In To Look Closely: Science and Literacy in the Natural World, Laurie Rubin draws you into her students’ excitement as they explore sun-lit spaces outside their classroom and participate in scientific observation, journaling, poetry and discussion.
In her book about the social life of networked teens, Internet scholar danah boyd “issues a call to all of us who are adults to take more time to understand the shifts now taking place,” 6th grade teacher Kevin Hodgson writes. The guidance role of teachers & parents “has never been more important, nor more complicated.”
Falling in Love with Close Reading by Lehman & Roberts has cured the close reading fatigue of reading coach Katie Gordon. “I’m learning about the invisible processes I use as a reader so I can reveal them to students for whom they are not automatic.”
Introducing the concept of product placement, using pop culture images and sporting events, is a great way to jump-start students’ critical viewing and grow their media literacy skills, says expert Frank Baker. Key questions for analysis included.
Many teachers are frustrated by Common Core directions to ignore prior knowledge when teaching students to analyze texts, says literacy coach Laura Robb. She recommends a proactive approach: show students how to do it for themselves. Tips included!
Teacher Kevin Hodgson shares results from his annual Digital Learning Day survey querying 6th graders about their digital lives & technology use. In a Voicethread commentary, he highlights findings & invites readers to share their own observations.
Building a STEM Program / STEM By Design
by Anne Jolly · Published 02/09/2014 · Last modified 11/21/2019
The Change the Equation coalition and its STEMworks database can help K12 STEM programs test themselves against high standards and earn the support of corporate philanthropy, says MiddleWeb blogger Anne Jolly. Next application deadline: March 7.
Family & Community Outreach / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 02/04/2014 · Last modified 12/13/2019
It’s report card time again – when carefully constructed comments join all those letter grades to say something to parents about each student’s progress. Mary Tarashuk shares some of her “eggshell” observations, and lets us in on the translations.
Former middle grades teacher Daniel Fountenberry says his experiences struggling to organize group reading sessions among students with varied reading skills led him to develop adaptive technology that tailors the “same” book to different readers.
Future of History / History Perspectives
by Jody & Shara · Published 02/02/2014 · Last modified 11/17/2019
Historical accounts are seldom objective, write history teachers Jody Passanisi and Shara Peters. They recommend several strategies from their own classrooms that educators can use to help students detect bias and compare varying perspectives.
