“Let’s face it, adolescence isn’t plump full of safety and confidence. It’s a developmental stage in which students want and need to be connected and valued.” No wonder middle schoolers dread the “correction” approach to grammar. Jeff Anderson and Travis Leech have found a better way.
Checks for Learning / Class Apps
by Curtis Chandler · Published 03/28/2021 · Last modified 10/19/2022
There will always be learning goals that call for written responses. But if we aren’t careful, we can end up turning our checks for understanding into tests of writing. Curtis Chandler shares tools and strategies he uses to make sure every student shows what they know.
Collaboration / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Tan Huynh · Published 03/23/2021 · Last modified 03/28/2021
Every co-teaching partnership has a story. One of language specialist Tan Huynh’s partnerships started off rough but became the most collaborative team-up in all his years teaching. Why? They created a schedule that included co-planning time and used the time strategically.
Similar to the benefits of class read-alouds and independent reading, podcasts can be incorporated as a way to increase students’ understanding of stories and information, with kids often making “text to self” connections. Kathie Palmieri includes sources and favorites.
Close Reading the Media / Visual Literacy
by Frank Baker · Published 03/16/2021 · Last modified 03/17/2021
So much of our world is visual. Helping students learn how to “read” images and detect fakery and manipulation should be part of a 21st century education. Media literacy expert Frank Baker shares lots of ideas, insights and resources to get teachers and students started.
Middle schoolers share what they think teachers need to know about hybrid learning, with tips for improving learning in the mix of in-person and online classes. It’s the experiences at home – being heard, having time to use tech properly – that garner the most criticism.
Online journaling offers students a place to document feelings, thoughts, and reactions to a variety of texts while they make personal, social and academic connections with their teacher. Rose and Walsh offer a process that can strengthen conferencing now and after Covid.
As school leaders navigate challenging times, roadside assistance from higher-ups can be invaluable. Award-winning middle school principal Jessica Cabeen shares five practices she’s developed to make sure the paths of communication and support stay open now and in the future.
If you are considering attending a virtual education conference or have an opportunity to present virtually in 2021, do it! MS teacher and conference veteran Kasey Short shares tips for session selection, virtual connecting, avoiding screen overload, notetaking, and more.
Reflecting on their work gives students an opportunity to look back at what they have done, examine the processes and strategies they used, and think about the importance of their effort and growth. Literacy coach Lynne Dorfman explores ways to cultivate metacognition.
