Best Ela Curriculum Podcasts (2025)

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Bonus Episode: Following History's Stories, on Film | History Matters Podcast 17:33

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4h ago17:33

17:33

Thirteen colonies rose up, rebelled against an Empire, and won their independence. These unlikely victors built a new nation on democratic principles that inspired similar movements around the world. How should we tell the story of our nation’s founding? Guests Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, who co-directed The American Revolution with Ken Burns…

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Episode 370: The Gratitude Writing Activity Your Students Will Actually Love 13:56

4h ago13:56

13:56

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving can feel chaotic — high energy, low focus, zero attention span. But what if it didn’t have to be survival mode? In today’s episode, Caitlin shares a simple gratitude writing project that transforms that busy pre-break day into one of the most meaningful moments of your school year. It’s low-prep, highly engaging, a…

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Episode 369: Monday Mindset: The Hard Truth You Need to Hear 10:37

5h ago10:37

10:37

This week’s Monday Mindset episode dives into one of the hardest parts of personal growth: facing the truths we’ve been avoiding. Caitlin opens up about the “mirror moments” in her life — times when uncomfortable honesty led to deep healing, stronger leadership, and real transformation. Whether you’re a teacher navigating what’s not working in your…

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Placing Text at the Center of the Primary Classroom with Meghan Hein 40:00

2h ago40:00

40:00

Episode 240 Primary teacher Meghan Hein shares how she keeps the text front and center of learning. She discusses the shift from a skills-based focus to an approach where meaning-making drives instruction. The conversation highlights practical strategies for teachers to build knowledge through texts and create a more authentic learning experience. …

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Fine, We Can Game-ify Reading (But No Gimmicks!) - BNT Team Meeting [Episode 275] 31:56

9h ago31:56

31:56

Consider this your official invite to our Brave New Teaching team meeting! We’re catching you up on life, sharing what’s happening in our classrooms and libraries, and digging into why fun and whimsy are essential for bringing joy back to reading. We talk about the real challenges of getting students excited about books, our evolving thoughts on “g…

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Curiosity That Goes Beyond the Classroom | History Matters Podcast 16:39

6d ago16:39

16:39

In Thermopolis, Wyoming, second-grade students love learning about the War of 1812, from the swashbuckling sea battles off the coast of Louisiana to the bombardment at Maryland’s Fort McHenry that inspired the “Star-Spangled Banner”—engaging lessons that build knowledge alongside literary and historical thinking skills. This type of learning is pow…

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Episode 368: Still Using This Simple Idea from 2015 in Your Writing Lessons? 14:14

6h ago14:14

14:14

If your students seem “allergic” to writing — or if teaching writing feels like it’s eating your entire prep time — today's Teaching Middle School ELA episode will completely shift how you see the problem. Caitlin breaks down the simple structure-behind-choice system that skyrockets engagement, eliminates chaos, and actually saves you time. If you’…

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How Nonfiction Pairings Build Understanding and Reading Success [Ep 65] 13:36

7d ago13:36

13:36

Looking for new ways to make reading more meaningful? In this episode, we’ll explore how pairing fiction and nonfiction can benefit all readers, helping every student, from those who need a little more support to those ready for deeper analysis, make stronger connections and think more critically. Together, these texts can deepen comprehension, bui…

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Episode 367: Monday Mindset: Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor 12:46

3h ago12:46

12:46

If you’ve ever felt the slow creep of burnout — the shrinking energy, the growing to-do list, the joy that quietly slips away — this episode is going to hit home. Caitlin opens up about her own “burnout wake-up call” in the classroom and the simple but powerful non-negotiables that helped her reclaim her time, energy, and purpose. Whether you’re a …

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[Listen Again] Placing Text at the Center of the ELA Classroom (Updated) 59:19

12d ago59:19

59:19

Episode 37 The article Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom is a must-read — before or after you listen to this episode! Meredith Liben and Sue Pimentel join us to unpack the true intentions behind the Common Core State Standards and how they’ve sometimes been misinterpreted in practice. They share what they’ve observed…

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Family-Friendly Events: Bingo, Cookies, And Community Connection 7:16

12d ago7:16

7:16

We share details for Family Fall Fun Night at Washington West with activities that welcome every family and student, plus what’s ahead with Cookies with Santa and an affordable Holiday Shop. Volunteers, prizes, and simple traditions build a warm, inclusive school community. • Family Fall Fun Night on Friday 5:30–7 pm at Washington West • Bingo with…

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Celebrating Academic Excellence At Olean High School 12:52

14d ago12:52

12:52

Recognition shouldn’t be rare—or reserved for a select few. We sit down with social studies teacher and Olean parent Joelle Perry to share how a homegrown honor roll celebration turned quiet effort into visible pride, grew participation to hundreds of students, and set a new standard for academic culture at Olean High School. Joelle traces the spar…

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The Four Questions That Make History Come Alive | History Matters Podcast 17:39

14d ago17:39

17:39

Many teachers build history lessons on primary sources like letters and legal documents. But without context and historical thinking skills, students can’t make much meaning from them, say guests Jon Bassett and Gary Shiffman, co-founders of the Four Question Method for history instruction. “Primary sources, for us, are ways to practice doing what …

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Episode 366: How to Teach Writing With Confidence (Even If You Feel Like a Fraud) 25:18

15d ago25:18

25:18

Teaching writing doesn’t have to feel hard — it just takes one mindset shift and a clear framework. In today's Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode, Caitlin shares how to trust yourself, your system, and your students so teaching writing feels calm, confident, and easy. Tune in and discover how to step into your power as a writing teacher!…

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Episode 365: Monday Mindset: Feeling Stuck? This Episode Will Help You See Why That’s a Good Thing. 6:45

16d ago6:45

6:45

You know that uncomfortable middle space — where you can see the vision of who you’re becoming, but you’re not quite there yet? That’s what today’s episode is all about. Caitlin opens up about her own season of “in-between,” where growth felt slow and uncertain — and how she learned to see that space not as wasted time, but as sacred ground for tra…

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Helping Students Read Entire Books with Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway 53:47

19d ago53:47

53:47

Episode 239 Experts Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway join Melissa & Lori to tackle one of the biggest questions in teaching today: What happened to reading whole books in school? From the pull of digital distractions to the rise of skill-focused instruction, they explore why diving into full texts matters more than ever. You’ll hear in…

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Stop Using RACE: The Better Writing Framework Students Actually Understand 16:16

20d ago16:16

16:16

In today’s episode, Caitlin dives into why the RACE formula falls short for essay writing—and how the EBW Approach takes students from “answering questions” to thinking like real writers. You’ll learn how to recognize when your students are ready to level up, and what simple steps to take to help them move from summary to true analysis. -----------…

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Slavery in the Constitution 40:38

14d ago40:38

40:38

By Learning for Justice (Host: Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries)

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Building Teachers' Historical Knowledge | History Matters Podcast 15:28

2d ago15:28

15:28

What do teachers need to successfully teach high-quality history lessons in elementary school? A strong curriculum is a great start, but teachers also need aligned professional learning and time to dig in and build the content knowledge that supports confident instruction, says guest Courtney Dumas. In this episode, she explains how her organizatio…

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Episode 364: Make Writing Feel Easy Again: 3 Simple Systems That Actually Work 29:57

6d ago29:57

29:57

Today, on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin breaks down exactly why writing feels overwhelming — and how the problem isn’t you, it’s the system. You’ll discover three simple, teacher-tested frameworks that will help you: ✅ Simplify writing instruction without reinventing the wheel ✅ Give faster, more meaningful feedback ✅ Bring fun (a…

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How to Use Nonfiction to Engage Reluctant Readers [Ep. 64] 12:38

22d ago12:38

12:38

Nonfiction doesn’t have to be dry or something students just “get through.” In this episode, we’ll share how high-interest nonfiction can spark curiosity, build confidence, and help even the most reluctant readers see themselves as capable readers. You’ll hear why nonfiction belongs in everyday reading instruction, not just as a single unit, and ho…

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Episode 363: Monday Mindset: What Courage Looks Like in the Classroom (Hint: It’s Not Loud) 9:09

7d ago9:09

9:09

When we think of courage, we often picture grand, dramatic moments — standing up to someone, taking a huge leap, or making a bold change. But in today’s Monday Mindset episode, we’re exploring a different kind of courage — the quiet, everyday kind that often goes unseen. Caitlin shares her own story of rebuilding confidence and identity after a lon…

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Episode 362: The Mystery Basket Game That Turns Any Lesson Into a Competition 10:31

27d ago10:31

10:31

Ready to turn ordinary review time into pure excitement? In today’s episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, we’re bringing you another hit from our Classroom Games Series: Mystery Baskets 🧺✨ This activity works with any ELA concept—grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, root words, you name it—and adds just the right amount of suspense and …

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Massachusetts' Big Move on Elementary History | History Matters Podcast 17:03

29d ago17:03

17:03

In Medway, Massachusetts, “social studies is a subject to be valued,” fifth-grade teacher Jennifer Lindsey explains in this episode. “It’s the place to teach kids how to talk to each other and negotiate conversations and digest information and form an opinion—but also listen to others’ opinions and back that up with evidence,” she says. This conten…

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Episode 361: How to Fix Classroom Culture Fast (Without Starting Over) 43:30

14d ago43:30

43:30

Your classroom culture starts with you. 💛 In this week’s episode, Caitlin shares three powerful mindset shifts that can completely transform how you show up—for yourself and your students. Tune in to discover how small inner changes can create big outer results. From Mark Traver's article: A Psychologist Shares The ‘90-Second Rule’ To Survive Emoti…

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Why Morphology Matters for Word Reading and More with Melissa Orkin and Alex Osburn 1:09:42

27d ago1:09:42

1:09:42

Episode 238 What if the “secret sauce” to reading big words isn’t just syllables, but also morphemes? In this episode, Melissa Orkin and Alex Osburn share why morphology is essential, especially in grades 3–6, and how it bridges word reading, vocabulary, and comprehension. They dig into practical strategies for teaching morphology, from explicit ro…

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Episode 360: The Knockout Game That Makes Review Days 10x More Fun 9:30

1M ago9:30

9:30

Welcome back to our Games Series! Today, we’re bringing the energy with one of the most exciting review games you’ll ever play in your ELA classroom—Knockout. This game transforms any concept—whether it’s text structures, grammar, or figurative language—into a high-stakes, fast-paced classroom battle. Students aren’t just answering questions; they’…

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TEACHING DYSTOPIA: Our NEW Favorite Stories & Protagonists [Ep 274] 32:19

1M ago32:19

32:19

Think you’ve seen all the dystopia books out there? Think again! In part three of our “Teaching Dystopia” series, we share hidden gems, fresh picks, and classics, from middle grade survival stories to YA novels exploring climate change and government control. We highlight favorites like Alone and Station Eleven, plus TV and movie options like The S…

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History Can’t Wait Until High School | History Matters Podcast 17:19

1M ago17:19

17:19

In the typical American high school, 9th-grade history students are expected to dive into the historical content, grapple with complex ideas, and engage in deep inquiry. But teenage students often lack the historical knowledge such tasks require. If you haven’t learned much about the Civil War, for example, you won’t be ready to discuss whether the…

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The Free Halloween Escape Room Your Students Will Freak Out Over 10:32

1M ago10:32

10:32

Halloween week in middle school can feel like complete chaos—costumes, candy, and zero focus. But what if you could channel that energy into something productive and fun? In this special bonus episode, Caitlin shares a free, done-for-you Haunted Forest Escape Room that keeps your students engaged, practicing key ELA skills, and (miraculously!) on t…

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Building Better Readers with Short Stories [Ep. 63] 11:25

1M ago11:25

11:25

Short stories are quick to read but powerful when used with purpose. In this episode, we’ll look at how short texts can strengthen reading skills, spark discussion, and build confidence for even the most hesitant readers. You’ll discover how these smaller pieces can fit naturally into your curriculum, giving students frequent opportunities to think…

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Episode 359: The Treasure Hunt Review Game That Keeps Students Begging for More 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

Welcome back to our Games Series! Today’s episode is all about Digging for Treasure — a review game that brings all the excitement of Battleship straight into your ELA classroom. With every correct answer, students get to “dig” for hidden treasures on their grids, turning grammar, vocabulary, and figurative language practice into a fast-paced, stra…

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TEACHING DYSTOPIA: A Spotlight for Juxtaposition [Ep 273] 28:04

1M ago28:04

28:04

Have you ever felt like dystopia is the genre that just keeps on giving? In part two of our dystopia series, we focus on the essential skills that make these texts come alive in your classroom, showing why depth beats covering everything superficially. We explore how teaching students to notice author moves like juxtaposition helps them analyze ten…

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The Power of Historical Knowledge | History Matters Podcast 16:55

1M ago16:55

16:55

The more history young students know, the more they want to know. That’s one of the joyful discoveries that elementary teachers are making in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. In this episode, guests Angela Barfoot and Lauren Cascio describe the rewards of using Bayou Bridges, a content-rich, knowledge-building social studies curriculum, in combination w…

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Episode 358: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Teachers 27:30

1M ago27:30

27:30

In this episode, we’re tackling something every teacher faces — comparison. Whether it’s classroom decor, lesson ideas, or student success stories, it’s so easy to look at others and feel like we’re falling short. But here’s the truth: your classroom doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Your journey doesn’t have to match another teacher’s path.…

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What Makes Great Elementary History Curriculum | History Matters Podcast 15:40

1M ago15:40

15:40

Teaching history involves balance: too many facts and it’s boring, too few and students don’t have enough information to make sense of what they’ve learned. In this episode, host Barbara Davidson speaks with Sean Dimond, a former middle-school teacher and Louisiana state social studies director who is now senior social studies editor at the Core Kn…

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Research-Based Routines for Multisyllabic Word Reading with Jessica Toste and Brennan Chandler 1:00:02

27d ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Episode 237 Teachers know the challenge: students hit multisyllabic words and suddenly reading slows down. In this episode, researchers Jessica Toste and Brennan Chandler share research-based routines that make multisyllabic word reading easier, more automatic, and more effective. You’ll hear practical strategies rooted in the research to help your…

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Episode 357: The Game That Turns Vocabulary, Grammar, and More Into Student Obsessions 8:46

2M ago8:46

8:46

In this episode, Caitlin breaks down exactly how to bring this hilarious, energy-packed game into your ELA classroom — from simple icebreakers and vocabulary swaps to full-on academic reviews. You’ll learn creative ways to adapt the rules, sneak in rigorous practice, and keep your students begging for “just one more round.” So if you’re looking for…

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TEACHING DYSTOPIA: New Essential Questions to Try [Ep 272] 30:16

1M ago30:16

30:16

Ready to refresh your dystopia unit? In this episode, we explore how to make the genre feel fresh, relevant, and engaging for today’s students by rethinking essential questions and diving deeper into structure, theme, and skill connections. From moving beyond the classic “Is America a dystopia?” debate to exploring what it means to rebuild a broken…

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Ten More … Film and the History of Slavery 21:31

2M ago21:31

21:31

Film historian Ron Briley returns with more suggestions for teaching through film — from thought-provoking documentaries and feature films to miniseries. Spanning productions from the works of Ken Burns to the blockbuster Black Panther, this episode offers essential background information and practical strategies. Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph…

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Episode 356: Stop Staring at the Mountain in Front of You: Do This Instead 25:35

2M ago25:35

25:35

Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate—lesson planning, grading, or just making it through the week? You’re not alone. In this Tuesday episode, Caitlin shares a powerful mindset shift that can completely change how you approach both teaching and life: the power of micro-wins. Instead of staring at the mountain in front of you and feeling s…

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Boost Student Focus with Reading Sprints for Independent Reading [Ep. 62] 10:25

2M ago10:25

10:25

By Carolyn Wahl - Middle School ELA

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Episode 355: ELA Games Series: Why Bluffing Might Be the Most Fun Way to Practice ELA 6:51

2M ago6:51

6:51

Today on the Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, we’re bringing you one of our favorite high-energy classroom activities: The Bluff Game – Language Arts Edition! 🙌 This fast-paced game is perfect for practicing vocabulary, grammar, reading skills, and more—all while keeping your students on their feet (literally!) and fully engaged. Whether they tr…

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Inside Olean High’s Library with Brionna Howard: How “Book Tastings” Lit a Spark and Quadrupled Checkouts 14:27

1M ago14:27

14:27

A quiet library turned into a buzzing café of curiosity—and it changed how students read. We sit down with Olean High School librarian Brianna Howard to unpack the “book tasting” that quadrupled circulation in a month, the power of visible mentorship, and the small choices that make reading feel irresistible instead of required. Starting as a socia…

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A Case for Teaching History in Elementary School | History Matters Podcast 15:44

2M ago15:44

15:44

Elementary schools spend almost no time teaching history. How did we get here, and how can we reprioritize this crucial foundation for literacy and knowledge? Host Barbara Davidson begins the eight-part “History Matters” podcast with a reflective and forward-looking conversation with guest Robert Pondiscio, an author and former fifth-grade teacher …

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Episode 354: ChatGPT Series: 3 ChatGPT Shortcuts Every ELA Teacher Needs to Save Hours on Prep 19:10

2M ago19:10

19:10

Tired of spending endless hours planning, grading, and creating materials? In today’s episode, Caitlin shares three powerful ways to use ChatGPT to cut prep time in half—without sacrificing quality or your unique teaching style. From drafting discussion questions to batch-prepping warm-ups, you’ll walk away with practical shortcuts you can start us…

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Quick Wins for Helping Students Pick a Just-Right Book [Bonus] 8:36

2M ago8:36

8:36

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 w…

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Reading Interventions for Upper Elementary with Catlin Goodrow 43:06

2M ago43:06

43:06

Episode 236 Catlin Goodrow discusses her role as a literacy coach and interventionist for older students, focusing on assessing student needs, implementing effective interventions, and the logistics of providing support in the classroom. She shares insights on decoding challenges, comprehension strategies, and the importance of engaging students wi…

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Episode 353: The Shortcut Narrative Unit: How to Get Powerful Stories in Just 10 Days 23:21

2M ago23:21

23:21

Narrative writing is such an important skill for middle schoolers—but let’s be honest, it often feels like it takes forever to teach. Before you know it, weeks (or even months!) are gone, and you’re scrambling to fit in argument and informational writing. In this episode, I discussed how to make narrative writing powerful and effective—without lett…

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Episode 352: ChatGPT Series: Differentiation Without the Extra Work 14:30

2M ago14:30

14:30

Differentiation doesn’t have to mean staying up late making three different versions of the same lesson. In this week’s Teaching Middle School episode, I shared how you can use ChatGPT to quickly create scaffolds, extensions, and tiered questions—so every student has a way into the learning without you doubling your workload. From rewriting texts a…