Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Beyond the Tyranny of History Textbooks

In a new edition of Teaching What Really Happened, Loewen moves beyond textbook distortions of historical facts and calls for teaching unvarnished history to educate “critical citizens.” History educator Michael DiClemente highlights insights all K-12 teachers can use.

How Writing Workshop Can Engage Students

Discover the potential of writing workshop to welcome students into engaging and productive writing practice in Shubitz and Dorfman’s Welcome to Writing Workshop. You’ll find all your questions about writing workshop answered, promises teacher educator Linda Biondi.

Middle Schoolers Thrive on Place-Based Learning

The ideas behind place-based education are being discussed in more schools and communities, as years of test-driven instruction have many looking for better ways to learn. Fieldwork coordinator Sarah K. Anderson shares the inspiring program at public Cottonwood School.

Want Authentic Data? Try Shadowing Students

To move beyond the usual data reports that crowd admin inboxes, Ronald Williamson and Barbara Blackburn recommend shadow studies that gather insights into how students experience daily school life in and out of class. Learn how it’s done and why it’s worth the time.

Empower Students to Own Their Learning

In this fun and easy-to-read book John Spencer and AJ Juliani guide readers through the steps to move students from compliance to empowerment, writes Laura Von Staden. The authors are realistic about possible obstacles and offer remedies. Be sure to read the Foreword!

How Many? Expand Kids’ Thinking about Math

Christopher Danielson takes kids, tweens and teens on a journey of exploration as they think about and interact with math in new ways. Based in his research and teaching, How Many? helps students see far beyond simple responses and think creatively, writes Linda Biondi.

A Summer’s Worth of STEM PD/Prep Ideas!

As you relax into summer break, keep an eye on what’s up with STEM learning. Expert Anne Jolly shares resources for keeping up with STEM news and lesson ideas as you reflect on what worked (and didn’t) last year and consider how to amp things up for next fall’s students.