Help middle graders take the next step in environmental studies & awareness. Using USDA resource materials, students can join the effort to uncover and eradicate the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle which threatens 70% of the tree canopy in the United States.
How can we judge the effectiveness of students bringing their own electronic devices to class? Matt Renwick’s checklist looks at whether devices meet all students’ needs, how they are involved in choosing devices, and whether they’re able to collaborate in class and beyond.
Can one period of observation reveal a teacher’s skills and accomplishment? In Amber Chandler’s district, which uses the Danielson rubric, it’s 50% of her evaluation. How to defend yourself? She suggests a well planned pre-conference and serious portfolio building.
Educator Sandy Wisneski finds Reading Nonfiction: Notice and Note from Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst “a powerhouse resource of practical strategies and signposts to help all levels of readers.” The information will impact and encourage her own classroom.
The difficulty students have in writing clearly can be traced to many factors, says literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo, from muddled pre-CCSS standards to weak teaching practices. Here she offers concrete suggestions to correct persistent writing problems in the secondary grades.
You know those times where the kids are so spun up that you suspect nothing you say will be remembered tomorrow? You ask yourself, “Why am I even trying to teach today?!” Veteran educator Patti Grayson casts her votes for the most inattentive days of the year.
The 6th Grade Student / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 10/19/2015 · Last modified 11/26/2019
In this “faux” research study, Kevin Hodgson describes the four widely varied 6th grade classes he has this year. His field research reveals four cohorts: The Silent Squad, The Questioning Crowd, The Chatterboxes, & The Selfies. Do any of these sound familiar?
Climate Change: Discover How it Impacts Spaceship Earth with 25 Projects is on a level that most tweens can grasp, yet it is not oversimplified and builds vocabulary. With its cool facts and high order questions, this book gets MS teacher Laura Von Staden’s recommendation.
When you think of Greek and Latin roots, you think high student engagement, right? No? ELA teacher Amber Chandler plans to make all those old roots rock this fall as she introduces the concepts of language development and acquisition to her students.
When reading strategies include a series of actionable steps, students can follow them as they learn to master skills. Using the teaching of tying shoes as an analogy, literacy expert Jennifer Serravallo offers examples of the kinds of supports teachers can offer learners as they travel the path to automaticity.
