Beyond the Paragraph: Teaching Writing in Middle School with Structure

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• Before Planning in the Fall, Give This a Listen Ep. 28 07.06.2026 15dk

  It's a Deep Thoughts day, and I want to push on something most of us have never stopped to question: the order we plan our ELA year in. In this episode I get into how to intertwine reading and writing: how to get students reading like writers instead of scanning for comprehension answers, how your writing lessons can cover your RL and RI standards at the same time, and how many full novels I actually teach in a year (with a nod to Kelly Gallagher on reading volume). Writing is the spine...
• Why Grammar Isn't Transferring to Student Writing (And How To Fix It) Ep. 27 19.04.2026 43dk

  Grammar instruction is one of those topics that sounds simple… until you’re actually in the classroom trying to make it stick. You’ve probably heard “teach grammar in context” a hundred times, but what does that really look like in practice? And why do students who can ace a grammar worksheet still ignore those same skills in their writing? Frustrating!! In this episode, I’m digging into the tension between teaching grammar explicitly and teaching it in context, and why the real answer...
• Writing Test Prep That Actually Works: CER + Collaboration Ep. 26 12.03.2026 24dk

  State testing season is coming… but test prep doesn’t have to mean endless practice tests. In this video, I share some of the most effective ways to prepare students for the writing portion of the state test, especially the performance task where students must write essays and constructed responses. Instead of rushing through digital practice tests, I’ll show you how to turn test prep into meaningful learning activities that build real writing skills. You’ll learn how to: • Use CER (Claim...
• RACE Writing Strategy vs C.E.R.: Which Strategy Works Better? Ep. 25 05.02.2026 21dk

  In this episode, I compare the RACE writing strategy and the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) framework to help you decide which approach works better for students. I explain why I moved away from RACE and now use CER across all subjects, including ELA, science, and social studies. You’ll see how CER simplifies constructed responses, strengthens student reasoning, and creates one consistent writing system for the entire school day. If you’re looking for a clearer, more effective way to teach ...
• How to Teach Writing with a "Skills First" Approach Ep. 24 25.01.2026 17dk

  In this episode, I explain how I teach writing using a skills-first approach, and why strong writing instruction shouldn’t start with essays. Instead of working backward from essay types alone, I focus on building foundational writing skills that transfer to every genre, every subject, and every state test. I break down how I structure writing instruction across the year so students practice what matters most before essays ever begin. I share: What a skills-first writing program actually look...
• Curriculum Changes Coming in 2026 for Structured Writing (Grades 4–8) Ep. 23 18.01.2026 22dk

  In this episode, I’m sharing what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what’s evolving in my Structured Writing program for 2026. After a short break, I reflect on where writing instruction feels different right now, especially as more teachers are rethinking digital tools, screen time, and the return to physical notebooks. I talk through new research that’s shaping my thinking, including insights from The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, and how it’s influencing the way I de...
• How to Refresh Your Mid-Year Writing Routine Ep. 22 30.11.2025 13dk

  If you teach writing in grades 4-8, you know the mid-year engagement slump is real! Here are 3 ways to get them energized again and back on track! Go here to grab your free month of editing tasks! https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/f1cxq5jv49 Prediction doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Px3b_U0zgjwmSxlxWejSdvlCsL8twtE4xAhsX8tGFqc/edit?usp=sharing 🚨Grab the first module of my PD for free here: https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/s960w0ymr9 Thoughts? Questi...
• Letting Students Use A.I. for Writing? Consider this... Ep. 21 15.11.2025 24dk

  There is no one correct way to handle A.I. use in the classroom. But let's have grace with each other as we grapple with this huge issue facing educators. There is so much to consider... and that's what I'm tackling today. Here are some A.I. tools you may want to check out: Class Companion: https://classcompanion.com/ Snorkl: https://snorkl.app/ 🚨Grab my writing PD Crash Course for free here 📝 Looking for writing professional development? My 10-module video course will walk you through AL...
• Why Fun Writing Prompts Do Not = Engagement Ep. 20 03.11.2025 10dk

  Sure, writing prompts are fun, but when it comes to true engagement, cute activities and digital games can only take your students so far. In this episode, I break down why short-term motivators are the “green tea diets” of writing instruction, and how to build something more sustainable. Learn what actually keeps students hooked all year long: ownership, structure, student leadership, and a workshop that feels like home. Happy writing, Robin Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text messag...
• Why October Is the Secret Weapon for Your Writing Workshop Ep. 19 13.10.2025 13dk

  October is pure magic for writing teachers...if you use it right. 🕯️ In this episode, I’m sharing why you should lean into spooky writing this month (and not just because it’s fun). You’ll learn how Halloween-themed prompts can teach real craft skills like suspense, pacing, and voice… and how they can completely turn around reluctant writers. I’ll walk you through my favorite October classroom activities: persuasive “Change My Mind” debates, Stranger Things-style story prompts, and a hilariou...
• Teaching Hooks: I'm Sharing the Secret! Ep. 18 28.09.2025 23dk

  In this episode, I start with a student story that proves just how powerful a hook can be, and then we dig into the real work of teaching them. You’ll hear my philosophy on why hooks aren’t just “sentence starters,” why rhetorical questions are only training wheels (and how to move past them), and the one secret that makes kids lean in with curiosity. Plus, I’ll explain how keeping cognitive load low is the key to helping every student succeed. And finally, you can Hook Hop! Here's your Teach...
• "The UNICORN of Writing" Ep. 17 21.09.2025 20dk

  In this episode, I share the story behind one teacher’s phrase “the unicorn of writing” and unpack what that really means. We’ll explore why writing instruction so often feels frustrating, what qualities a true “unicorn” approach would have, and the small shifts you can make to bring some of that magic into your own classroom. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of reluctant writers turning a corner, and I’ll leave you with a few practical strategies you can try tomorrow. Grab your crash cours...
• Are You Teaching Essays The Wrong Way? Ep. 16 14.09.2025 16dk

  What if your students could experience essay structure instead of just being told about it? In this episode, I introduce The Rebuild Relay, which is a constructivist teaching method that gets students moving, problem-solving, and teaching each other. You’ll hear how it works with a 7th grade argumentative essay, why it’s more effective than reading the rubric aloud, and how it can be adapted for younger learners with a fun Detective & Informant twist. Plus, I’ll share ways this stra...
• The Structured Writer’s Workshop™ CRASH COURSE! Learn how to make writing instruction structured and engaging in under 60 minutes Ep.15 31.08.2025 53dk

  In this 60-minute audiobook, you’ll learn the complete framework behind the Structured Writer’s Workshop™, a structured approach that helps students in grades 4–8 become confident, independent writers. They also LOVE it. Why This Workshop Is Different I’m not just a teacher, I’m also a published author of children’s books with Disney-Hyperion, HarperCollins, and Houghton Mifflin. What I learned from working with editors and revising manuscripts under tight deadlines transformed the way ...
• Revolutionizing Student Writing: Beyond the 4x4 Classroom 17.08.2025 31dk

  The writing crisis in American classrooms isn't due to lack of teacher effort, it's our instructional model. When the Nation's Report Card reveals only 27% of eighth graders scoring proficient in writing, we need to examine what's really happening in our classrooms. After spending nearly a decade away from teaching to become a professional writer, I returned to education as a "fish out of water," shocked by both how writing instruction had changed and how my professional writing experience c...
• THIS is The Secret Ingredient for Better Writing Across All Subjects Ep. 13 27.07.2025 28dk

  In this episode, I’m diving into why CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) is the ultimate pivot skill. It’s not just for ELA. Students can use it in science, history, short responses, and full essays—and the more they practice it, the more confident and structured their writing becomes. You’ll hear how I scaffold it with sentence frames, expand it with an “Explain in your own words” step, and enrich it with a hook and a powerful closing statement. No matter your experience with CER, you’ll ...
• Before the Rubrics: What to Teach the FIRST WEEK of Writing Ep. 12 20.07.2025 35dk

  When it comes to writing instruction, the first week can make or break your year. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I start the school year in my writing classroom. You'll hear about the phone call I make before students ever step through the door, and the voice lesson my students beg to do again. I’m sharing: The one question I ask families that tells me everything about a student’s writing mindsetHow I get an honest, messy, meaningful baseline writing sampleWhy I don’t op...
• The Science of Writing: My Hunt for Research-Based Writing Instruction in Middle School Ep. 11 13.07.2025 21dk

  This episode is the audio from one of my most popular YouTube videos, so if you hear me say “look at this” or reference something on screen, don’t worry! I've linked the full video below! In this deep dive, I unpack what I discovered after listening to the Sold a Story podcast and asking myself a big question: Where’s the research on writing instruction? Spoiler alert: it’s complicated. But I share what I found, what’s missing, and what we can do right now to teach writing with more clarity a...
• Don't Ask Comprehension Questions When Reading a Novel: The Brilliance of TRACKING Ep 10 06.07.2025 23dk

  Traditional comprehension questions are holding your students back. It’s time for a shift. This method flips the script on how we approach novel studies and writing in middle school, moving beyond recall questions and into deep, authentic engagement. Instead of asking students to remember what happened, this strategy teaches them to track what matters. By gathering purposeful evidence on theme, characterization, world-building, and author’s craft as they read, students naturally build the fou...
• Stop Teaching Narrative Essays First: My Game-Changing Essay Sequence for Grades 4–8 Ep.9 30.06.2025 30dk

  What if the reason your students hate writing isn’t because they’re unmotivated but because you’re asking them to do too much, too soon? In this episode, I’m breaking down why I stopped starting the year with narrative writing and how changing the order of essay instruction completely transformed my classroom. I’ll walk you through the exact essay sequence I use, why it works, and how each step builds skills (and confidence) without overwhelming students. If you’ve ever felt like writing in...