A MiddleWeb Classic: Exploring Rubrics!
This compilation from our first MiddleWeb site features information about creating and using rubrics effectively and a variety of exemplars.
Teaching and learning in grades 4-8
An Inference Rubric to Gauge Comprehension
In this MiddleWeb Classic post, literacy coach Juli Kendall shares a rubric used in her middle school across content areas to evaluate a student’s level of inference with academic texts.
Better Than Book Reports
Teachers will find creative alternatives to the traditional book report that tap into student interests and creative writing in Ban the Book Report: Promoting Frequent and Enthusiastic Reading, says reviewer Nicole Warchol.
How to Build Lifelong Readers
Reading Without Limits: Teaching Strategies to Build Independent Reading for Life, a practical guide to developing and sustaining lifelong readers, “almost brought me out of retirement,” says veteran middle grades teacher Beverly Maddox.
Anatomy of a STEM Lesson
To help readers grasp how engineering principles are integrated into math & science curriculum, Anne Jolly reveals the anatomy of a real STEM lesson.
High Expectations: What Kids Say
In her 2nd post about the power of high expectations for all students, special educator Elizabeth Stein shares the views of a diverse group of 7th graders.
Teach Vocabulary Effectively
Vocabulary Strategies That Work: Do This – Not That! is an excellent book for all teachers who want to strengthen students’ grasp of the vocabulary associated with their subject, says ELA teacher Brooke Schultz.
Who Are You to Tell Me What to Do?
Four years after becoming an instructional coach, Elena Aguilar once again found herself in front of a class of 8th graders, looking for trusting relationships. “Within just five minutes, I was humbled. Who did I think I was that I could incur their trust that fast? I wanted to bow down to the teacher—Oh, yes, this is so hard.”
Empowering Self-Driven Learners
In her review of Larry Ferlazzo’s Self-Driven Learning: Teaching Strategies for Student Motivation, Julie Dermody says, “Educators who read this book will become more effective teachers…better equipped to deal with daily challenges of motivating our students.”
Co-Teaching & State Testing
Special educator Laurie Wasserman shares details of how her co-teaching team and her entire middle school help students prepare for state testing.
