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!

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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.

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This week, we're continuing the conversation on student reflection — and taking it to the next level. If you've already tried strategies like Stop and Jot or sketch notes, this episode is all about how to help students reflect more deeply on what they read and recognize their growth over time.

I'm sharing easy ways to incorporate structured reflection into your reading routine through weekly check-ins, student-led book talks, one-on-one reading conferences, and end-of-unit reflections. These strategies are practical, flexible, and meaningful.

I’ve also linked a few done-for-you resources, blog posts, and past episodes to help you put these ideas into practice. Tune in and grab some fresh ideas for building confident, reflective readers in your classroom.

Student Reflection Resources you may find helpful:

• Weekly Reading Reflection Sheets
• Reading Response Logs
• Student Led Book Talks
• End of Unit Reflection Sheets
• Visual Student Reflections

Related episodes and blog posts:

• Make Reflection Part of your Reading Routine
• Student-Led Book Talks: A Meaningful Way to Keep Students Reading
• 4 Strategies for Productive Independent Reading in Middle School
• Empowering Students with Reflection Opportunities

Website: https://middleschoolcafe.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondaryela
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolcafe
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