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.

Genre Resources you may find helpful:

• Literary Genre Review Scavenger Hunt
• Reading Genre Posters

Related episodes and blog posts:

• Book Talks 101: A Simple Guide for Middle School ELA Teachers
• Reduce Reading Anxiety and Support Struggling Readers
• 4 Strategies for Productive Independent Reading In Middle School

Join me this summer at these free PD events: Annotated ELA, MSELA, and Joyful Reading. Click the link below for more details!

Summer PD Your Way!

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

Independent reading doesn’t have to disappear just because your district moved to a canned curriculum. In this episode, I share how reading challenges can be a flexible, low-pressure way to keep middle and high-level readers engaged—even when you’re teaching from a required program.

You’ll hear practical ideas for making reading challenges work in a busy classroom, suggestions for creating prompts that connect to your curriculum themes, and ways to recognize student effort without relying on rewards or prizes. I also share small classroom roles that give students voice and ownership in the classroom reading routine.

Whether you’re already using independent reading or looking for a manageable way to reintroduce it, this episode offers strategies that honor student choice and help you keep reading meaningful—all while sticking to your district pacing guide.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a reading challenge really is (and isn’t)
• Why this approach works well for your mid to stronger readers
• Creative ways to build connections between challenges and curriculum themes
• How to give students voice through small classroom roles
• Ideas for recognizing effort and reflection (and no, it's not candy!)
  
  

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 45: Why Independent Reading Still Matters—Even with a Canned Curriculum
  Middle School ELA Summit – Attend for Free

Join me this summer at 1 (or more) online ELA PD events: Annotated ELA, MSELA, and Joyful Reading Summits. Practical strategies for grades 6–10 teachers. Click the link below for all the details!

Summer PD Your Way!

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

As the school year wraps up, it’s not just our students who benefit from reflection—we do, too. In this episode, I’m taking a step back to do my own end of year reflection. I’m sharing what worked in my classroom this year and what I’ve decided to leave behind. From managing tech use to reconnecting with parents through positive communication, I’ll walk you through the shifts I’m making for next year—and why.

Whether you’re still finishing grades or already sipping iced coffee in full summer mode, I hope this teacher reflection gives you space to pause, celebrate your wins, and think ahead to the kind of classroom you want to build next.

Join me this summer at 1 (or more) online ELA PD events: Annotated ELA, MSELA, and Joyful Reading Summits. Practical strategies for grades 6–10 teachers. Click the link below for all the details!

Summer PD Your Way!

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