Learning through Conversation / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Valentina Gonzalez · Published 12/31/2017 · Last modified 11/28/2019
Frequent academic conversation supports learning for all students, and especially ELLs. PD specialist Valentina Gonzalez offers strategies to help teachers avoid ineffective practices and remove barriers to meaningful student-to-student and student-to-teacher dialogue.
As you watch kids pile back into the classroom after a holiday break, you may notice that they need to engage in some active lessons to work off excess energy and get back into the swing of learning. Try this fun STEM launcher activity shared by Anne Jolly.
High School Preparation / The Flexible Classroom
by Amber Chandler · Published 12/26/2017 · Last modified 12/03/2019
Amber Chandler envisions her middle schoolers as cupcakes in the making as she considers the need for teachers to support each other from elementary through graduation. Read about ways she’s strengthened her unit on The Giver to emphasize high school writing skills.
Today’s students have to learn to shift their writing styles to meet different real-life purposes, says ELA teacher-author Jeremy Hyler. Teachers should understand the different contexts (school, work, and personal) and help students learn to “code switch” as needed.
Looking for books that might inspire or help you grow as an educator? Perhaps you’ll find one in this winter reading collection, chosen from among our 2017 MiddleWeb book reviews. We’ve included content area titles, teaching strategies, leadership tips, and more.
So often we miss opportunities to deepen our students’ thinking about mathematics that would require just a few moments of our teacher time. Take a minute to look at these 10 simple strategies from Jerry Burkhart that transform formulaic math problems into explorations.
This resource-rich book of comprehensive lessons is great for teachers who want to challenge 4th and 5th graders or for middle school educators looking for a way to bridge the gap from where students are to where they need to be, says ELA teacher Erin Corrigan-Smith.
Giving students a full share of accountability for learning requires significant school leadership, say Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn. The goal: require students to demonstrate understanding by successfully completing key tests and assignments.
How do your students react when you ask them to work together in groups? Cheers or groans? Teacherpreneur and author Patrice Palmer shares strategies to plan ahead and avoid group project pitfalls and to help students see the benefits of working with each other.
Class Apps / Student Questioning
by Curtis Chandler · Published 12/10/2017 · Last modified 12/03/2019
Curtis Chandler has been guilty of ping-pong teaching that “merely bounces information back and forth between my students and myself.” Kids learn more from a volleyball approach where they work together “to set up the shot” through inquiry activities. App tips included.
