In Episode 311, Jessica and Megan explore the benefits of using collaborative writing in the classroom. They will also tackle common concerns teachers have when assigning group projects. You'll learn how collaborative writing boosts communication skills, builds confidence, and encourages peer learning. Plus, you'll pick up practical tips on setting up group writing tasks, managing group dynamics, and assessing individual contributions and skills. Whether you're new to collaborative writing or looking to improve your approach, this episode is packed with ideas to help you succeed!

Life's seasons mirror our own cycles of growth and stillness. In this another past Monday Mindset episode, I share a personal story of navigating through busyness and loss, highlighting the value in both vibrant summers and quiet winters. As I reflect on my journey, I uncover the power of mourning, connecting, and finding purpose in every phase.

Join me as we explore how embracing vulnerability and sharing our stories can lead to healing and deeper connections. Whether you're in a season of growth or introspection, there's beauty in every moment. Tune in to find strength in each season of your life.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

In this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Caitlin, Jessica, and Megan explore how to plan lessons with English language learners in mind. You'll take away practical strategies for the beginning, middle, and end of your lessons, with tips that can benefit every student in your classroom. Whether you have one ELL student or many, these strategies will help you create lessons that are accessible and effective.

Tune in to discover easy ways to adapt your lesson planning for the benefit of all your students!

Transform your mornings and reclaim over four weeks of your year! Let's have a recap on our Monday Mindset favorite episode, inspired by Mel Robbins, which reveals the hidden costs of hitting the snooze button. Discover how just 26 extra minutes in bed can rob you of precious time for growth and calm. I challenge you to reshape those minutes into a powerful start to your day with the mantra: "Get up, dress up, show up."

I explore how waking up with purpose can turn rushed mornings into moments of intention. Join me on this journey to harness those 158 hours a year and step closer to your best self!

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

In this special episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, Megan interviews Trevor Aleo, a high school language arts teacher and co-author of Learning That Transfers: Designing Curriculum for a Changing World. Trevor talks about the strategies he used to help his 8th graders engage in multimodal composing projects, as you can read about in his English Journal article “‘What Would Other Swifties Think?’: Multimodal Composing with Communities in Mind.” Tune in to learn how you can help your students tap into their communities and write for a real-world audience.

Check out the #HackYourStack Database that Trevor shares on the show: https://reminiscent-attention-b9e.notion.site/HackYourStack-Database-e00377a9816045ed8dfbbe026b9ff9e8

Visit his website: https://www.trevoraleo.com/

And if you'd like to read the article after listening, you can find it here! “What Would Other Swifties Think?”: Multimodal Composing with Communities in Mind | ncte.org (publicationsncte.org)

Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!

Ever faced a life-changing choice and wondered whether to take the leap? Join us on Monday Mindset as we dive into my brother's bold move to France—a story of courage, curiosity, and embracing the unknown. I explore the power of risk-taking and how saying "yes" to the unfamiliar can lead to lasting fulfillment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that might just spark your own journey to transform fear into opportunity!

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

In this episode, we're shaking things up with the Literary Shuffle Activity—a fun and interactive way to get students diving deeper into any story. Whether they’re on their feet or staying put, this game makes story review a blast.

You'll walk away from this episode with all the information you'll need to implement this game using any novel or short story that your students are reading. Take a listen and try it out!

What if small changes could align your life with your deepest values? Today’s Monday Mindset is one of our listeners’ favorite past episodes all about moving from dreaming to purposeful action, inspired by a lesson from the CEO of a basketball camps company. I discuss breaking the cycle of endless ideas and taking real steps toward your goals—especially in teaching. Tune in for actionable strategies to create space for your passions and live in alignment with your values.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin