Children are suffering more anxiety and depression, which many researchers attribute to overuse and misuse of personal devices and social media, writes author-educator Debbie Silver. Our response needs to focus not on scolding but on helping students become self-regulating.
Math class brings certain challenges and requires special attention when forming a community, writes middle grades teacher Mona Iehl. “Many of my students come with negative math experiences and associations. My goal is that each student feels a sense of safety and belonging.”
Just like adults, our students will respond better when we offer an empathetic response to their situation. School psychologist Katelyn Oellerich relates the story of “Justin” as an example, highlights the Restorative Conversations process, and shares some helpful resources.
Back to School / Wide Open Learning
by Megan Kelly · Published 08/22/2021 · Last modified 09/19/2021
Sharing Identity Slides can be the first step in building a classroom community of acceptance, risk-taking, growth, and reflection. Megan Kelly is excited that she and her sixth graders can start on that path with a simple activity that also assesses skills in three areas.
The consistent structure of Erik Youngman’s book, its examples of implementation, and its actionable strategies will support educators as they explore the 12 characteristics of quality homework. Excellent for teams and discussion groups, says Head of Middle School Michael McLaughlin.
Collective Efficacy / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Tan Huynh · Published 08/17/2021 · Last modified 08/22/2021
What factor has the greatest positive impact on student achievement? Collective teacher efficacy, says John Hattie. To foster CET around multilinguals (MLs) use can-do language, collaborate, teach language explicitly, and incorporate asset-based practices, writes Tan Huynh.
Want to keep content from last year’s digital classes while at the same time close down your prior students’ access? Follow along as NBCT Kathleen Palmieri shows how she’s organizing her files and folders to prep a fresh Google Classroom space as the new school year begins.
Class Apps / Student Participation
by Curtis Chandler · Published 08/15/2021 · Last modified 08/16/2021
Great lesson. Weak response. When it comes to full participation, middle schoolers are a tough audience. The solution is in our hands, says teacher educator Curtis Chandler, who shares strategies from research and many hours observing in the classrooms of effective teachers.
In The Edupreneur’s Side Hustle Handbook Lisa Dunnigan, Tosha Wright and eight other educators relate how they’ve followed their passions, traveled a more challenging path, and developed profitable side gigs with success. Laura Von Staden recommends this easy-to-use book.
Award-winning social studies teacher Ron Litz shares some of the ways he makes student voice a top priority in his history classroom – using teaching strategies that focus on engaging students with the past and allow them to demonstrate their learning in a variety of formats.
