Beyond the Paragraph: Teaching Writing in Middle School with Structure

Why Grammar Isn't Transferring to Student Writing (And How To Fix It) Ep. 27

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 isn’t choosing one or the other. I’ll walk you through what’s actually going wrong, why grammar often doesn’t transfer, and how to turn grammar into something students use naturally as they write… not just something they memorize and forget. If you’ve ever felt like your students “know it” but aren’t applying it, this will give you a completely different way to think about grammar instruction. The goal is simple, but powerful… grammar should make writing stronger, not more confusing. And when you build it into a clear system, it finally starts to stick. Need resources? Here’s everything I mentioned: 5 Modes of Writing FREEBIE! [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/axetbfva54] 📚 Yearlong Writing Curriculum 👉 5th Grade [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5th-Grade-Writing-Curriculum-Daily-ELA-Warmups-Essays-CER-Practice-Bell-ringers-11532393] 👉 6th Grade [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/6th-Grade-Writing-Curriculum-CER-ELA-Daily-Warm-Ups-Essay-Graphic-Organizers-8479821] 👉 7th Grade [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/7th-Grade-Writing-Curriculum-Workshop-CER-Writing-Skills-Full-Year-Essay-Writing-11529661] 👉 8th Grade [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/8th-Grade-Writing-Curriculum-Essays-CER-Writing-Skills-Lessons-Daily-ELA-Warm-up-14115047] 🧠 Pause & Prove Cards [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Comprehension-Questions-Exit-Ticket-Check-Understanding-Writing-Prompts-15499533] ✏️ 4th Grade Grammar Pack [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Complete-Grammar-Curriculum-4th-Grade-All-Language-Standards-Grammar-Review-16047474]  Already have the full-year curriculum and want access to the Google Drive? 📩 Just email a screenshot of your purchase to: robin@structuredwritingteacher.com  Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506812/fan_mail/new] ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/gcuy5w12mz] 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/xb3bgoc28f] (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thestructuredwritingteacher] 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas [https://structuredwritingteacher.com/blog]  HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

Writing Test Prep That Actually Works: CER + Collaboration Ep. 26

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, Evidence, Reasoning) to prepare students for constructed responses • Help students practice argument writing and thesis statements before the test • Turn digital questions into collaborative whiteboard activities • Use task card games like Scoot to review grammar and reading skills • Get students to explain their thinking and eliminate wrong answers These strategies help students go deeper with their learning, instead of skimming the surface during test prep. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the upcoming 5th Grade Structured Writing Curriculum and see examples of activities you can use right away. 📌 Resources mentioned in the video: Chicken Foot Thesis Writing [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thesis-Statement-Worksheets-Middle-School-Argumentative-Writing-Thesis-Practice-13134407] Brain Battle [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ELA-Sentence-Games-Test-Prep-ELA-Grammar-Activities-5th-grade-8581313] Scoot [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ELA-Test-Prep-Grammar-Task-Cards-Claims-Evidence-Reasoning-Practice-Grammar-Game-9295060] Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506812/fan_mail/new] ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/gcuy5w12mz] 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/xb3bgoc28f] (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thestructuredwritingteacher] 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas [https://structuredwritingteacher.com/blog]  HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

RACE Writing Strategy vs C.E.R.: Which Strategy Works Better? Ep. 25

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 evidence-based writing, this shift might be the game changer you need. Looking for full-year writing programs that get results?? Go HERE. [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-structured-writing-teacher/category-full-year-writing-curriculum-1459610]  Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506812/fan_mail/new] ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/gcuy5w12mz] 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/xb3bgoc28f] (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thestructuredwritingteacher] 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas [https://structuredwritingteacher.com/blog]  HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

How to Teach Writing with a "Skills First" Approach Ep. 24

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 looks like in grades 4–8 * The six core writing skills my students practice all year (and why the first three matter most) * How daily sentence combining improves grammar, sentence structure, and clarity * Why quick writes eliminate writer’s block and build writing stamina * How I use CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) instead of RACE across ELA, science, and social studies * How I teach essay structure by deconstructing student writing, not memorizing formulas * Why short, focused essay cycles lead to stronger writing and less grading * How this approach builds real confidence before state testing I also share one of my favorite end-of-year moments, when students rewrite a piece from the first week of school and see just how much their writing has changed. If you’re looking for a clearer, more effective way to teach writing in upper elementary or middle school, this episode walks you through the structure, routines, and mindset behind a skills-first writing classroom. Recommended for: Grades 4–8 teachers, ELA teachers, writing coaches, and homeschool educators Ready to dive into my full year curriculum? Go HERE. [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-structured-writing-teacher/category-full-year-writing-curriculum-1459610] Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506812/fan_mail/new] ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/gcuy5w12mz] 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/xb3bgoc28f] (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thestructuredwritingteacher] 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas [https://structuredwritingteacher.com/blog]  HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com

Curriculum Changes Coming in 2026 for Structured Writing (Grades 4–8) Ep. 23

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 design writing instruction. You’ll hear updates on: * The shift toward a One-Click Curriculum that makes materials easier to find and use * How daily warm-ups and quick writes are expanding to include story starters * Why creative writing and voice matter more than ever * A new Reading Lab format that brings structured discussion into reading instruction * How CER is being intentionally connected across ELA, science, history, and math * What’s coming next for grades 4 through 8 This episode is especially helpful if you teach upper elementary or middle school and are thinking about how to balance structure, creativity, and meaningful writing practice in the year ahead. Interested in my full writing curriculum? Go HERE. [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-structured-writing-teacher/category-full-year-writing-curriculum-1459610] Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2506812/fan_mail/new] ➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/gcuy5w12mz] 📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free [https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/xb3bgoc28f] (it includes my eBook!) 🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thestructuredwritingteacher] 📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas [https://structuredwritingteacher.com/blog]  HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at robin@structuredwritingteacher.com