Welcome to Teaching! does not just tell you how to teach. It shows you with lively illustrations and QR codes showcasing strategies in real classrooms and solutions to pitfalls often seen in classrooms of new teachers, writes PD leader Alison Prochaska. A “must-read” resource.
Students who struggle with academic reading can benefit from “a compass of sorts” to help them navigate texts. To accomplish this, educator Ron Klemp developed a four-step quickwrite protocol that’s been “extremely effective” in boosting their engagement and understanding.
With the next school year not too far over the horizon, 7th grade teacher Laurie Hornik has tips for getting off to a strong start. She suggests skipping traditional ice breakers and instead introducing the class community by exploring what you will be learning together.
Articles / Artificial Intelligence / Reading
by MiddleWeb · Published 07/13/2025 · Last modified 07/15/2025
Fiction that explores AI through characters that are robots or humans who interact with AI can spark discussions about the future and engage readers with stories grounded in real ethical and scientific questions. ELA teacher Kasey Short shares titles and ideas for discussion.
Creating a well-rounded middle school student goes way beyond the textbook! Anne Jolly shares the core learning skills and life skills middle-schoolers need and invites teachers – especially STEM teachers – to take up the challenge to help students achieve their potential.
In Prompting Deeper Discussions Matt Kay provides actionable insights on how to structure discussions, promote critical thinking, and create a safe classroom environment that encourages thoughtful debate. Reviewer Melinda Stewart found tools to refine her classroom practice.
Grammar instruction has barely changed since our grandparents were in school. It’s time to flip that script. ELA teachers Patty McGee and Tim Donohue share fun, effective techniques to help students evolve into grammar rock stars. Welcome to the FANBOYS conjunction fan club!
Finding ways to scaffold in classrooms with a mix of readers – both well behind and well ahead of grade level – can be overwhelming. Author and coach Jennifer Throndsen shares low-prep, easy to implement, research-based strategies teachers can use to support all students.
Getting students to show their reasoning isn’t about adding one more step, writes math coach Mona Iehl. It’s about redefining how math learning happens and coming to see that students learn not through memorizing steps, but through reasoning, discussion, and exploration.
Instead of focusing on isolated rules, Sean Ruday’s approach to grammar prioritizes inquiry-based learning and asset-based practices that foster deeper understanding and honor students’ lived experiences. A useful tool for someone new to these ideas, writes Melinda Stewart.
