Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Hanging Out Online with a Real Comics Author

When Sandy Wisneski engaged middle graders in a comic book project that combined writing, art and social studies, she wanted a whiz-bang culminating activity. She struck virtual gold when she found professional comics illustrator and author Alex Simmons.

PARCC Prep: A Better Way to Teach Compare & Contrast

Common Core tests require students to analyze two literary texts and compare & contrast themes or points of view. Literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo shares a better tool to help students organize these essays. Included: Links to all her PARCC Prep articles.

What You Need to Explain Ratio and Proportion

Ratio and proportion get a thorough treatment in Anne Collins and Linda Dacey’s new book, reaching from potential challenges and misconceptions to individual needs, with CCSS present for each of the many activities, says reviewer Ashley Walther.

Middle School Reading with the CCSS

Gretchen Owocki tackles complex literature, informational texts and content-area reading in her new middle grades CCSS book, weaving together instructional elements in a teacher-friendly format. Reviewer Anne Anderson highly recommends it.

Teacher Leaders in Action

The Power of Teacher Leaders will empower readers to mobilize colleagues to positively affect school change and student achievement through shared and collaborative practice. See it happen in case studies, says reviewer Linda Biondi. With an online study guide.

Helping Students Summarize Information

Summarizing may seem simple to adults, says teacher/author Heather Wolpert-Gawron, but it’s a cross content skill that many adolescents struggle with. TweenTeacher shares techniques from her classroom, including asking students to create ‘executive summaries’ of information & research.

Fireside Reads: 20 Favorite MiddleWeb Posts

With the winter “read by the fire” season in full force, we offer a selection of 20 MiddleWeb posts that have garnered thousands of views apiece. They represent the wisdom & expertise of middle grades educators with a wide range of teaching experiences.

Tackling Debate in the Middle Level Classroom

This fall at her students’ instigation, Amber Chandler decided to give debate a try. She describes her process, her inclusive approach, and several lessons learned during a positive experience that also supported common core standards. Videos included!