Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 02/09/2017 · Last modified 11/15/2019
Arguing that empathy is composed of teachable habits that can be practiced and developed, Michele Borba offers parents and teachers many tools to help children grow in their awareness of the needs of others. Mary Thompson finds the age-aligned ideas helpful.
Math Anxiety / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 01/29/2017 · Last modified 11/25/2019
When teacher Michelle Russell surveyed her students about personal interests and learning preferences, she found over one-third have anxious or negative feelings about math. She’s begun her search for strategies to address the problem – and she welcomes your ideas!
Current Events Humor / Future of History
by Sarah Cooper · Published 01/24/2017 · Last modified 11/12/2019
Discussing political news in class continues to feel like “walking on glass barefoot,” says Sarah Cooper. She’s drawn toward humorous interpretations of current events to reduce tensions. After some trial and error, Cooper uses four criteria for video selection.
Called to the Middle is a primer for anyone considering the challenges of middle level teaching. Veteran MS educator Linda Mancia says Joey Eidson’s commitment to adolescent education comes through his relaxed writing style but notes some editorial shortcomings.
Becoming Brilliant, written by two psych professors, is less about intelligence than about helping children become collaborative, creative, competent, and responsible. Reviewer Rita Platt notes with dismay the authors’ blanket view that public schools are failing.
Art of Movie Making / Close Reading the Media
by Frank Baker · Published 01/17/2017 · Last modified 12/14/2019
CCSS ELA middle grade standards specifically address the importance of teaching film techniques and the decisions made by filmmakers. In a new MiddleWeb blog, Close Reading the Media, Frank Baker breaks down the art of movie making and shares lots of resources.
Class Apps / The First 5 Minutes
by Curtis Chandler · Published 01/15/2017 · Last modified 03/06/2024
To improve student outcomes, says teacher educator Curtis Chandler, it’s important to invest extra attention in the first five minutes of class. He shares a variety of techy and not-so techy ideas to ignite student interest and energy for whatever else is to follow.
Consultant Tammy L. Jones proposes a three-prong approach to support students in their daily journey through content: effective questioning, authentic daily writing, and a bridging structure as they encounter new situations where critical thinking is required.
Now that the blizzard of late semester papers has (probably) diminished, do you feel the need for a quick fix to your class organization regimen? Author/educator Roxanna Elden avoids excessive precision in structuring a practical 5-tray process to get you started.
BRAVO Principal, with its reflection questions and support exercises, is an effective resource for keeping school leaders centered on what matters most to promote the success of each of our students in our learning organizations, writes MS principal Dennis Schug.
