Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

What We Risk When We Jump to Conclusions

Troublemakers. Forgetters. The Clingers. The Confused. Barbara Blackburn looks at how we often jump to conclusions and miss chances to build trust, explore the needs behind the behaviors, and help students grow. Once we jump, she warns, it’s hard to jump back.

Infusing Grammar into the Writer’s Workshop

In the valuable book Infusing Grammar into the Writer’s Workshop, Amy Benjamin and Barbara Golub make an effective team, says special ed teacher Marci Warboys. Benjamin focuses on research and pedagogy and Golub provides detailed lesson plans and resources.

Robb’s Reading Intervention Toolkit Delivers

Laura Robb, author, teacher, literacy coach, speaker and expert in literacy, has done it again in The Reading Intervention Toolkit. Reviewer Linda Biondi says the book will guide teachers in providing help for students who need it most: struggling readers.

Four Summer Strategies for School Leaders

Summer offers a rare opportunity for principals to devote ample time to their own professional learning, say Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn. The leadership consultants offer four summer strategies to help assure continuous growth as an effective leader.

1st Year Teaching Advice from the Whitakers

Your First Year is a perfect book for the newbie, says NBCT Amber Chandler, with differentiated strategies teachers at any level can implement. Todd, Katherine & Madeline Whitaker’s common-sense advice can both inspire novices and keep them on the right track.

Have a Summer of Fun Reading & Writing with Kids

Mike Fisher, a middle grades teacher turned literacy and tech integration consultant, suggests ways parents can involve their kids in reading and writing throughout the summer months, on their own and with family members. At his house, it’s Harry Potter time!

Card Sorts Can Promote Meaningful Math Talk

Math teachers looking for ways to promote deeper student “math talk” might consider team card sorting, says Michelle Russell, author of MiddleWeb’s new “Meaningful Math” blog. Among her tips: resist jumping in to help – and always have a culminating activity.