Civics Lessons / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 11/27/2016 · Last modified 11/18/2019
Mary Tarashuk’s perceptive 4th graders take note of the world around them, in fiction and in the news. As they follow and study the US election, they also learn about the power of people helping one another during their Global Read Aloud of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax.
Curtis Chandler canβt help but worry a bit about the βvideo-ficationβ of our students. Is academic progress being hindered by excessive and ineffective video use? He identifies best practices and several tech tools that can help make sure videos augment learning.
Nancy Dean’s “Finding Voice” will help teachers in grades 4-6 supplement their studies of complex text using brief, compelling mentor texts as they study word choice, detail, imagery, figurative language and tone. Reviewer Linda Biondi likens it to “a GPS system.”
Current Events / Future of History
by Sarah Cooper · Published 11/10/2016 · Last modified 11/27/2019
In the wake of the election, Sarah Cooper recalls that teaching MS history means teaching identity. “Itβs our job to give examples. Itβs our studentsβ job to internalize what they agree with, set aside what they donβt, and grow into the human beings we know they can become.”
During her 27 months teaching English in a Macedonian village school, Peace Corps volunteer Jordan Lucas learned a lot about the relationship between culture and learning β insights that will help her be a better language educator. It all began with a kombi ride.
Author and veteran teacher educator Ann Weber outlines 3 key supervisory steps β preparation, coaching and evaluation β that can help cooperating teachers shine in their advisory roles and assure new teachers are ready to launch their careers in the middle grades.
Articles / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 10/23/2016 · Last modified 11/27/2019
In a culture where we’re always connected, writes digital citizenship consultant Devorah Heitner, the challenges of adolescence are intensified in ways that adults and kids themselves don’t always fully grasp. Tweens and teens need a special brand of mentorship.
A few months into your first year teaching and ready for on-point advice? Todd, Katherine and Madeline Whitaker’s common-sense advice in Your First Year can both inspire you and help keep you on the right track. Linda Biondi thinks veterans will find it useful too.
In the classroom, writes author and teaching expert Barbara Blackburn, students are influenced by three things they observe: the teacher as role model; the physical environment; and other role models teachers introduce. Good tips for new and preservice educators.
Margaret Mary Policastro provides solid background on best practices for home literacy, says reading specialist Judy Harris. But Harris finds the book short on good advice for families that lack the resources and services more typical of upscale neighborhoods.
