading strategies you can start teaching right away to help move students past it. You’ll hear ideas for creating a safe, supportive classroom environment, giving students concrete steps to try when they get stuck, and building their stamina and confidence with challenging texts. These strategies are designed to reduce reading anxiety, support struggling readers, and make reading more accessible and successful for every student. Whether you’re working with students who have missed foundational skills due to learning disruptions or those who simply lack the confidence to engage with more complex texts, these strategies provide an easy access point for every reader. They’ll help your students take ownership of their learning, know exactly what to do when they hit a roadblock, and see reading as something they can do. Read more in the show notes.  Get your FREE set of Reading Support Posters here! Resources you may find helpful: Building Reading StaminaFinding Just Right BooksRelated episodes and blog posts:  Book Talks 101: A Simple Guide to Get StartedFostering a love of Reading through Teacher Book TalksBuilding Classroom Community in ELA ClassroomThe Power of a Book Talk - Ep 43Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    14 min

  5. AUG 5

    Easy Ways to Start Peer-to-Peer Academic Conversations [Ep. 58]

    Getting students to talk to each other in meaningful ways is harder than it sounds—but it’s a crucial part of building classroom community and engagement. In this episode, I’m diving into practical strategies you can use at the beginning of the year to help students feel safe and confident sharing their ideas in class. From low-risk warm-ups and silly writing prompts to silent debates and structured turn and talks, I’ll walk you through simple, intentional ways to ease students into academic conversation. These routines don’t just get students talking; they build trust, support learning, and help create a classroom where every voice has a place. Whether you're launching back-to-school routines or looking for fresh ways to increase participation, this episode is packed with ideas you can try right away. Read more in the show notes.  Resources you may find helpful: Introduction to Silent DebatesAcademic Language Sentence StemsStory Element Task Cards - Great for starting conversationsReader Response Task Cards - Reflective conversationsRelated episodes and blog posts:  Academic Conversations Through Silent Debates12 Ways to Support Academic ConversationsBuilding Classroom Community in ELA ClassroomTask Cards: An Engaging Tool for Middle Schoolers Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    10 min

  6. JUL 29

    How To Build Reading Stamina: Practical Strategies For ELA Teachers [Ep. 57]

    In this episode, we’re tackling a challenge many ELA teachers face—students struggling with reading stamina. With canned curriculum, short excerpts, and fast-paced instruction, students often lack the focus and endurance to finish full-length texts. We’ll dig into why reading stamina matters for critical thinking and long-term academic success, and I’ll share practical, classroom-tested strategies to help students stay engaged. From building curiosity and creating a reading-friendly classroom culture to using focus tools like sticky note thinking and self-assessment, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to help your students become stronger, more confident readers. Read more in the show notes.  Resources you may find helpful: Genre Review Scavenger HuntFinding Just Right BooksBuilding Reading Stamina (includes the rubric I use with my class)Independent Reading ChallengesRelated episodes and blog posts:  Don’t Skip Genre Review: Why It Matters in Middle School ELAHelping Students Find Just Right Books That Spark a Love of ReadingHow to Close Learning Gaps in Reading in Today’s ELA ClassroomsHelping Students Find Just Right Books: How to Stretch Them Without Frustration Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group. If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review and follow! Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    13 min

  7. JUL 15

    Where Reading Feels Like Belonging - Building a Reading Culture [Ep. 56]

    We’re kicking off a brand-new series on reading strategies for back to school—and this first episode is all about helping students see themselves as readers. I’m sharing my own story (spoiler: I didn’t always love reading), and how that experience shapes the way I build reading culture in my classroom. You’ll hear how I start the year with intentional conversations, low-stress activities like reader one-pagers, and time for students to explore books without pressure. Whether your students are confident readers or come in saying they hate books, this episode will give you practical ideas to help them feel like they belong in a community of readers—because reading isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are. Reading Resources you may find helpful: Reader One-Pager, Surveys and Get to Know You AssignmentsLiterary Genre Review Scavenger HuntRelated episodes and blog posts:  How to Support Struggling Readers and Reduce AnxietyGet to Know Your Students As ReadersBuilding Strong Teacher-Student RelationshipsHow to Get Students to Connect with BooksThe Power of Independent Reading Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    10 min

  8. JUL 2

    Don’t Skip Genre Review: Why It Matters in Middle School ELA [Ep. 55]

    Think genre review is just for younger grades? Think again. In this episode, I’m breaking down why a simple genre review at the start of the year is one of the best ways to build reading confidence, spark student choice, and set the tone for meaningful reading conversations. You’ll get practical, low-prep ideas—including one of my favorite mystery-based review games—that help students reconnect with what they already know and start the year with a win. Whether you're prepping for back-to-school or refreshing your reading routines, this episode will help you create a classroom full of curious, confident readers. Read more in the show notes.  Genre Resources you may find helpful: Literary Genre Review Scavenger HuntReading Genre PostersRelated episodes and blog posts:  Book Talks 101: A Simple Guide for Middle School ELA TeachersReduce Reading Anxiety and Support Struggling Readers4 Strategies for Productive Independent Reading In Middle School Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe/ TPT Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe

    13 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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