Close Reading the Media / Media Literacy Videos
by Frank Baker · Published 06/06/2018 · Last modified 11/28/2019
Recent Stanford research found that today’s students have difficulty distinguishing media content created to inform from content designed to persuade and even deceive. Consultant Frank Baker shares some of his favorite short videos to help teachers address the problem.
Articles / Tech for Teachers / Wide Open Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/04/2018 · Last modified 06/22/2020
GIFs are great teaching tools. The brief videos can bring out the ideas and creativity of students too. Megan Kelly shares how kids can make GIFs with a helpful tutorial and where in the curriculum they belong: ELA, science, social studies math, PE – everywhere!
It's Not Easy Being Tween / Summer Learning / Summer PD
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 06/03/2018 · Last modified 05/22/2024
Each year Cheryl Mizerny looks forward to exploring her options for summertime learning. As you relax, reflect and look ahead to a new school year, try out some of her ideas for do-it-yourself professional development. They run the gamut from PJ’s to PD with Friends.
Science and Testing / The Science Lady
by Kathy Renfrew · Published 05/30/2018 · Last modified 11/24/2019
System leaders may say preparation for end-of-year testing is now built into everyday teaching, but science coach Kathy Renfrew still witnesses a “test prep culture” in her middle grades work. What can teachers do to stop stealing learning time for off-topic prep?
Class Apps / Classroom Management
by Curtis Chandler · Published 05/29/2018 · Last modified 12/10/2019
Once you settle into summer break and find yourself thinking back over the past year’s successes and struggles, why not explore some fresh tools for classroom management next fall? Teacher educator Curtis Chandler offers some good places to start.
Summer Slide / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Valentina Gonzalez · Published 05/27/2018 · Last modified 12/01/2019
One way to counter summer slide is to provide easily accessible books. Public libraries are great but many kids can’t get to them. Valentina Gonzalez describes the challenges facing ELLs and other kids and suggests ways to make school libraries available over the break.
Kids are always posing questions as they grow, but research shows that when they enter school, it’s mostly teachers doing the asking. Teacher educator Molly Ness offers six ideas for promoting questioning in our classrooms and letting student curiosity drive learning.
Heart of the School / Stress Avoidance
by Rita Platt · Published 05/20/2018 · Last modified 12/12/2019
As the school year winds down and heightened emotions proliferate, it’s easy for teachers to lose their cool. Student (and parent) behavior that would have been met with patience earlier suddenly ratchets up teacher frustrations. Rita Platt shares her coping strategies – laughter included!
With leadership from the Western Massachusetts Writing Project, teachers regularly share classroom stories in their local media. Offering tips and lessons learned, Kevin Hodgson shows how adding educator voices to community discussions increases understanding and support.
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.
