Articles / Social Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb Β· Published 07/04/2018 Β· Last modified 11/27/2019
Given what we know about the adolescent brain, is it realistic to attempt to teach middle school students how to manage their emotions and use their best knowledge and judgment? Emotional intelligence expert Dr. Maurice Elias says itβs not only realistic but imperative.
Heart of the School / Summer Family Contacts
by Rita Platt Β· Published 06/17/2018 Β· Last modified 11/13/2019
We work all year to build and nurture relationships with our students and families. Why stop over the summer? Rita Platt offers quick, low-stress ideas for teachers and principals to stay connected to during the summer months. Public library meetups are super simple!
Tina H. Boogren takes beginning teachers in their first years through the phases they can expect: anticipation, survival, disillusionment, rejuvenation, and reflection. Teacher educator Linda Biondi finds Boogrenβs recollections of her novice teaching particularly helpful.
Future of History / New Teacher Advice / Novice History Teachers
by Lauren S. Brown Β· Published 06/10/2018 Β· Last modified 07/19/2024
When Lauren Brown left her history classroom and became a teacher educator, she always shared a page of advice when pre-service teachers finished her course. Three years after returning to middle school, Brown updates her tips with fresh insights from the front lines.
To reach the student who hasnβt made that essential positive connection with reading, you can do no better than apply the ideas detailed by Stephanie Harvey and Annie Ward in From Striving to Thriving. Reviewer Linda Biondi recommends having a box of tissues handy.
Future of History / Project Based Learning
by Sarah Cooper Β· Published 05/21/2018 Β· Last modified 11/18/2019
This year, as 8th graders at Sarah Cooperβs school developed their community impact projects, she added a twist to the required (but seldom read) 300-word research display. Intriguing quotes, many with engaging graphics, increased student investment and audience attention.
How can you support your middle schoolers in peaceful and productive advocacy for equity and social justice? EL Educationβs Anne Vilen shares the courageous story of immigrant Atak Natali to show how supportive teachers can help students come together to work for justice.
Encouraging Quality / Heart of the School
by Rita Platt Β· Published 04/30/2018 Β· Last modified 12/01/2019
There is a growing flood of poor quality work being turned in by students. How can teachers turn the tide on rushed assignments filled with errors and unclear thinking? Teacher and soon-to-be principal Rita Platt shares her strategies for encouraging excellent writing.
In an age of fake news and the dismissal of science, teaching students to conduct research provides them with a critical skill. In βItβs a Matter of Fact,β teacher librarian Angie Miller shows how students across content areas can focus on a thesis and master resources.
Research-based essays help our students fluently build, develop, and expand on their ideas. But in the real world, not every research process ends in a full-blown essay, says Angie Miller, who shares eight fun ways for students to practice and incorporate research skills.
