Teacher Michelle Russell likes to have some short activities on hand, in case she needs to fill extra time during math class. Here she shares several fun fillers that are easy to access, don’t require prep, and increase students’ math fluency, logic skills, or number sense.
Project-based learning’s mischievous sibling, problem-based learning, is once again gaining traction in the educational sphere. Kim Rensch, a district gifted services leader, likes that Todd Stanley’s book goes deep into assessment after a thorough look at inquiry learning.
Artificial Intelligence / Artificial Intelligence / New Teacher Tips / Technology
by Curtis Chandler · Published 04/15/2025 · Last modified 05/01/2025
Just like Top Gun Maverick had to trust his jet’s tech while employing his instincts and training, teachers are learning how to fly with AI as a co-pilot. The responsibility lies with us to adjust AI’s suggestions. Curtis Chandler offers dozens of teacher-tested prompts to get started.
Mechanically Inclined is more than a book on teaching grammar, usage, and style; it is a well-written, funny, and a smart glimpse into the classroom and inner landscape of a master teacher. The best of Writing Workshop coupled with intentional instruction, writes Jeny Randall.
When you need a bit of inspiration in your teaching life, Stephanie Farley encourages you to watch some or all of School of Rock. Perhaps, like her, you’ll find yourself wondering how you can create a project similar to “rock band” in your own classroom for a little while!
Asian and Pacific Islander Month / Resources
by Susan Curtis · Published 04/04/2025 · Last modified 05/06/2025
For over 40 years the US Congress has recognized the heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during May. Federal agencies and nonprofits provide resources to bring the culture and history of AAPIs to the classroom. For an overview visit this MiddleWeb roundup.
Eighth grade teacher Sarah Cooper shares a class snapshot to show how much our students can understand. She believes it’s the obligation of social studies teachers (and others) to explore imperative issues of the past and present, “even when it would be infinitely easier not to.”
When teachers apply “translanguaging” in class, write Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski, they’re using a student’s home language as a scaffold to help them achieve English language acquisition and to learn academic content they might not be able to access yet in English.
We can build math confidence in intermediate students, writes 5th grade teacher Kathie Palmieri. It’s a gradual process that requires patience, encouragement, a supportive environment, and effective teaching strategies that break down complex concepts and foster a growth mindset.
Communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are among the “soft” social-emotional skills that are behind-the-scenes champs of the learning process. Literacy interventionist Kelly Owens shares 10 ways she is weaving the “intangibles” employers prize into existing lessons.
