Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers – Details, episodes & analysis

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Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers

Carolyn Wahl - Middle School ELA

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/17d. Total Eps: 86

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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Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
29/08/2026
#91
🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
28/08/2026
#59
🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
27/08/2026
#26
🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
25/08/2026
#72

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://middleschoolcafe.com/
130 shares
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Middle-School-Cafe
130 shares
https://msccarolyn--annotatedela.thrivecart.com/the-annotated-ela-summit/
60 shares

https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
180 shares
https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
130 shares

https://www.instagram.com/middleschoolcafe
130 shares
https://www.instagram.com/samanthainsecondary
1 share

RSS feed quality and score

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 68%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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

Episode 55

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • Duration 13:01

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:

Related episodes and blog posts:

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

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Using Reading Challenges to Engage and Stretch Student Readers [Ep. 54]

Episode 54

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 • Duration 13:50

Think independent reading has to disappear with a canned curriculum? Not so fast. In this episode, I’m sharing how flexible, low-pressure reading challenges can help you keep independent reading alive—even when you're tied to a scripted program. You’ll get ideas for tying challenges to curriculum themes, recognizing effort without rewards, and giving students meaningful roles that promote ownership. Whether you already use independent reading or want a manageable way to bring it back, this episode will help you re-engage mid to high-level readers and make reading feel relevant again.

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Holding Students Accountable While Fostering A Love For Reading [Ep. 46]

Episode 46

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 • Duration 10:47

How do we hold students accountable for independent reading without turning it into a chore? In this episode, I’m sharing creative, low-pressure strategies that promote reading engagement while still helping you track progress. You’ll hear practical ideas like peer-to-peer book recs, simple reflection tools, and interactive activities that make accountability feel fun and meaningful—even for reluctant readers. Whether you’re building a reading culture from scratch or just want fresh ideas to spark motivation, this episode will help you strike the balance between joy and responsibility in your ELA classroom.

Read more in the show notes.

Resources to Get You Started

Related episodes and blog posts:

The Power of Independent Reading in a Canned Curriculum Classroom [Ep. 45]

Episode 45

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 • Duration 10:50

Welcome to the first full episode of our relaunched podcast! In this episode, we’re exploring the importance of independent reading and its place in the classroom, even when a canned curriculum is in play. With a focus on flexibility and consistency, we’ll discuss how to create space for student choice and foster a love of reading in a structured environment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether independent reading can coexist with curriculum demands, this episode offers inspiration and actionable ideas to help you balance both. Tune in to discover how even small changes can make a big difference in building lifelong readers.

Read more in the show notes.

Check out this resource to help students recommend books to peers

Easy Book Review and Recommendation Templates

Related episodes and blog posts:

Back in Action: A Fresh Chapter for the Middle School Café Podcast! [BONUS]

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 • Duration 04:48

After an extended hiatus, the Middle School Café Podcast is back! In this special relaunch episode, I’m sharing why I took a step away, the lessons learned during this time, and what’s ahead for the podcast in 2025. Tune in to hear about the new format, a renewed focus on actionable strategies for middle and high school ELA teachers, and my mission to help all students grow as readers. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to the classroom, this episode will set the stage for an exciting new chapter. Subscribe now and join me on this journey of transforming our students' reading experiences!

First relaunch episode airs February 4th—mark your calendar!

See all episodes of the Middle School Cafe Podcast here.

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Finding 'Just Right' Books: Cultivating Lifelong Readers [Ep. 44]

Episode 44

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 • Duration 21:37

Helping students find their “just right” book is one of the most powerful ways we can nurture lifelong readers. In this episode, I’m sharing practical strategies to match students with books that fit both their reading level and personal interests—so reading feels enjoyable, not like a task. You’ll learn how to use book talks to build anticipation, how to make the most of your classroom and school library, and why access and choice matter more than levels alone. Whether you're launching independent reading or supporting students who haven’t found their “thing” yet, this episode will help you create a reading culture that inspires curiosity and confidence.

Read more in the show notes.

Helpful Resources:

Related episodes and blog posts:

The Power of Teacher Book Talks: Igniting a Passion for Reading [Ep. 43]

Episode 43

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 • Duration 23:55

In a world full of distractions—social media, video games, and viral content—getting students excited about reading can feel tough. But teacher book talks might be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, I’m sharing how teacher-led book talks act like movie trailers for books, sparking curiosity, building anticipation, and showing students that reading can be just as exciting as their favorite screen time. You’ll learn practical tips for choosing the right books to talk about, how to deliver engaging teasers, and ways to weave book talks into your weekly routine. Whether you're looking to hook reluctant readers or build buzz around your classroom library, this episode will help you ignite a passion for reading that lasts.

Related resources and information for this episode

Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group.

Using Routines and Procedures in the Classroom to Build Classroom Community [Ep. 42]

Episode 42

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 • Duration 19:25

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.

Read more in the show notes.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Back to School Activity Pack for ELA

Related episodes and blog posts:

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: Facebook page: Instagram: TPT Shop:

Unique Reading Engagement Ideas with Katie from Mochas and Markbooks [Ep. 40]

Episode 40

Tuesday, August 22, 2023 • Duration 40:47

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.

Read more in the show notes.

Get to Know Katie from Mochas and Markbooks
Katie teaches high school English at an Indigenous private school in Northern Ontario, Canada. In addition to her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education, she has Alternative Education and Reading Specialist additional qualifications. She also runs a Teacher Instagram and is a TpT Teacher-Author. In addition to teaching, she has also worked as a School Literacy Lead, and has been contracted as an Educational Resource Creator, Educational Consultant, and Digital Creator. When she’s not in the classroom, Katie loves spending time with her husband and two sons, and enjoys going for coffee with friends.

Connect with Katie

Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Facebook2

Instagram6

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Facebook2

Instagram6