Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Dystopian Fiction to Stretch Students’ Minds

Teaching dystopian fiction offers students a meaningful way to engage with literature and social issues while developing critical thinking skills. Kasey Short suggests discussion questions, activities, and a sample of dystopian novels and short stories to capture students’ attention.

Endings Can Help Kids Prep for What’s Ahead

Endings – whether for middle or high school – are all about what comes next. We help students learn so they will be able to bring their learning forward to face new challenges. Students can benefit from our making these moves more explicit. Laurie Miller Hornik offers strategies.

Using Scaffolding to Meet Rigorous Expectations

In “Scaffolding for Success” Blackburn and Miles explore the intricacies of educational scaffolding, offering educators a comprehensive framework to design supportive learning environments that enhance student engagement, learning and achievement, writes Melinda Stewart.

5 Ways Leaders Provide Stability Amid Confusion

We are living in an uncertain time with significant stress on institutions, including schools. Leaders play a critical role in helping their school community weather change and continue their commitment to serving each student. Williamson and Blackburn offer actionable advice.

Problem-Based Learning for Problem-Based Times

Project-based learning’s mischievous sibling, problem-based learning, is once again gaining traction in the educational sphere. Kim Rensch, a district gifted services leader, likes that Todd Stanley’s book goes deep into assessment after a thorough look at inquiry learning.

These AI Prompts Can Support Your Teaching

Just like Top Gun Maverick had to trust his jet’s tech while employing his instincts and training, teachers are learning how to fly with AI as a co-pilot. The responsibility lies with us to adjust AI’s suggestions. Curtis Chandler offers dozens of teacher-tested prompts to get started.

I Stopped Teaching Math the Way I Was Taught

When we teach mathematics the way we were taught in school, are our students really doing math? Coach Mona Iehl shares the strategies she uses to engage kids in learning, going beyond superficial procedures and worksheets to explore, discuss, and even have fun in math class.