Calling all middle school language arts teachers! Teaching has become so overwhelming. It can be isolating at times, and it is sometimes difficult to get help when you need it. In this podcast, we will discuss the many complexities that middle school language arts teachers face. There will be tons of actionable ideas to help you simplify your planning, streamline your teaching, and enjoy more free time.
…
continue reading
A Queens forum billed as a discussion about diversity in city schools ultimately focused on one topic: the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT). And people in attendance at Queens Borough Hall were clear about how most of them felt about the controversial exam — they want to keep it. The crowd of mostly Asian-American alumni and parents called the test the fairest way to admit students to the city's elite specialized high schools. Many also pushed back against the notion that they ...
…
continue reading
In this hour, stories of testing one's own limitations and discovering new wells of strength and resolve. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Living on the 44th floor, Lucy Danser has to face her fear of elevators. Albert Fox C…
…
continue reading
Meg Wolitzer presents three stories in which plans go awry, or alter completely. In Ben Loory’s “Dandelions,” read by Wyatt Cenac, a suburb is invaded, and experiences a change of heart. Edwidge Danticat imagines an ultimate act and its consequences in “Cane and Roses,” read by Anika Noni Rose. And a romance with comic underpinnings changes course …
…
continue reading
We go back almost 100 years, to the beginning of women's inclusion in elite sports. It turns out that men had an odd variety of concerns about women athletes. Some doubted these athletes were even women at all. And their skepticism resulted in the first policies requiring sex testing. Tested is a six-part series, you can binge all the episodes now …
…
continue reading
New from NPR's Embedded podcast and CBC in Canada: Would you alter your body for the chance to compete for a gold medal? That's the question facing a small group of elite athletes right now. Last year, track and field authorities announced new regulations that mean some women can't compete in the female category unless they lower their body's natur…
…
continue reading
The Germans have a word for second-hand embarrassment -- Fremdschämen! This hour may have you blushing on our storytellers' behalves. Wince-worthy moments from the halls of academia to a foreign train station, and a reminder to ALWAYS check who you're emailing before you hit "send." This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Meg Bowles. The Mot…
…
continue reading
On this episode, we celebrate musicians with two stories about learning to play an instrument. Plus, we feature some music by Mazz Swift, recorded at a recent Moth Mainstage. Host: Michelle Jalowski Storytellers: Alistair Bane learns to play the guitar from a punk musician. Mari Black performs in a fiddle contest as a 6-year-old.…
…
continue reading
The new short story collection Highway Thirteen focuses on how one serial killer changes the lives of so many different people, from the families of victims to podcast hosts investigating the crimes, to actors starring in a movie adaptation. Author Fiona McFarlane joins us to discuss. *This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar.…
…
continue reading
In a new cookbook, food writer Kiano Moju fuses both Kenyan and Nigerian culinary traditions with Californian culture to create delicious, unique meals. She has recipes for Peri Peri Butter, Kijani Seafood Pilau, Berbere Braised Short Ribs and a Pili Pili Pineapple Margarita. Moju joins us to discuss her upbringing, love of cooking, and some of the…
…
continue reading
[REBROADCAST FROM May 16, 2024] Helen Rebanks' new memoir, The Farmer's Wife, discusses modern day life on her farm in pastoral England. She shares the life with her husband, four children and animals. Her sustainable lifestyle has inspired many, including actor and comedian Nick Offerman, who has worked as a farmhand for her. Both join to discuss …
…
continue reading
Host Meg Wolitzer presents two works that reassess and redefine our ideas of “the West.” It’s both a landscape of awesome beauty, and the scene of cultural appropriation, and we’ve got two masters sharing and shaping our experience. In Louise Erdrich’s “The Hollow Children” a natural disaster tests family ties. It’s read by Tate Donovan. And writer…
…
continue reading
In this hour, tales that remind us that looks can be deceiving. Disguises, surprises from strangers, and reckoning with one's own identity. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Director Jenifer Hixson. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Phill Branch designs his own suit for prom.Raab…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Classroom Management- Month 2 (Classwork, Homework, Consequences)
31:44
31:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:44
Join me in this year-long series on classroom management. Each month, we will look at tips and tricks for creating a better classroom management plan. This is the second in the series. As a teacher of over thirty years, I’ve mentored many new teachers both officially and unofficially. By far, the biggest question and concern I’ve heard is getting a…
…
continue reading
A new memoir offers readers a front-row seat inside of America's most infamous trials featuring characters such as Donald Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell, Stormy Daniels, Steve Bannon, Tom Brady, Robert DeNiro, Bill Cosby, and Harvey Weinstein. Jane Rosenberg joins us to talk about her new book, Drawn Testimony: My Four Decades as a Courtroom Sketch Artis…
…
continue reading
Cartoonist, animator, and author Dash Shaw joins us to discuss his new graphic novel, Blurry, which examines the small life choices that lead to bigger life change. Plus, we discuss his film "Cryptozoo," which will be screening at Roxy Cinema on Sunday at 7 pm. *This segment is guest-hosted by Kousha Navidar…
…
continue reading
Host Meg Wolitzer presents two works in which characters are out of their element. This is quite literally the case in Robert Coover’s witty reworking of the fable “The Frog Prince,” who finds human life exhausting despite the enthusiasm of his suburban love interest. Parker Posey reads. In Cristina Henríquez’s “Chasing Birds” a married couple shar…
…
continue reading
Hold on to your wallets, SSNs, and test papers. This episode is all about scams, schemes, and con artists. Student hijinx, famous grifts, monkey business, and the word of God. This episode is hosted by Jay Allison, producer of this radio show. Storytellers: Abigail Ladd runs a con in elementary school. Tonya Camille and her sister use their physica…
…
continue reading
A new film follows a queer 17-year-old named Sam (Lily Collias), her father, and her father's longtime friend as they head on backpacking trip in the Catskills. However, she starts to see the men in a new light as their resentments about life rise to the surface. Director India Donaldson joins us alongside Collias to discuss the film, "Good One" wh…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Curriculum Map for Middle School ELA - Month 2 (Grammar, Vocabulary, Character Analysis)
27:51
27:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:51
If you are struggling with how to plan your year or just need some fresh ideas, then you are in the right place! Join me for a 10-month mini-series on creating a curriculum map for your middle school ELA classes. We will discuss: Integrating Grammar Integrating Vocabulary Main Unit - Character Analysis Starting First Chapter Fridays Let's connect! …
…
continue reading
In this special episode, we celebrate four weeks of competition, daring, and perseverance by sharing three stories all about the Olympics. Hosted by actor, storyteller, and Olympian Aimee Mullins, we'll explore the joy of marching in the opening ceremony, the strange pull of Kristi Yamaguchi, and the indomitable nature of the Olympic spirit.Host:Ai…
…
continue reading
SELECTED SHORTS host Meg Wolitzer presents four works that were presented as part of our live evening with WNYC’s Radiolab and hosts Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser. The theme was flight in many imaginative manifestations. Randa Jarrar’s “The Lunatics’ Eclipse” is a fable-like story of romance and interstellar travel, read by Abubakr Ali. Our second s…
…
continue reading
In this hour, stories live on Moth stages around the Lone Star State - Everything’s Bigger in Texas. This hour is hosted by Moth Senior Director Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Alyssa Ladd attempts to be the "best Christian" at her Evangelical summer camp. Chris Gorman …
…
continue reading
Host Meg Wolitzer presents three works about change. Yalcin Tosun’s “Muzaffer and Bananas” explores the awkward rites of passage of two teenaged boys. It’s performed by Arian Moayed. In Anya DeNiro’s “Take Pills and Wait for Hips,” performed by Pooya Mohseni, a trans woman reflects on her life before and after the change. And a former couple rehear…
…
continue reading
A new book tells the story of a divorce that made headlines in Gilded Age New York, after a high society woman admitted to her husband she was having an affair with his younger brother, and was possibly pregnant with his child. Author Barbara Weisberg joins us to discuss Strong Passions: A Scandalous Divorce in Old New York, as part of our series, …
…
continue reading
In this hour, stories of do-overs, golden years, and new takes. One-more-chance—at work, in love, through art. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Curatorial Producer, Suzanne Rust. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Jamal Joseph is tasked with putting on a play in prison. After not…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Classroom Management Plan - Month 1 (Getting Started)
28:24
28:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:24
Join me in this year-long series on classroom management. Each month, we will look at tips and tricks for creating a better classroom management plan. This is the first of the series. As a teacher of over thirty years, I’ve mentored many new teachers both officially and unofficially. By far, the biggest question and concern I’ve heard is getting a …
…
continue reading
In this special episode, we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the moon landing with some of our favorite stories all about space. Hosted by educator, storyteller, and astronaut Leland Melvin, we'll visit NASA training camp, the Hubble telescope, Pluto, and everywhere in between.Host:Leland MelvinStorytellers:Mike Massimino details his high stakes m…
…
continue reading
In 19th century Staten Island, a heavily pregnant woman named Polly Bodine was accused of murdering her own sister-in-law, and her baby niece. The crime and subsequent trials set off a media firestorm in New York, with luminaries like Edgar Allen Poe and Walt Whitman covering the case. We speak with author Alex Hortis about his new book, The Witch …
…
continue reading
In this hour, tellers who tell the truth and nothing but the truth, even when it's hard. Finding the right words in front of the president, in the face of the patriarchy, during a shocking encounter, and to pass on knowledge. This hour is hosted by Moth Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Curriculum Map for Middle School ELA - Month 1 (Getting Started, Personal Narrative)
25:57
25:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:57
If you are struggling with how to plan your year or just need some fresh ideas, then you are in the right place! Join me for a 10-month mini-series on creating a curriculum map for your middle school ELA classes. We will discuss: Getting Started - Back to School Main Unit - Personal Narrative Starting First Chapter Fridays Let's connect! Membership…
…
continue reading
If you enjoy the stories you hear on The Moth Podcast then come experience the magic of true stories told live in person at a Moth Mainstage show near you! The Moth Mainstage features five storytellers and a notable host who all share true tales–centered on a common theme—live and without notes! Tickets are on sale now at themoth.org/mainstage Tour…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
NYC's massive Link5G towers aren't actually providing 5G (yet)
5:54
5:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:54
The vast majority of the massive, metallic towers the city commissioned to help low-income neighborhoods access high-speed 5G internet still lack cell signal equipment — more than two years after hundreds of the structures began sprouting across the five boroughs. Just two of the nearly 200 Link5G towers installed by tech firm CityBridge since 2022…
…
continue reading
In this hour, stories of time—its possibilities and its limitations. A secret room, a final basketball game, and a countdown to marriage—with no suitor in sight. Hosted by Moth director Jodi Powell. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Otis Gray tries to save his relationship via a gran…
…
continue reading
In Gilded Age New York, a Jewish woman named Fredericka Mandelbaum was able to become fantastically wealthy by running a crime syndicate. We learn how "Marm" Mandelbaum became a notorious crime boss from Margalit Fox, author of the new book, The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum: The Rise and Fall of an American Organized-Crime Boss. It's the launch of our …
…
continue reading
In this episode, a special collaboration with our friends at Ear Hustle. We invite Ear Hustle's own Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods to help host the show, play an excerpt of one of their episodes, and then share a Moth story about incarceration. Keep an eye out for the second part of our collaboration, that'll be released July 10th on the Ear Hustle …
…
continue reading
The new Broadway revival of the 1979 play "Home" stars Tory Kittles a Cephus Miles, a rural farmer who, after being released from prison for draft-dodging, moves up north to the big city. Kittles and director Kenny Leon join us to discuss the show, which is running at the Todd Haimes Theatre through July 21.…
…
continue reading
Bobby Finger, author and co-host of the Who? Weekly podcast returns with his second novel, Four Squares. The story is set in the West Village of the 1990s, where Artie, a gay man working a tedious advertising job meets the love of his life, Abraham. The story interweaves through several stages of Art's life, including as an elderly man seeking belo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 48: End of Year Countdown - 1 Week to Go!
23:33
23:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:33
The end of year countdown is on! You feel like you should be winding down, but as every educator knows, this is crunch time. You are working harder than ever, yet your list keeps getting longer and longer. How to handle it? Read here for your end of year countdown with 1 week left of school. We will discuss: Finishing grading Getting your room in o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 47: End of the Year Teacher Checklist - 2 Weeks to Go!
27:57
27:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:57
It’s the end of the school year, and you are feeling frazzled. You are trying to get things done on your end-of-the-year teacher checklist, but it somehow just keeps getting longer and longer. The answer? A solid plan where you map out your end-of-the-year teacher checklist a month before school ends. Read here for your plan with 2 weeks left of sc…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 46: End of Year Teacher Checklist: 3 Weeks to Go! - Part 2 of a Month-long countdown to the End of the Year
14:11
14:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:11
It’s the end of the school year, and teachers everywhere are feeling the pressure. You are tending to your end-of-year teacher checklist, but it seems to be growing rather than shrinking. The answer? A solid plan where you map out your end-of-year teacher tasks a month before school ends. Read here for your plan with 3 weeks left of school. We will…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 45: TACKLING THE END OF YEAR SUCCESSFULLY: 5 TEACHER TASKS - Part 1 of a Month-long countdown to the End of the Year
22:57
22:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:57
It’s the end of the school year, and teachers everywhere are feeling the pressure. You are tending to your “to-do” list, but it seems to get exponentially bigger even while you are working hard. The answer? A solid plan where you map out your end-of-year teacher tasks a month before school ends. Listen here for your plan with 4 weeks left of school…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 44: 5 Amazing Novels in Verse for Middle School
14:27
14:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:27
April is National Poetry Month, but it doesn't have to be April to introduce your students to novels in verse. Novels in verse appeal to students because they tend to move quickly and are told in rhythmic, interesting ways. Introducing your students to quality novels in this genre is a great addition to your poetry unit, and in my opinion, a great …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 43: The 10 Best Poems for Poetry Analysis in Middle School
29:37
29:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:37
If you teach poetry in your middle school ELA class, you know it can be a struggle. Kids often go into your poetry lessons with the attitude that poems are not interesting, they are hard to write, and that it’s too difficult to understand poems. It's therefore imperative to begin with poems that are engaging and will hook them right away. I have 10…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 42: The 10 Best Songs for Poetry Analysis in Middle School
22:39
22:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:39
If you teach poetry in your middle school ELA class, you know it can be a struggle. Kids often go into your poetry lessons with the attitude that poems are not interesting, they are hard to write, and that it’s too difficult to understand poems. The answer? Start with songs for poetry analysis. Since I’ve never met a middle schooler who hasn’t obse…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 41: Poetry Analysis for Middle School in 4 Easy Steps
14:28
14:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:28
I might be in the minority, but I absolutely love teaching poetry. I especially love having kids write poems because I get to know my students on a deeper and more meaningful level. One of the steps to becoming a good poet is to be a good reader of poetry. However, many middle school kids don’t know where to start. Therefore, you need a good plan o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 40: How to Easily Write 5 Engaging Types of Poems
14:28
14:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:28
Teaching poetry...we either love it or hate it. I'm in the "love" category. Why? Poems are simply songs without the music...and middle schoolers love music. Once they understand that, and once we simplify the poetry writing process, they usually are in the "love" category as well. One way to simplify the process is by giving kids specific types of …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 39: Teaching Poetry to Middle Schoolers in 5 Simple Steps
18:32
18:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:32
Teaching poetry to middle schoolers might seem complicated, but there are so many ways to do this simply and effectively. I have found that my kids (and I) enjoy this unit more than any other unit. And, I love to incorporate poetry throughout the year so that kids will understand it better and see how valuable it is. If you’re ready to get started,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 38: Literacy Center Ideas for Middle School
15:22
15:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:22
When you think of centers, you typically think of little kids, glue, construction paper, and a big mess. As a former first-grade teacher, I can certainly tell you that this is the absolute truth! But centers are NOT just for elementary school. In fact, one of the best literacy center ideas for middle school is for teaching reading skills and strate…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 37: Ace Your Teacher Performance Assessment
16:46
16:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:46
Your teacher performance assessment can feel dreadful. Maybe it’s planned, and maybe you know there is one more left. Either way, you’ll need a shift in mindset will get you to understand how to showcase your strengths to your administrator. Although teacher observations can be very stressful, these "no fail” tips will help you to impress your admi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 36: Tips to Teach Theme in Middle School - Part 7 of a Teaching Reading Skills Mini Series
18:47
18:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:47
If you are a middle school language arts teacher, then you teach reading skills. There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level. This is the seventh and final episode in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers. This episode focuses on how to teach theme. Teaching theme in literatu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
EPISODE 35: Teaching Point of View and Perspective in Middle School - Part 6 of a Teaching Reading Skills Mini Series
15:43
15:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:43
If you are a middle school language arts teacher, then you teach reading skills. There is a certain "finesse" that you will need to do this well at the middle school level. This is the sixth in a mini-series on teaching reading skills to our middle schoolers. This episode focuses on teaching point of view and perspective. Teaching point of view and…
…
continue reading