Todd Stanley’s A Teacher’s Toolbox for Gifted Education gives honest, practical research and evidence-based strategies to increase engagement in most classrooms. ELA teacher Erin Corrigan-Smith notes the inclusion of STEM and PBL focused activities to inspire learners.
We’ve had so many good reviews of insightful and helpful books during the past 12 months. Here are 20 frequently clicked examples, all written by our pool of educator volunteers across a range of topics, that MiddleWeb visitors found informative and often illuminating.
After some initial skepticism, brain-weary ELA teacher Allison Paludi turned to ChatGPT for fresh ideas about teaching The Giver to her 6th graders. The AI tool was a big help for lesson brainstorming and differentiation and as a go-to thought partner after her PLC disbanded.
As math coaches and other instructional leaders begin to think about the upcoming school year, they may want to consider Nicora Placa’s teacher team-building activity. It sets the foundation for a successful year of learning collaboratively and improving student group work.
Integrating the Arts in Language Arts is a treasure trove of instructional ideas with thorough explanations for each activity, key vocabulary, recommended resources, and additional support exclusive to each art form. Research based, too, writes consultant Anne Anderson.
Writing from her background in working with students who were born outside of the U.S and are new to the country, the language, the culture, and the school system, Dr. Stephanie Dewing shares five tips to engage these newcomers. Included: assets-based language development.
There are many reasons for quick one-to-one reading conferences in the middle grades, write Brenda Krupp and Lynne Dorfman. Conferring helps teachers strengthen connections with students as they learn about each reader’s interests, strengths, progress and immediate needs.
As the weeks of summer spread out before us, teacher educator Curtis Chandler anticipates teachers will enjoy their well-earned break, balance relaxation with productivity, engage in self-selected, unmandated professional development, and reflect on fall’s possibilities.
In his new book English teacher Brett Vogelsinger recommends frequent poetry pauses through the year because building students’ interest in poems can promote growth in all forms of literacy. Reviewer Erin Corrigan-Smith likes the book’s ease of use and multitude of resources.
Teachers want to create a space for their students to speak with authenticity and agency, writes author and English teacher Marilyn Pryle. She and 7th grade teacher Sharon Ratliff share ways to use Pryle’s Reading Responses strategy to deepen student thinking about literature.
