Using a model based on three decades of research into the operations of the human mind, Robert and Jana S. Marzano help teachers understand how and why they and their students react in specific situations. It’s well worth the challenging read, says Ashley Pursley.
Before middle school students can become lovers of stories and savvy assessors of fake news and false claims, they must be creative readers who comprehend texts at high levels and empathize with characters and people, says literacy expert and advocate Laura Robb.
Some teaching practices help strengthen students’ self-efficacy, motivation and confidence, while others create learned helplessness. Author-consultant Sarah Tantillo identifies 17 common teaching actions that lead to student inertia and offers better alternatives.
Every Child a Super Reader can empower students to become lovers of reading who understand what they read. Teacher Linda Biondi says its lessons and resources will help students analyze a text, appreciate the craft, and become voracious consumers of the written word.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 12/15/2016 · Last modified 11/25/2019
I, Me, You, We: Individuality Versus Conformity offers teachers intellectually challenging ELA and arts lessons for gifted middle schoolers. Educator Amy Cummings saw less emphasis on self understanding than expected but found almost unlimited ideas for her classroom.
Ross W. Greene’s Lost & Found: Helping Behaviorally Challenging Students (and, While You’re At It, All the Others) can assist educators as they work with kids to build lagging skills and collaborate on unsolved problems, says reviewer Nicolette Lesniak.
Barbara Boroson’s second edition is a valuable source of information and advice, written in everyday language. Although the book is intended for educators, teacher Linda Biondi also recommends it to parents who want to learn more about ASD and to advocate for their children.
As news organizations are increasingly folded into fewer and fewer media conglomerates, writes media literacy expert Frank Baker, their independence is left in doubt. He urges teachers to involve students in studies of “Big Media” as part of their civic education.
Christopher Danielson used to hate teaching geometry. Now he sees it as a playground of mathematical ideas for middle schoolers, with opportunities for exploration, wonder, and smart conversations. Here Danielson shares ideas and images teachers can use to begin the fun.
Gifted and talented students need to be challenged every day. Former GATE coordinator Mary Langer Thompson urges parents and educators to share Inman and Kirchner’s thorough book with school personnel to benefit these youngsters, who won’t thrive without support.
