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.”
Through a combination of clear explanations, real-life strategies and vibrant illustrations by Valentina Gonzalez, Welcome to Teaching Multilingual Learners breaks down the task of teaching multilingual students into digestible, well-structured concepts, writes Melinda Stewart.
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.
Arab American Heritage Month / Resources
by Susan Curtis · Published 03/22/2025 · Last modified 04/14/2025
During Arab American Heritage Month students explore the diversity within the Arab community, its members’ contributions to the United States, and the discrimination many Arab Americans have faced in the 21st century. This resource collection can help with the exploration.
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.
When students learn to both regulate their emotions and apply executive function strategies, they become more engaged learners who are better at managing stress, staying focused, and solving problems. Marilee Sprenger shows how SEL and EF work together in various subject areas.
