Building small but mighty habits that we commit to without having to overthink what we’re doing is a far more effective and lasting approach to not just getting each day done and dusted, but to also retaining feelings of accomplishment and productivity, writes Miriam Plotinsky.
Elementary and middle school educators searching for practical, adaptable student engagement strategies that can be implemented immediately will find inspiration in 50 Strategies for Summer School Engagement. A valuable resource for all year long, writes Michael McLaughlin.
Using the simple question “How am I reacting?” NBCT and author Marilyn Pryle shows how she teaches students to observe, identify, and manage their emotions when they encounter any text so that they become not only stronger critical thinkers, but better citizens and human beings.
Academic Language / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Tan Huynh · Published 12/01/2024 · Last modified 06/03/2025
While many multilingual students gain social language in two years, abstract, highly structured academic language requires much more time. Tan Huynh advocates teaching MLs at the sentence level because it facilitates understanding of content and fosters academic writing skills.
Teacher Dina Strasser agrees that our schools need to be spaces where students have the freedom and support to come to their own reasoned political conclusions about the world. “But it is a mistake to assume public education as a whole is, or should be, politically neutral. It is not.”
Mandy Manning’s book is essential reading for teachers who are new to the world of language diversity and would be a great PD resource for general education teachers and staff. Teacher Jeanette Pine finds the book clear, concise, easy to navigate, and filled with important reminders.
A librarian introduces Mary Tarashuk’s 4th graders to The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate. Mary builds on the true story, taking its cross cultural message to social studies and ELA, and applies its story of rededication to her own teaching.
Michelle Russell recently revisited random grouping for her math students and found the environment was much better. Students were talking more together, and there was more work being done during discovery activities and concept practice. Included: a free grouping card site.
Rather than despairing over grammar mistakes in their corrected papers, Jason DeHart suggests students can succeed in ELA by noting the varieties of sentences, talking about their impact on the narrative, and describing the feelings and actions these stylistic choices evoke.
Facing the ‘December Dilemma’ of how to include winter holidays in the instructional day? This MiddleWeb resource offers a multi-faceted look at religious and non-religious aspects of the season, legal issues, and some ideas for seasonal lesson planning.
