Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Why We Need to Invite Politics into Classrooms

It’s daunting to invite politics into the classroom. But when we do it right, students can learn to engage meaningfully with people who see the world very differently. Kent Lenci has tips to help the conversations thrive, including developing media literacy and supporting SEL.

5 Tips to Welcome and Engage Our Newcomers

Writing from her background in working with students who were born outside of the U.S and are new to the country, the language, the culture, and the school system, Dr. Stephanie Dewing shares five tips to engage these newcomers. Included: assets-based language development.

Pairing Graphic Novels with Their Text Originals

What might students learn about the “invisible process” of reading prose fiction by a comparative study of a novel and its graphic novel counterpart? Jason DeHart promises high interest and aha moments as readers see the story not only with their minds but with their eyes.

How to Implement Rigor by Design, Not Chance

Rigor by Design, Not Chance by Karin Hess is well researched, clear in providing the essentials to increase rigor and engagement, and timely in helping educators plan for the deeper learning needed now more than ever to build lifelong learners, writes NBCT Kathleen Palmieri.

PLCs Help Teachers to Plan Collaboratively

Michael Roberts demonstrates his understanding that proficient students can be taken to higher levels that keep them motivated and inquisitive. The learning extensions and planning strategies he provides will help educators do just that, writes teacher Jacqueline Barreras.

Leadership Tips for Summer Collaboration

Summer is not only a chance to relax and recharge but a great time to collaborate with colleagues, writes consultant Elisa B. MacDonald. Whether you are leading a retreat or planning with grade-level teammates, keep these four intentions at the center of your facilitation.