Future of History / Project Based Learning
by Sarah Cooper · Published 05/21/2018 · Last modified 11/18/2019
This year, as 8th graders at Sarah Cooper’s 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.
Assets-Based IEPs / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 05/15/2018 · Last modified 11/25/2019
Most educators take one of two perspectives on students with disabilities, says Elizabeth Stein. They see them with deficits or with strengths and assets. In this resource-rich post, Stein makes the case for an assets-based approach to designing accommodations and the IEP.
ELL Writers / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Valentina Gonzalez · Published 05/13/2018 · Last modified 11/27/2019
English learners are relying on teachers to help them quickly advance in language proficiency, says specialist Valentina Gonzalez, and writing is a life skill that can deepen learning in every curriculum. She shares 7 ways to build the writing competencies of ELLs now.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 05/10/2018 · Last modified 11/21/2019
SEL is a hot topic in education circles today, and it should be, writes reviewer Rita Platt. If you are looking for lesson plans and ideas to help you boost social and emotional learning, Boost Emotional Intelligence in Students will be a great addition to your toolkit.
How can you support your middle schoolers in peaceful and productive advocacy for equity and social justice? EL Education’s Anne Vilen shares the courageous story of immigrant Atak Natali to show how supportive teachers can help students come together to work for justice.
Close Reading the Media / Pop Culture
by Frank Baker · Published 05/07/2018 · Last modified 11/21/2019
One way to reach and connect with today’s adolescents is to bring their pop culture into the classroom. Fads and favorites can be hooks to boost media literacy – from a hip-hop song to a clip from a popular TV show, a trending commercial or snippet from a current movie.
This summer, the week-long Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference will bring together writers, teachers, and students to model and practice great literate behaviors. Award-winning YA and tween authors will discuss their craft and their own literacy journeys.
Two Teachers in the Room by Elizabeth Stein explores how co-teachers can work together as effective partners to best serve all their students. Elizabeth OBrien recommends the book for people new to co-teaching and as a key resource in professional development settings.
Kids develop STEM habits in the classroom, but they spend most of their time outside of school. That’s where parents and other adults can help to inspire, support, and continue their children’s STEM learning. Anne Jolly’s tip-filled letter to caregivers can help.
In an age of fake news and the dismissal of science, teaching students to conduct research provides them with a critical skill. In “It’s a Matter of Fact,” teacher librarian Angie Miller shows how students across content areas can focus on a thesis and master resources.
