Middle School Café - A Podcast for Secondary ELA Teachers Carolyn Wahl, Middle School Reading

One of the most essential aspects of teaching ELA is nurturing a lifelong love of reading in our students. In this episode, we'll explore how to help students discover that elusive "just right" book – the one that not only matches their reading level but also aligns with their interests. 


Listen in as I uncover the secrets to creating a reading experience that captures your students' imagination, boosts their confidence, and sparks their curiosity.  I’ll discuss the power of book talks and how they can build anticipation and excitement before your students even pick up a book. Discover the importance of getting books into your students' hands, whether through your classroom library or your school's resourceful library. 


It's time to find those "just right" books and cultivate a love for reading that will last a lifetime.


Helpful Resources:
Finding Just Right BooksBuilding Reading StaminaReading Challenges for Independent Reading

Related episodes and blog posts: 
Choosing the Best Books for Middle School Book ClubsGet Your Class Excited About Reading With First Chapter Fridays7 Ways to Help Middle School Students Who Struggle with Reading Comprehension12 Ways To Encourage a Culture of Reading7 Amazing ELA Strategies to Reach Today’s Student


Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. 

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

In a world filled with distractions like video games, social media, and viral TikTok videos, inspiring a love for reading in students can feel like an uphill battle. However, in this week's episode, we dive into a powerful tool that can captivate even the most reluctant readers: teacher book talks.


Think of teacher book talks as the trailers of the literary world. Much like a movie trailer teases the most exciting parts of a film without revealing the entire plot, a book talk does the same for literature, showing students that reading can be as thrilling as any other form of entertainment.


In this episode, 
We explore the essential steps of a successful teacher book talkWe discuss the importance of choosing the right book, starting with one you genuinely love and understand wellHow book talks provide that sense of anticipation by giving students a sneak peek into the captivating worlds of literature

I am dedicated to creating podcast content that you are interested in and helps you with in the classroom! That’s why I’ve put together a quick survey to get to know you and your needs a little bit better. It would be a HUGE help if you could head here to fill out the survey. It will only take 1-2 minutes of your time. The chance to fill out the survey will close on September 18,2023. As a thank you, if you complete the survey, I’ll enter your name into a drawing to win an Amazon or Starbucks gift card. Thank you! You can access the survey right here 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxMWIh6kG6RBTiqRrbzHzYYQ5vgO9bmHQsZefMtEGeml1zOQ/viewform


Related resources and information for this episode
Teacher Book Talks: A Great Way to Engage Reluctant Readers12 Ways To Encourage a Culture of ReadingBook Talks – Engaging Students in Reading Through Peer DiscussionsChoosing the Best Books for Middle School Book ClubsBuilding Classroom Community in the ELA Classroom: Strategies for SuccessStudent Led Book TalksBook Clubs

Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. 

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

Today, we are exploring the importance of establishing consistent routines and procedures in the classroom and how they will help us in building a classroom community. While focusing on middle school students, the ideas provided are relevant to all grade levels. Discover how well-defined routines and procedures create a thriving learning environment. We explore the impact these practices have on student comfort, engagement, and community building. By intentionally teaching procedures, we ensure a focused and efficient classroom, promoting active participation. From managing materials to handling emergencies, we emphasize the essential routines that lay the foundation for an academic year filled with success and a harmonious community of learners.



I am dedicated to creating podcast content that you are interested in and helps you with in the classroom! That’s why I’ve put together a quick survey to get to know you and your needs a little bit better. It would be a HUGE help if you could head here to fill out the survey. It will only take 1-2 minutes of your time. The chance to fill out the survey will close on September 18,2023. As a thank you, if you complete the survey, I’ll enter your name into a drawing to win an Amazon or Starbucks gift card. Thank you! You can access the survey right here 


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxMWIh6kG6RBTiqRrbzHzYYQ5vgO9bmHQsZefMtEGeml1zOQ/viewform




Related episodes and blog posts: 
How to Get Started with Routines and Procedures in Your Middle School Classroom

Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. 

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, 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

This episode explores the importance of building strong teacher-student relationships that extend beyond getting to know you activities. I discuss the misconception that teachers need to be friends with their students, emphasizing instead the value of creating a professional and caring connection. These relationships foster a sense of belonging, individualized learning, trust, and motivation. I also provide practical strategies for maintaining these connections throughout the school year, from sharing interests to involving students in the learning process. Discover how cultivating relationships contributes to a positive classroom atmosphere and sets the foundation for academic success and personal growth.


Resources mentioned in the episode:
Back to School Activity Pack for ELA 

Related episodes and blog posts: 
12 Activities to Build Community During Back to School Season12 ELA Back To School Activities12 Engaging First Day Activities In Secondary ELA

Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where the conversation continues. 


Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, 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

Imagine turning your classroom into a hip coffee shop or observing your students actively browsing through your classroom bookshelves to create poetry.  This is exactly what we are talking about in this episode!  Katie Saj from Mochas and Markbooks stops by for a fun interview about creative ideas she uses to engage her students in reading!


Katie shared her amazing classroom transformation inspired by the cozy vibes of Tim Horton's, the beloved Canadian coffee shop. She creatively turned her classroom into a unique coffee shop experience that entices students to immerse themselves in the world of books. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a coffee shop, students feel comfortable exploring new genres, selecting books for their personal reading pleasure, and above all, experiencing the sheer joy of reading without any pressure or judgment. Additionally, Katie introduced an engaging activity called Book Spine Poetry, where students arrange book spines to create poems. This activity not only allows students to connect with the class library but also encourages their creativity to soar and ignites their imaginations.


Episode Highlights
A book tasting is a room transformation activity where students sample books from different genres in a themed environment.Book spine poetry involves arranging books' spines to create a poem. First Chapter Friday is an activity where teachers read or play the first chapter of a book to engage students.

Connect with Katie
Mochas and Markbooks on InstagramTim Bookends Book Tasting KitVirtual Record Shop Slides

Don’t forget to play along in the Summer Series Challenge.  You can find all the details on Instagram @middleschoolcafe -look for the highlight!


Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation about fun, engaging activities to entice teens to read!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, 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

Escape rooms are inclusive and engaging activities that consist of games and puzzles aimed at fostering critical thinking and creativity.  In this week’s episode, Lyndsey from Lit with Lyns shares her experience in both creating and presenting digital escape rooms in her secondary ELA classroom. Escape rooms can be tailored to introduce or review various topics, making them the perfect activity any time of year. Regardless of students' skill levels, escape rooms are highly motivating for students.  


A success story shared by Lyndsey highlights the positive impact of escape rooms on student performance, as her first test prep escape room led to noticeable growth in students' state testing outcomes.


In this episode on Digital Escape Rooms:
Escape rooms are a series of games and puzzles that promote critical thinking and creativity.Escape rooms can be designed to introduce topics or review topics. Escape rooms are highly motivating for all levels of learning.  Strategically grouping students will encourage collaboration and prevent students from skipping to the end.Lyndsey shares that the first escape room she created for test prep resulted in students showing growth on state testing.Interested in learning how to make your own escape room?  Lyndsey has provided a “how to” presentation just for listeners of the podcast! 


Get to Know Lyndsey from Lit with Lyns
Hi everyone! I'm Lyndsey Gresehover, and I have been teaching middle school ELA for going on 20 years! I love all resources that are tech-infused, and one of my favorite things is creating digital escape rooms. I have a TpT store called Lit with Lyns and a blog by the same name. Check my blog out for tips, FREE resources, and ideas on middle school ELA & Reading Comprehension.


Connect with Lyndsey
Lit with Lyns' BlogLit with Lyns' InstagramLit with Lyns' Pinterest

Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation on incorporating digital escape rooms and other ways to gamify learning.  

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, 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