3 Steps to Improved Behavior
Positive discipline is supported by brain research about adolescent learning, say the authors of U-Turn Teaching. So demonstrate, facilitate, motivate.
Author: MiddleWeb
Unpacking the Common Core
This teacher-friendly book, Pathways to the Common Core: Accelerating Achievement by Lucy Calkins, Mary Ehrenworth, and Christopher Lehman, helps us understand what the ELA CCSS really say and how to bring them to life in classes, writes reviewer Julie DeMicco.
Good Recipes for ELA Classrooms
In The Literacy Cookbook: A Practical Guide to Effective Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening Instruction, Sarah Tantillo’s banquet of tasty recipes for good literacy instruction are also a helpful ELA Common Core resource, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
Learning More about the Movies
Oscar season is a perfect time to introduce students to film careers & examine the highly collaborative movie enterprise, says media literacy expert Frank Baker.
Creative Assessment Strategies
This book about creative approaches to assessment, Authentic Assessment: Active, Engaging Product and Performance Measures, is clearly written for both teachers and students, says reviewer Tracey Muise. Sandra Schurr’s book provides many ready to implement ideas.
Family Science Night Fun
Reviewer Catharine Pierce says the well organized fun found in Shelley S. Connell’s Family Science Night: Fun Tips, Activities, and Ideas can enrich after-school clubs and classroom teaching.
Teaching Argument vs. Evidence
Sarah Tantillo, author of The Literacy Cookbook, tackles the argument vs. evidence challenge with 6 steps to help prepare students for the ELA CCSS.
Our Favorite Middle Grades Sites
Support MiddleWeb by subscribing to MiddleWeb SmartBrief & get our free guide to 50 favorite sites for the middle grades. Already subscribe? Download it now!
Promote a Passion for Reading
Penny Kittle, says Kevin Hodgson, offers an ode to the power of reading to expand our intellects and a guide to encouraging our most reluctant readers in Book Love: Developing Depth, Stamina and Passion in Adolescent Readers.
Belonging in the Middle Grades
When students feel they “belong” in school, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially & emotionally, says veteran teacher turned teacher educator Amanda Wall. She details actions that middle level schools can take to assure students are supported, including quality Advisory programs.
