Educators can create classrooms where students control their own learning and still meet the demands of a Common Core curriculum, says middle grades teacher Pernille Ripp, author of “Passionate Learners: Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students.”
Effective STEM programs prepare more students to pursue STEM-related careers and help assure economic prosperity, says consultant Susan Pruet. To achieve this level of success, programs must cultivate informed and involved community and school leaders.
Essentials of Middle and Secondary Social Studies provides helpful lesson plans and activities, but educators may want to look elsewhere for teaching diverse learners and up-to-date technology resources, says reviewer Shane Smith.
Teaching allegory / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 03/25/2014 · Last modified 11/23/2019
A convergence of events – from the Cold War-tinged Ukraine crisis to World Read Aloud Day and the birthday of Dr. Seuss – helped inspire 6th grade ELA teacher Kevin Hodgson’s recent lessons on allegory and the difference between nonfiction and truth.
Numerous historical adaptions have been nominated for Academy Awards in recent years. Media literacy expert Frank W. Baker offers ideas and resources to help students examine their historical accuracy and address a middle-level Common Core standard.
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.
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.
