In Mindsets in the Classroom, says reviewer Katie Gordon, author Mary Cay Ricci provides a thorough foundation in what growth mindset is, why it matters, and how to foster it in key stakeholders, namely teachers, students, and parents.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all STEM curriculum design for middle school, says expert Anne Jolly, the best programs she has seen have eight things in common. “Over the course of their middle school journey, students should be thoroughly immersed in all of these components.”
Education consultant Mike Fisher invites readers to be active participants in a Curriculum Brainstorm, using popular music and a song’s associated music video as a way to engage close reading of text, comparative analysis & use of digital tools.
Book Reviews / ELA & Literacy / Math & Literacy
by MiddleWeb · Published 02/26/2014 · Last modified 11/25/2019
The new edition of The Daily Five by the Two Sisters (Boushey and Moser) refines a popular ELA & math literacy program and offers powerful strategies that can lead to student independence. Start reading now for next year, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
Working with a group of teachers openly wary of technology, Kevin Hodgson offered this writing prompt: “Recall your first aha moment about tech and teaching.” And then, like the good writing teacher he is, he shared his own story as a model.
Introducing the concept of product placement, using pop culture images and sporting events, is a great way to jump-start students’ critical viewing and grow their media literacy skills, says expert Frank Baker. Key questions for analysis included.
Reviewer Fran Loose, PhD, finds Assessment and Student Success in a Differentiated Classroom is a valuable resource for beginning and veteran teachers, in general and special ed, in K-12 and university settings. It’s a book best read once then revisited periodically.
Building a STEM Program / STEM By Design
by Anne Jolly · Published 02/09/2014 · Last modified 11/21/2019
The Change the Equation coalition and its STEMworks database can help K12 STEM programs test themselves against high standards and earn the support of corporate philanthropy, says MiddleWeb blogger Anne Jolly. Next application deadline: March 7.
The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide: Ready-to-Use Strategies, Tools & Activities for Meeting the Challenges of Each School Day functions as a ‘teacher’s encyclopedia’ but an unfriendly index is a challenge, says reviewer Lena Welch.
Kids on the Cusp / Teacher Evaluation
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 01/06/2014 · Last modified 12/10/2019
Middle grades teacher Mary Tarashuk has reached the final rubric in her state’s mandated teacher self-assessment: Professional Responsibilities. She says the words used to define “highly effective” performance seem out of synch with real teaching.
