When students feel they “belong” in school, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially & emotionally, says veteran teacher turned teacher educator Amanda Wall. She details actions that middle level schools can take to assure students are supported, including quality Advisory programs.
English Language Learners / Interviews
by MiddleWeb · Published 01/16/2013 · Last modified 11/26/2019
Katie Hull Sypnieski, co-author of The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide, shares some do’s & don’ts for all teachers with ELL students. A MIddleWeb interview.
Students need the skills to read & discern messages in visual media, says Frank Baker, who uses Wall-E and other movies to teach “the language of film.”
Russel Like shares his writer’s journey and invites you to support his first full-fledged children’s book, Prehistoric Pets, at Kickstarter. We did!
Book Reviews / Differentiation / Prior Knowledge
by MiddleWeb · Published 01/10/2013 · Last modified 11/11/2023
Whether you want to differentiate or just learn more about building prior knowledge, Jill Spencer’s book, Ten Differentiation Strategies for Building Prior Knowledge, is a helpful quick read, says reviewer Lucille Schauer.
Engaging students in creating and analyzing images & films is a key step in developing an important 21st century skill, says media literacy consultant Frank Baker.
New Jersey fourth grade teacher Mary Tarashuk shares a powerful reflection on tragedy and teachable moments.
Co-Teaching Teams / Two Teachers in the Room
by Laurie Wasserman · Published 12/12/2012 · Last modified 11/25/2019
Special ed co-teacher Laurie Wasserman describes some of the work she and her grade level team members do together, including fun holiday activities.
In October 2012 we posted our Fall Book Review Festival, featuring 15 looks at professional books. Our reviewers won’t stop reading – so here are a dozen more!
Common Planning Time / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 12/02/2012 · Last modified 12/04/2019
If the search for a perfect co-planning relationship frustrates you, Elizabeth Stein shares 4 “simple mindshifts” that have made her a fearless co-teacher anyway.
