What’s one of the most fun ways to introduce students to a new science concept, a historical era, or a math idea? A picture book biography! NBCT and media specialist Christina Dorr suggests tying them to standards, using them as read alouds, or for individual student motivation.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/02/2017 · Last modified 11/17/2019
The content of “Teaching Kids to Thrive” will help teach students positive ways to think, practice executive functioning skills, and create a culture of caring and responsibility. Linda Biondi describes why she found it to be one of the most empowering books she’s read.
Ad Techniques / Close Reading the Media
by Frank Baker · Published 10/31/2017 · Last modified 12/01/2019
In today’s advertising-saturated world, their attention may be the most valuable thing students own. Marketers want it and they’ll grab it anyway they can. It’s the job of educators to make sure kids understand what’s going on, media literacy expert Frank W. Baker says.
Google Docs can make writing tasks more efficient, providing teachers and students with templates, commenting features, voice typing, and more. While 30 million U.S. students now use Docs, Curtis Chandler says many do not take full advantage of its “power-up” features.
Educators talk about giving students “voice, choice and agency,” says NBCT Rita Platt, but how does that actually happen in a practical, curriculum-friendly way? Platt believes the secret is teaching students to set goals. Learn about her 5-step process (tools included).
Future of History / History and Spoken Poetry
by Sarah Cooper · Published 09/24/2017 · Last modified 11/24/2019
History teacher Sarah Cooper is enthusiastically barreling into the year with a totally untried project. It asks eighth graders to research a current issue in the news that they’re passionate about, then write and film their own spoken word poem. What could go wrong?
Heart of the School / Social Emotional Learning
by Rita Platt · Published 09/03/2017 · Last modified 07/31/2024
Joy is a part of a healthy climate, and in places where we spend huge chunks of time – like school – healthy climates are critical to the success of students and teachers alike. Rita Platt shares some of the ways she bring smiles and laughter into classroom culture.
It's Not Easy Being Tween / Social-Emotional Learning
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 08/13/2017 · Last modified 11/24/2019
Cheryl Mizerny resolves to spend this school year cultivating a culture of kindness among her middle level students as she joins with them to create The Kind Classroom. Summer reading and listening have helped lay the groundwork for her comprehensive SEL approach.
As the new school year approaches, explore a selection of digital tools recommended by teacher educator Curtis Chandler that can help you streamline lesson planning, create secure class websites, connect with families, and gather information on how your new students like to learn.
Laurie Lichtenstein can’t let the school year end without thanking Lin Miranda’s Alexander Hamilton for his profound effect on her 7th grade American history class. Her open letter to the Founding Father shares her students’ new excitement for history’s unfolding drama.
