Testing Season: Managing Stress and Setting Up Students for Success [Ep. 22] Artwork

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

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

Testing Season: Managing Stress and Setting Up Students for Success [Ep. 22]

April 11, 2023 • Carolyn Wahl - Middle School ELA • Episode 22

It’s that time of year again—state testing season. But just because testing is on the calendar doesn’t mean the next few weeks have to be filled with stress and pressure. In this episode, I’m sharing how I approach state testing in my classroom, with simple strategies that keep students calm, focused, and ready to do their best—without burning them out.

From building a positive classroom environment to shifting your mindset around test prep, these are the small but meaningful changes that help students feel supported, not stressed. If you're looking for ways to approach testing season with more intention and less anxiety, this episode is here to help.